Because Ben had applied himself wholeheartedly to his studies, he received a 90 percent scholarship to Yale University. During medical school at the University of Michigan, he invented a new surgical technique on his neurosurgery rotation. Neurosurgery, he says, "became a compulsion." The same drive and faith in God that led him to this point continued to guide Dr. Carson, through years of training and experience, to what he describes as a "groundbreaking surgical procedure," one that brought ABC television's 20/20 seeking him for a story and interview.
When I reached the concluding chapters of Gifted Hands, which delved into the complex surgeries, which would bring hope to patients once declared hopeless, the details given by worried parents and Carson himself touched me to tears. I imagined my children in the same dilemma as these struggling babies, grade-schoolers, or adolescents. The miracle and mystery of how God could use this man to deliver these people from their worst nightmares amazed me.
The best aspect of this narrative exposing the struggles and successes of Ben Carson's life? His constant insistence on giving credit to others for his personal success and for his accomplishments in the medical field. So many have benefited, yet he never fails in each chapter to mention someone, including God, to whom he owes a debt of gratitude.
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.