Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story Mass Market Paperback – December 8, 1996

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.

This is a fascinating story. Easy to read. He is a great man!!

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.

This book would be especially appreciated by young people, high school or college, who harbor a deep sense that their life has a purpose but who either are unsure of their direction or have the good fortune of knowing their direction but are facing headwinds getting there. Each of us has a different journey and Dr. Carson's won't be the same as yours or mine. Hearing stories of others whose journey's have led them to great accomplishment gives each of us fuel to drive on, to keep thinking, keep looking for inspiration, and most importantly, keep working. Because it's hard work living a purposeful life. Yet having one is the greatest gift, the source of the greatest joy you will ever know.