God smiled on me in the form of Cecil Murphey. I met him online through a Christian writers' group; and whether he knows it or likes it, this past year he has become one of my best writing mentors. As we began corresponding by email, Mr. Murphey offered me an original edition paperback autographed copy of Gifted Hands, his 1990 ghostwritten autobiography of Benjamin Carson, M.D. (An updated version with a new cover is now available.) This famous super specialist neurosurgeon has perfected some operating techniques that have saved and enhanced many lives. His story proved an intriguing read to me.
I come from a medical family: My dad and brother are doctors. My cousin was a doctor. His wife is a nurse. My husband is a pharmacist. This heritage and exposure alone drew me to the book. However, I'm not up on all the latest technology and complicated medical jargon. That kind of knowledge is not required for readers of Gifted Hands.
For about ten years, I've become somewhat of a success junkie; that is, I love to read and study about the lives of successful people and what makes them tick. Ben Carson does not disappoint me. He chose, with the encouragement of his mother and others along the way, to overcome his broken home and impoverished background. He turned his poor grades into a quest for knowledge and his selfish thinking during adolescence into a mission to serve God and his fellow man.
Ben's band teacher, Mr. Doakes, demanded perfection from his students in playing music. Doakes also told Ben, "Carson, you have to put academics first. Always put first things first." One of three ROTC colonels in Detroit by the time he was a senior in high school, Ben turned down a scholarship to West Point. The reason? He knew he wanted to be a doctor, that he was called to be a doctor.
Article comments
1 - Vicki McCollum
Hi Karen,
A very inspiring man and a great review!
Vicki
2 - k
lol
3 - Strawliyah
Love this book. LOVE IT LOVE IT! I never thought I'd be so into such a biography. i'm normally only into Sci Fi and Horror stories. Peoples Bio's never really interest me. This book, however, keeps you on edge. Alot of situations in this book makes me laugh and really touches home. I can relate to alot that goes on in this book. I love the way all of his situations are explained. Most books DRAG and/or leave you yawning.
So far my favorite Chapters are "A terrible temper", "A Girl named Maranda" and "Heartbreak". I almost felt like crying on "heartbreak".
This book is very inspiring and makes me want to try harder in college and not give up and leave everything in Gods hands. I recommend this book to EVERYONE! Its a great read. Once you start reading your hooked... i'm serious. Ben carson went through alot and never gave up. I admire that.
READ THIS BOOK!!!!
Sincerely a new fan of Dr. Carsons Work.
4 - Karen
Strawyilah,
So glad you stopped by to read my review of GIFTED HANDS! I, too, found the book inspiring. It encouraged me to trust the Lord for His leading in my life, as well as the lives of my husband and children.
I am privileged to have attended a mentoring clinic by the ghost author of this book, Cecil Murphey, also ghost author of 90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN. He is a kind, humble, and talented man who delights in mentoring new writers.
Also a Ben Carson fan, as well as one of Cec Murphey's!
5 - ice
its an ok book but my teacher makes use read to much 4 me 2 understand
6 - Karen H. Phillips
Hi, Ice. I'm sorry, but I don't understand what you're trying to say. Are you saying that you need help reading the book, Gifted Hands? In that case, do you have anyone who can help you, or someone who could read part of it to you?
Did you know that TNT will show the movie version of this book, starring Cuba Gooding, Jr., early next year?
7 - Blake
i am writting about Ben Carson and my bookhas been stolen. Would it be possible that any one still might remember his rolemodels
I can get the book online but the pages are not as it is in the book.
8 - Karen H, Phillips
Blake, I located my copy of Gifted Hands, and I'll skim through to give you a few of Ben Carson's role models:
His mother--hard work and encouragement
Pastor Ford--Ben remembers a sermon he preached about missionaries being protected by God
5th grade science teacher, Mr. Jaeck--encouraged Ben's interest in science by giving him special projects
Brother Curtis--sacrificed to give him subscription to Psychology Today, encouraged him to join and excel in ROTC
Ninth grade English teacher, Mrs. Miller
High school biology teacher, Frank McCotter
Band director, Lemuel Doakes
Sergeants Bandy and Hunt, ROTC directors
High school counselor, Alma Whittley--helped him get job with Ford Motor Co.
Attorney Ward Randall, Jr.--took him to concerts and cultural events with Randall's family
Mr. Standart, who had interviewed Ben for Yale--gave him summer job at advertising firm
Carl Seufert, with Michigan Department of Transportation, who hired Ben during the summers while he was in college
Dr. George Udvarhelyi, head of neurosurgery training at Johns Hopkins
Maybe you can get more info about these on the internet by doing a search.
9 - jaime
i think its all wierd
10 - jaime
i mean seriously who writes about this it should be a private memory and the person who the memory belongs to in this case BEn Carson should share it himself...:/
11 - Matt Christopher
what did the counselor do to curtis?
HOW DID THAT CHANGE BOTH OF THEIR LIVES?
12 - rebecca
it real inspired me to trust in God mare and made me believe that i also can be like him one day though it is hard espesially for someone like me from african countries.
13 - mahdi
blake can you post the link to the book i have a book report due on it and i'm still waiting for my book to get here
14 - Nathan Smith
I thought that this ook was very inspiring. It shows that no matter who you are, or where you come from, you can truly be whatever you want to be. I also liked how the story starts off when he was just a cild and tells about how his mom motivated him to be what he is today. The book was very informative of both Ben Carson, and of the journeyt a medical career and some of whatto expect from it. Overall, it was a great book and I would recomend it.