Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story

Ben Carson has to be one of our heroes! He has managed to show how his faith has propelled him to fame, in his chosen profession.

My book club selected this book and at first look I was going to skip it. I would have missed out. Dion Graham's pleasant voice brings you through Ben Carson's amazing life, from a struggling black kid in Detroit, raised by a single mom, through his college years, how he chose his profession as a pediatric neurosurgeon, internship, residency, etc. I'm most impressed with how he turned to God in times of trial, and gives the credit to God for who he has become and the things he's been able to do in his life.

Like I said, I didn't want to read it at first, and the first few chapters he did sound like a bragger at times. However, his mom Was pretty amazing, and it's hard to tell your own story, getting to the top of your class, etc. without sounding a little bit big headed. But somewhere along the story, my heart changed and I became very impressed with this guy. He ends the book with his advice on how everyone can succeed. THINK BIG

I coincidentally finished this book about the same time that Ben Carson spoke at the Presidential Prayer Breakfast, so I watched that on YouTube, and again was very impressed with this brilliant surgeon, patriotic, soft spoken, God fearing, incredible man.

I recommended this book to my dad and I recommend it to you!

This is the true story of a remarkable man, and what led to his success. Dr. Carson is the head pediatric neurosurgeon at John Hopkins. He began his life as a child in Detroit, Michigan. His Mom, who Dr Carson attributed much of his success to, was one of 20 plus siblings. She married at 13, and when Ben and his brother were young boys, they found out that his dad was a bigamist. When he left Ben's family, he was never seen by them again. Ben's Mom's third grade education assured her the necessity of working three jobs to support heir family. It was this attitude that started Ben and his brother on their road to success. She fostered the attitude---You are responsible for your life success--if you work hard you will succeed---if you are not succeeding, it's YOUR responsibility to make the changes to succeed!! ---God is your ever present help in life!!

Dr Carson tells of his early years of poor grades; his Mom's rules to insure that her boys would do their best in school; his raise to top student in his classes; his issues with a bad temper; his continuous faith and prayers to Jesus Christ; his raise in the medical field; his wonderful married life; and the medical procedures that led to saving lives of children with medical brain issues. The focus of people being responsible for their own success ---with NO excuses for failure---makes this a must read for EVERYONE. There is a YA version for the very young also!! The writing was very interesting, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book!!

Dr. Carson's story is interesting and inspirational and well-read by one of my favorite narrators, Dion Graham. However, it was more about god than medicine. Dr. Carson worked very very hard to gain his skills as a neurosurgeon. He had a lot of help along the way, especially from his mother. And much of his skill and talent were gained on the backs of his predecessors. About one third of the book is about his faith - he is a Seventh Day Adventist. He gives god all the credit instead of his hard work and the help of actual human beings. He is very sincere, but it is hard for me to believe that such and intelligent and gifted man gives an imaginary friend credit for each success he has. If a patient dies, well, "It's god's will". I also read that he doesn't accept evolution. How can a brilliant scientist, who did research on rabbits not understand the essential essential concept of evolution? If you are religious, you will probably enjoy this book. As a non-believer, I got really tired of all the religious references. It would have been fine for him to mention his faith, but he beats you to death with it.

This book should be described and listed as a inspirational and religious book, as that is what it is. I'm sure Dr. Carson is a fine man and an excellent doctor, but he should stick to doctoring - or maybe start preaching.