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My Life: Based on the Book Gifted Hands

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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."

96 pages, Paperback

First published July 14, 2015

44 people are currently reading
387 people want to read

About the author

Ben Carson

64 books957 followers
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.

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5 stars
166 (58%)
4 stars
70 (24%)
3 stars
31 (10%)
2 stars
10 (3%)
1 star
9 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Carie Graff.
6 reviews
October 22, 2015
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.
Profile Image for Steve Bouthillette.
53 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2015
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.
5 reviews
October 21, 2015
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 !




9 reviews
September 9, 2015
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
Profile Image for Joanne.
1,123 reviews
November 23, 2016
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!
Profile Image for Sheila.
169 reviews5 followers
August 28, 2015
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!
Profile Image for Mary.
117 reviews
September 7, 2015
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.
Profile Image for Dan Bow.
4 reviews
September 11, 2015
Ben Carson is a current American hero, in my opinion. This easy read is very interesting and inspiring.
Profile Image for Marcus Bowman.
Author 14 books1 follower
March 3, 2016
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.
25 reviews
January 5, 2020
Read on my own and with my struggling seniors in 2020. A great book to encourage those who get a slow start in life!
Profile Image for Steve.
280 reviews33 followers
June 18, 2020
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.
Profile Image for Cherish.
51 reviews5 followers
May 17, 2021
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.
Profile Image for Joan Arning.
1,794 reviews29 followers
June 14, 2017
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.
Profile Image for Felicia.
272 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2021
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!
Profile Image for Catherine Cervone.
428 reviews7 followers
September 28, 2021
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.
117 reviews2 followers
July 31, 2015
A brief biopic much like the movie of his life. An incredible story of success and God's graces.
Profile Image for S.E..
212 reviews
April 12, 2016
This is an inspiring story of faith, strength and the power of family, no matter the origins.
Profile Image for Becky.
429 reviews2 followers
August 18, 2016
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.
Profile Image for April.
124 reviews2 followers
April 12, 2017
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!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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