Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story Mass Market Paperback – December 8, 1996

Although I downloaded this book some time ago after hearing about Dr. Ben Carson in the news, I didn't read it until I started following (and contributed to) the movement to recruit Dr. Carson to run for president.When I first heard about Dr. Carson, I realized he must be an exceptional person. He grew up in the ghettos of Detroit, raised by a single mother with a third-grade education. His father had left after Ben's mother discovered he had another wife and another family across town. Ben had every excuse to end up like so many other young black men raised in that environment by single mothers. Because his mother didn't want to be a welfare mother (although she did have to rely on food stamps to make ends meet), she worked two or three domestic jobs at a time. Often she left early in the morning and didn't get home until midnight, so Ben and his brother Curtis frequently didn't see her for days at a time. But they still followed the rules she laid down for them because they respected and loved her. She was a devout Christian and both of her sons grew up with a strong faith. Even in the height of the segregation of the Jim Crow, she always told the boys they could do anything they wanted.When the boys were not doing well in school, their mother allowed them to watch television only three hours a week. She also required that they read two books and turn book reports on them into her every week. Later on, they discovered that she couldn't read the reports they gave her, but she made sure they were done. One of the hours of television was Ben's favorite program, College Bowl. He decided he wanted to be on that show when he got to college. But as he watched it, he realized that the only subjects he knew anything about were science, which he always loved. So he started reading about classical music and history and literature and all the things he didn't know about. Although the show went off the air, and he never got to be on College Bowl, the study he did in preparation gave him a life-long love of learning, and he is knowledgeable about many subjects that you wouldn't expect of a physician.Ben wanted to be a doctor from a very young age, but the kind of doctor changed through the years. At one time, he wanted to be a missionary, but he later felt God was calling him to be an academic neurosurgeon. He has saved more lives as head of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins and reached more people for Christ through his public speaking and his writing than he would have as a missionary. The book is titled "Gifted Hands" because he has done things in surgery that no one else has done. He recognizes that he has a unique collection of talents and skills that make him so good at brain surgery, and he believes that God gave him those talents and skills precisely so he could do what he does. He also believes we have God-given talents to perform whatever it is that God wants us to do.Considering all he has overcome and all he has accomplished, it wouldn't be surprising if Dr. Carson were egotistical and arrogant. However, that isn't the case. One of the things that struck me throughout the book was his recognition of people who had helped him achieve his dreams: teachers and school counselors, people who gave him summer jobs during school, friends and colleagues. He has often been called in as a last resort when other neurosurgeons have told parents nothing can be done and their children will die. Dr. Carson always make it clear to the family when he does this last resort surgery that their child might die--he will do all he can but there are no guarantees. Parents typically respond, "If you don't operate, he will die. If you do operate, at least he has a chance." He has been successful far more than not, but every time he loses a patient, he grieves with the family. Although medical professionals are often told not to get too involved with their patients, he can't practice medicine without getting personally involved with every case.Dr. Carson's story is compelling--and he believes everyone in this country has the same opportunity to achieve their dreams. He is certainly a role model for young people, especially minority children growing up in poverty. He demonstrates that they don't have to remain in the situation they're in now. They can take responsibility and achieve their own success. He also believes in helping others, and he and his wife run a nonprofit that gives scholarships to students who demonstrate both academic excellence and community service.I highly recommended this book. You will be inspired by this story of a young boy who went from being bullied and called "dummy" because he was failing fifth grade to the pinnacle of success as a world-renowned neurosurgeon, speaker, and author. Beyond his vocational and financial achievements, however, you will be inspired by a man who is a strong Christian who stands up for his values and who cares for his fellow man.

This book inspired me as a child. Dr Carson's story of going from an impoverished childhood to becoming one of the most famous neuro surgeons in the world is a must read for any young man or woman in America, a lesson that no matter what you can succeed with hard work and a good education. I actually got this copy that I bought signed by Dr. Carson himself a few days after it arrived.

Great read. Doctor Carson is truly a very talented Christian Physician and Surgeon . Much insight to his early childhood and the Influence of being raised by a Christian Mother.

I really enjoyed the stories he shared about saving those children. I’m fascinated by the brain given the fact that I’ve had my own ordeal with blood clots in my brain. I appreciate his level of detail describing the parts of the brain and various types of procedures and surgeries. I am also moved by his undying faith and devotion to God.

My first reading of Dr. Carson’s story happened when I was 18 years old. I had (and still have) an obsession with the brain, and it was that obsession which led me to the book in the first place. Admittedly, my initial interest was not in his personal story, but in his medical experience. And I’d hoped the book would go into great detail about his surgeries; namely, his successful separation of Siamese twins conjoined at the head.The words strewn across the page grabbed me and lifted me away. Took me to a higher place. And this inspirational tale of how an inner-city boy grew into one of the leading neurosurgeons affected me in ways I never expected. Very deep ways.Dr. Carson’s story was one I never forgot. Sure, over the years, bits and pieces of it had slipped from my memory, but the essence of it remained.And whenever I am at a crossroads in my own life, I look back to classics and favorites to re-inspire and motivate me as I venture down a new part of my own journey. Fifteen years later, I decided it was time to revisit Gifted Hands.It’s actually remarkable how much more I took away from his story this time around. At the age of 33, I could relate more intimately to the struggles and adversities of adulthood. And even though I knew his story, still, new chills crept over the surface of my skin and wiggled their way down to my soul.The book was originally published in 1990, but like any great work of art, its message is still relevant today. Gifted Hands is effortless and intimate, leaving the reader feeling as though they've sat down with a cup of tea and heard Dr. Carson tell his story firsthand.The first half of the novel, for me, was the most inspirational; telling the story of his childhood and journey to and through medical school. The second half of the story focuses on his medical career, sharing many of the surgeries which helped to shape his career and who he was a medical professional. And what’s particularly nice is the medical stories are just as easy to read as the rest of the book.And Dr. Carson didn’t only share with us his triumphs, he also shares struggles he has had over the years. Things that, had he not gained controlled of, could have kept him from enjoying the success he has.If you’re searching for stories to inspire you to never give up and reach for your dreams, Gifted Hands is one sure to be on your list.

I’m a fan of this author good book