FROM INNER-CITY KID TO RENOWNED NEUROSURGEON THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF DR. BEN CARSON Dr. Ben Carson is known around the world for breakthroughs in neurosurgery that have brought hope where no hope existed. In Gifted Hands, he tells of his inspiring odyssey from his childhood in inner-city Detroit to his position as director of pediatric neurosurgery at John Hopkins Medical Institutions at age thirty-three. Taking you into the operating room where he has saved countless lives, Ben Carson is a role model for anyone who attempts the seemingly impossible. Filled with fascinating case histories, this bestselling book tells the dramatic and intimate story of Ben Carson’s struggle to beat the odds — and of the faith and genius that make him one of today’s greatest life-givers. “Love, faith, and hard work … overcome seemingly impossible odds.” —Ebony “Some say he would be a great man even if he never picked up a scalpel.” —Parade “He is a model to all the youth of today.” —Jesse Jackson “He works miracles on children others have written off as hopeless.” —Barbara Walters, ABC News 20/20
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"Pretty good book about a student who did absolutely terrible in his early school years who eventually became a leading pediatric neurosurgeon in America. He's an interesting person. When Carson was in High School he would just get the desire to be the best in something, or to learn about something, and then he would go out and do it and perfect it. Later on when he was a surgeon he would operate on children who had frequently reoccurring seizures (due to half their brain swelling) and Carson would actually take out half their brain. They grew up just fine after the surgery, except for a slight limp. I really debated whether I should have given this four or five stars. I'm still not sure if it is worth five or not."
— Brandon (4 out of 5 stars)
" Quick, inspirational read of how a boy from the ghetto becomes educated and finds and accepts the gift God gave him and becomes a brain surgeon and helps tons of people. It was very interesting and inspired me to listen to more classical music and get out the non-fiction books for myself and family. "
— Jeanna, 2/18/2014" I'm so torn on this book. All the makings of an inspirational story but it just didn't inspire me. I felt Dr. Carson came across as arrogant at times. An amazing Dr. No less but at times his story seemed unbelievable and without heart. "
— Rachel, 2/10/2014" Ben Carson is exactly what you read in this book. One of the greatest doctors I've ever worked with. "
— Gigi, 2/5/2014" Good story about how a young man from an inner-city background becomes a world-class pediatric neurosurgeon. Some amazing stories. "
— DeAnn, 2/3/2014" Honest and motivational; written for young people to emulate. "
— Janice, 1/30/2014" This book was recommended to me by a friend, and I loved it! It inspired me!!! "
— Christine, 1/21/2014" This book is very inspirational for the young mind, a situation of from nothing to something. "
— Jarelle, 1/20/2014" Self absorbed "
— Lisa, 1/1/2014" Simply amazing and greatly inspiring! Still remember the storyline. I made me see every challenge as an opportunity. "
— Chilombe, 12/14/2013" An autobiography of a ghetto kid from Detroit who credits the love and sacrifice of his mother and God's gifts and guidance in his life for his career as a world-renowned neurosurgeon. "
— Lana, 11/13/2013" Best book in the whole world. I wrote him a letter and he replied back. It was like the best day of my entire life. He's one of my inspirations. He encourages me to be a neurosurgeon. That's my dream. "
— Sofia, 11/12/2013" Wow, it is incredible how reading and religion turned this young man's life around. "
— Jere, 11/11/2013" I had such a huge crush on Ben Carson when I read this book years ago. I like to recommend it to Middle Schoolers who need some motivation. It's an easy read. "
— Kris, 9/16/2013" What an inspiring story. I always had trouble in school, and to see the class dummy turn into the top pediatric neurosurgeon in the country is incredible. I always heard that you can be anything you want as long as you work hard, and after reading Gifted Hands I truely believe that now. "
— Harrisak, 7/7/2013" "I read this book in 6th Grade" "
— Roshae, 5/16/2013" Interesting story, worth reading but not the best writing. "
— Liz, 4/16/2013" I enjoyed the spiritual factor combined with the medical, not a common finding. I would suggest it to the fans of both the spiritual/inspirational genre as well as fans of Medical Dramas. I found myself wishing for the chance to meet this Man. "
— Natalie, 4/3/2013" Teaches to always try your hardest no matter what people say. "
— Angel, 3/3/2013" This book spoke so much truth to my little adolescent self. Having read it numerous times and given it to other youth, I can't recommend this book highly enough. An inspiring narrative with stories of failure, achievement, and triumph. Original in its earnestness. "
— Payton, 12/2/2012" Very inspiring. Great idea to couple the Cuba Gooding, Jr. Movie version with it. "
— Sherry, 5/21/2012" This is the fantastic, true story of Ben Carson, the neurosurgeon who did the surgery to separate the siamese twins who were connected at the head. Amazing story of his youth and the things he overcame. Even though its non-fiction, it keeps you really engaged. I would recommend this book to anyone! "
— Tiffany, 4/22/2012" This was recommended to me by a co-worker. It is the story of a pediatric neurosurgeon who comes from a disadvanted childhood and has marvelous achievements. The story was good but the writing style put me off a bit. I don't think he intended to come off as self-serving as he did. "
— Becky, 1/2/2012" Interesting biographical story about how Ben Carson achieved his great success. "
— Melaniedk, 9/17/2011" This could be one of my favorite books of all time. "
— Kristen, 8/28/2011" GIFTED HANDS GOT GIFTED INK!!! "
— Michael, 6/13/2011" this book is really an inspirational, amazing book. I highly recommend it to anyone. "
— Emily, 5/19/2011" I loved this book, what an amazing man. I gave it to Treaver to read because he loves people who work hard and do great things. "
— Diana, 5/16/2011" A must read for all teachers with exceptional students struggling in school "
— Laurie, 4/18/2011" An amazing person...I particularly liked his descriptions of the surgeries her performed and the lives he changed. A true role model...I aspire to be like him someday, successful and loving the crazy hours of helping people and saving lives. Kudos to Ben Carson. "
— Cedes, 4/17/2011" What I liked the most about this book was the author's matter-of-fact approach to sharing his life experiences - both the good and the bad. I also greatly appreciated the perspective of faith and commitment he lent to his reflections about life. "
— Lee, 3/28/2011Benjamin Carson, MD, is a professor of neurosurgery, plastic surgery, oncology, and pediatrics, and the director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. He serves on the boards of the Kellogg Company, Costco Wholesale Corp., and the Academy of Achievement, among others, and is an Emeritus Fellow of the Yale Corporation. He and his wife, Candy, cofounded the Carson Scholars Fund, a 501(c)3 established to counteract America's crisis in education by identifying and rewarding academic role models in the fourth through eleventh grades, regardless of race, creed, religion and socio-economic status, who also demonstrate humanitarian qualities. There are over 4,800 such scholars in forty-five states. Ben and Candy are the parents of three grown sons and reside in Baltimore County, Maryland.