Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story

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.

Gifted Hands: 20th Anniversary Edition is an inspiring, deeply personal account that highlights how determination and faith can reshape a life against all odds. The updated edition adds meaningful reflections that give even more depth to Dr. Ben Carson’s journey from hardship to groundbreaking surgeon. Uplifting, honest, and full of hard‑earned wisdom, it’s a compelling read for anyone who appreciates stories of resilience and hope.

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 found this his story to be inspirational. This book would be be great for anyone looking for motivation to strive to become a better version of themselves.

An outstanding book in every way. It’s a very inspiring book to be the best human you can be. His focus is young people of all races and backgrounds. Dr Carson talks about the ways to achieve success. He’s an extremely talented, mindful, and passionate Doctor! A must read.

Gifted Hands is "the" most inspirational book I have ever read in my life. And that includes six others of Dr. Carson's latest books, along with at least 100 non-fiction and autobiographies of other famous people in history. Dr Carson is an amazing man, and he explains his personal events and achievements in his life beginning at the age eight and continuing through his successful career. He explains what it took to overcome the challenges he faced, and how he came to the decisions he made to do it. Gifted Hands should be read by any adult preparing to have children, and any parent of a child still living at home. The younger a child is taught the principles contained in this book, the better the results will be, and the easier it will be to accomplish. I can only wish I would have been required by my parents to read two books a week like Dr. Ben, instead of out in the backyard playing wiffleball and other kid games with my big brother. After reading Gifted Hands, I couldn't wait to read another one of Dr. Carson's books. The nest one I chose was Think Big. After that, I was addicted to Dr. Carson's books, and followed it with One Nation, America the Beautiful, One Vote, Take the Risk, ending with The Big Picture. At the time of this writing, Dr. Carson is considering running for the U.S. Presidency after an outpouring of encouragement to do so by members of organizations that he is invited to speak in front of. If all of our presidents would have had as much common sense and used as much logic and wisdom in their decisions, our country would be in a much greater state than it is right now. Financially and morally. We can only pray that enough voters find out about him and what he stands for before the primaries in the coming election to get him to the big stage. If so, the U.S. can begin our recovery with the greatest chance of succeeding. I recommend everyone that reads this, to read not only Gifted Hand to find out what Dr. Carson is all about, but to read One Nation and America the Beautiful to find out what Dr. Carson can do for our country. Then read One Vote to find out what you can do to help save our country. God bless all of you, and The United States of America.

I picked up Gifted Hands by Ben Carson after he became a leading candidate for the Republican party and CNN was running stories about the accuracy of his auto biography. It is not quite what I expected, but it is a really well written, positive story that mixes in a deep sense of faith and purpose that has driven Ben Carson to his successful medical career. Admittedly, a lot of the details have to be taken on faith because a lot of the story is driven by random events that the author ascribes to God that seem to keep Dr. Carson going in the right direction. It is like he worked hard but still had to deal with certain struggles, and then God intervenes in his favor. In one instance, Dr. Carson is dealing with pathological violence issues and nearly kills someone, and then while sitting on the toilet, God intervenes and the problem goes away. In another instance, he is taking an exam and is not prepared, and God intervenes and helps him with the answers. When he needs money, God is there. It seems a little far fetched, but Dr. Carson comes off as genuine. Later, Dr. Carson is a surgeon and the reader is led to believe he has "gifted hands" that allow him to heal people. Patients seek him out to perform miracle surgeries and most of them survive. There are some inaccuracies. He says he was offered a scholarship to West Point, but that was not true. Nonetheless, I enjoyed to book for its uplifting message and positive outlook.

I've suffered three brain aneurysms, three brain bleeds, a stroke, and over 15 surgeries and 100 procedures and counting and have gone through the same adversity Dr Carson has, overcoming all of this with books and talking to God daily. Not only that, but the neurosurgeon I work with knows Dr Carson personally! Dr Ricardo Hanel and I have pioneered brain injuries and treatments together ever since Dec 17, 2015 coiling after a December 16 brain bleed late at night, March 10, 2016 clipping, April 5 VP shunt insertion, September 2018 stenting for a weakness in one of my arteries after an angiogram, June 25, 2020 additional coiling for an unruptured aneurysm, and plenty of routine angiograms together, one that is occurring on Monday, June 30th, before I fly out of town with my family because of the sleep disorders and problems I've developed as of late.

Since the begging dr Carson drive you through his hole life with Hope and God. I wanna thank Amazon for put the electronic book on sale

This book was in the on call room of a small hospital I rotated to, and I read it cover to cover very quickly, then bought my own copy. What an incredible set of achievements Dr Carson made. I felt that my own (middle class, well supported) journey through medical school and beyond was ridiculously comfortable in comparison.

Thanks Doctor Carson for this wonderful story. I think we should all learnt from your life and see people in a different way. Both adults and young people have a great potential. We’ve been send to this earth to succeed not only to survive. Every one has the chance to do so.

J'ai dévoré ce livre. Je suis passé des rires aux larmes, en passant par la surprise et par l'émerveillement. Voilà l'exemple d'un homme qui a mis toute sa détermination dans ses objectifs professionnels et personnels. Et quand il arrive à ses limites, il laisse Dieu faire le reste et l'orienter dans Ses voies. Il nous montre que ce que nous avons à coeur de faire est réalisable, que c'est possible pour tout un chacun, que nous pouvons plus que ce que nous imaginons. Cela n'est pas du rêve et cela demande labeur et investissement personnel, mais c'est possible, parce que nous avons toutes les capacités de le faire. Ce livre a transformé la vision que j'avais de ma vie et celle que j'avais de Dieu et de Ses objectifs pour moi.

O livro é espetacular e veio em excelente estado. Recomendo!