My Life: Based on the Book Gifted Hands

by Ben Carson, Cecil Murphey (Contributor)

Ben Carson grew up in the inner cities of Boston and Detroit with his mother and brother. When his father deserted the family, Ben s mother worked several jobs to support her boys yet worked even harder to encourage them to get an education and follow their dreams. Ben s dreams nearly ended when his anger at being poor and the ridicule of a school mate caused him to snap; he lunged at the boy and cut him with a knife. That brush with attempted murder caused Carson to break down and ask God to turn him around. And turn him around he did. A poor student, Carson under the guidance of his mother and brother became the best student in his class, his school, and ultimately earned a scholarship to Yale. The next time he used a knife was as a neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital where he pioneered surgery techniques that not only saved lives but miraculously gave countless children an amazing quality of life.

My Life is the story of a young boy who could have remained trapped in poverty were it not for his mother s tough and sacrificial love, his own perseverance that he learned from her example, and his deep faith that called him to do great and mighty things.

This book contains a new chapter about Dr. Carson s philosophies of serving one s country, becoming role models for people with disadvantaged backgrounds, using the talents God has given you, embracing what success really is, and believing, youths and adults alike, that with hard work and perseverance, you can do it. And on May 4, 2015, Dr. Ben Carson declared himself a candidate for the Presidency of the United States of America."

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History, Autobiography, Biography Memoir

96 pages, Paperback

First published July 14, 2015

About the author

Benjamin Solomon "Ben" Carson, Sr., M.D. is an American neurosurgeon and the Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States by President George W. Bush in 2008.

Reviews

[Cindy aka "The Book Fairy"]

Tremendous story....such admiration and respect to his mother who helped to shape him into the fine man he became, one of integrity; not just accomplishments with being a doctor. I bought a few extra copies that I shared as well.

[Carie Graff]

Great book

Dr Ben Carson had a wonderful mother behind him. He is a man of God. He would be the best president we have had since Ronald Reagan. I wish all young people would read this book.

[Steve Bouthillette]

I believe what Mr. Carson has done here is right a bunch of small books that could have been combined into one.

In any event, Ben Carson with this book has chronicled more in 90+ pages than most people could in a lifetime. He had an interesting childhood, adolescence and an amazing career. Though this book doesn't speak much to his immediate family and marriage, if don't know very much about Ben Carson the man, you will certainly have a much better idea of who he is in these few pages.

I thought it worth the read because I did know something about him already. If you know nothing about him, give it a try. He is one of the first actual grassroots candidates for president who is having a small measure of success thus far in his first political foray.

[Theresa And]

This book demanded to keep reading. Even though the advice he gave was not very complicated he told his story in a way that kept you turning pages.

His command of English and his way of inveighing your rapt
Attention was remarkable.I would like very much to follow the author over the Next Election !

[Linda Alldredge]

I can see why he may well be our next president.

I think he has what it takes. He has accomplished difficult things through hard work. He has more to offer than any career politician

[Joanne]

A short enlightening story of Dr. Ben Carson who overcame many obstacles and credits a lot of his rise to his mother, education and God. If you ever felt you could not do something, Dr. Carson will put that negative thought out of your mind! Positive and uplifting!

[Sheila]

Whether this man becomes our next president or not he is a remarkable man! Love his character, and his love for his patients! What did I take from the book? Everyone is worthy of our respect & love!

[Mary]

This book is absolutely fabulous. It's an easy read and gives us the background that helped form this world renowned neurosurgeon and maybe next president of the United States.

[Dan Bow]

Ben Carson is a current American hero, in my opinion. This easy read is very interesting and inspiring.

[Marcus Bowman]

Short, quick read. Insightful overview of his mother's motivations and his strong faith in God that led him to great achievements in school, ROTC and the medical profession.

[Jill Corbett]

I really love his story! Very inspirational!

[Lana (Bibliomedico)]

Ahhh! Neurosurgery ! Fascinating 😮😮
Amazing, beneficial and inspiring short read... Highly recommended

[Staci]

A must read by all

[Suzy]

Read on my own and with my struggling seniors in 2020. A great book to encourage those who get a slow start in life!

[Tyler]

Good overview

[F]

I have mixed feelings about this book.
The writing is good, the chapters are short, the subject is interesting, and the story is an encouraging journey.
So, what's the problem?
Zondervan is the publisher. For years [since 1931] Zondervan had been a solid orthodox Christian company. Now the publish a book that mentions Seventh Day Adventism multiple times in a complimentary fashion without any hesitation, warnings or even a disclaimer. I have no problem with Carson. He can believe what he believes. He may not even know all his "church" believes but that is really part of the problem.
The SDA officially believes that Ellen G. White is a prophetess and places her writings on a par with Scripture. They teach that Sunday worship is a, if not the, mark of the beast. They add works to obtaining salvation and/or keeping it. Not every SDA member may believe these things, but they are official doctrines of the church. And that's my issue. Zondervan has become just another publisher. No longer a trusted publisher. Just a publisher. Just a business.
Nothing against Carson. He is personable, kind and intelligent. I enjoyed reading how he overcame his struggles.

[Steve]

Initially I intended to ready a short book at my leisure. thus the above. Consequently, upon finishing, I was absorbed in what clearly was an inspiration (in these troubled times) of an autobiography of Dr Carson through trials and tribulations heartache and heartbreak to achievements which can only be desired by many and achieved by few.
Inspirational books are not my favorite reading nor are religious books but the author instills in the reader a sense of purpose, desire, achievements and success beyond doubt which in fewer words makes, or made this reader aware that the world CAN BE a better place. I have nothing but praise and respect for this man and this short read. And no doubt, will be exploring his other books. Another book of a few - that will leave an indelible mark in this reader's head. A highly recommended short read.

[Cherish]

Dr. Carson has an incredible story. I read this in a day. He is an interesting person with so many experiences. He remains humbled and is dedicated to every person. Learning more about him is fascinating and an honor. Because he is truly blessed by God, he wishes to be a blessing to others. I will be reading more by him. He's overcome obstacles in order to better everyone's life- his own, his family's, his patients, etc. Very heartfelt. I wanted to keep reading.

[Joan Arning]

An excellent book encouraging young people especially minority youth to "stand on their own two feet and refuse to expect others to rescue us". I enjoyed this story of how Ben Carson overcame his early life of poverty and a temper to become a calm, renown surgeon.

[Felicia]

This book is so inspiring and uplifting. I normally think audio biographie type books are boring but this book hooked me from the beginning to the end. I'm going to have my 13 year old son listen to the audio book next!

[Catherine Cervone]

I suppose this is a good abbreviated version of his Gifted Hands book, but it’s also almost identical to the first half of his teen book. Maybe that reflects more on the teen book than this one, but I’m not sure why, if you’re going to write so many memoir-styled books, why not change it up a bit.

[Sam Fink]

A brief biopic much like the movie of his life. An incredible story of success and God's graces.

[S.E.]

This is an inspiring story of faith, strength and the power of family, no matter the origins.

[Becky]

I enjoyed his style of telling his story. He is an amazing man. It is refreshing to read about a good man, with a good life, and strong Christian values.

[April]

Such a great little book! I'm so impressed with him, his faith, and his work to be an example to kids like he was!