Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (edition 2006)

The book is self-explanatory!!! The story exemplifies the "soul" of what made, and can continue to make, America a nation of opportunity. A young man raised in the ghetto of Detroit, parented by a mother who was unwilling to accept anything short of the very best from her children. A story of how love and respect by two sons towards their mother, was rewarded with skills, abilities, and opportunities to make them successful in life, to be the very best they could be, and to take the risks and opportunities offered in providing love, hope and contentment in life.

Dr. Ben Carson (one of the two boys) went on to become one of the most successful pediatric neurosurgeons in the world and a humanitarian that continues to "give back". ( )

I loved reading this book! It was truly inspirational! The story of Ben Carson, a famous neurosurgeon with a quite unexpected start. Neither of his parents were doctors. His father left them when he was young. His mother could barely read. His family wasn't rich and famous. He didn't go to advanced schools. He came from a ghetto with a single mom who had to spend most of her time working to support them. He didn't do well in school, and he had a violent temper. Life didn't give him his start. He had no execpectations to succeed. However, he had a mother who cared, a God who protected him and changed his life, and determination that grew more and more as he aged. It is so true that life is not what the world gives you, but what you add to it. If Dr. Carson could rise from the ghetto to greatness, the possibilities for anyone are endless! ( )

Inspiring true story of Ben Carson's rise from the ghettos of Detroit to world-class neurosurgeon. His rise comes from hard work (he discovers the joy of reading and learning and being the smartest kid in class), perseverence and a little bit of luck / spiritual intervention. His mother possessed a 3rd grade level education and raised him and his brother alone with a kind but firm hand. Ben's encounters with racism (his 'reason' for not playing football is chilling) as well as the hoi paloi of Yale make for good reading for anyone struggling to follow a dream. ( )

This was a very inspiring story. I'm putting it on the outside book list for my students. I bet a lot will choose to read it--a lot of them want to work in a hospital someday. ( )

This book inspired me because i have a strong desire to become a doctor. My Uncle a couple of years ago, pressed it upon me to read this book... Im not a fan of reading but when i opened this book, i just couldnt stop readng it! GREAT BOOK!!! ( )