In 1987, Dr. Benjamin Carson gained worldwide recognition for his part in the first successful separation of Siamese twins joined at the back of the head. Carson pioneered again in a rare procedure known as a hemispherectomy, giving children without hope a second chance at life through a daring operation in which he literally removes one half of their brain. Such breakthroughs aren't unusual for Ben Carson. He's been beating the odds since he was a child. Raised in inner-city Detroit by a mother with a third grade education, Ben lacked motivation. He had terrible grades. And a pathological temper threatened to put him in jail. But Sonya Carson convinced her son he could make something of his life, even though everything around him said otherwise. Trust in God, a relentless belief in his own capabilities, and sheer determination catapulted Ben from failing grades to the directorship of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Gifted Hands takes you into the operating room to witness surgeries that made headlines around the world---and into the private mind of a compassionate, God-fearing physician who lives to help others.
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Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
YA-- A brief, easy-to-read autobiography of a black man who is one of today's leading neurosurgeons. While pursuing his career, Carson encountered prejudice, negative peer pressure, and politics in getting a job. His sense of humor, faith in God, patience, and his belief in the work ethic come through without preaching. In the last chapter, Carson gives recommendations to students on ways to live and to achieve. --Claudia Moore, W. T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.
From the Publisher
In 1987, Dr. Benjamin Carson gained worldwide recognition for his part in the first successful separation of Siamese twins joined at the back of the head. The extremely complex and delicate operation, five months in the planning and twenty-two hours in the execution, involved a surgical plan that Carson helped initiate.
Carson pioneered again in a rare procedure known as hemispherectomy, giving children without hope a second chance at life through a daring operation in which he literally removed one half of their brain.
But such breakthroughs aren't unusual for Ben Carson. He's been beating the odds since he was a child.
Raised in inner-city Detroit by a mother with a third grade education, Ben lacked motivation. He had terrible grades. And a pathological temper threatened to put him in jail. But Sonya Carson convinced her son that he could make something of his life, even though everything around him said otherwise.
Trust in God, a relentless belief in his own capabilities, and sheer determination catapulted Ben from failing grades to the top of his class--and beyond to a Yale scholarship . . . the University of Michigan Medical School . . . and finally, at age 33, the directorship of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Today, Dr. Ben Carson holds twenty honorary doctorates and is the possessor of a long string of honors and awards, including the Horatio Alger Award, induction into the "Great Blacks in Wax" Museum in Baltimore, Maryland, and an invitation as Keynote Speaker at the 1997 President's National Prayer Breakfast.
Gifted Hands is the riveting story of one man's secret for success, tested against daunting odds and driven by an incredible mindset that dares to take risks. This inspiring autobiography takes you into the operating room to witness surgeries that made headlines around the world--and into the private mind of a compassionate, God-fearing physician who lives to help others. Through it all shines a humility, quick wit, and down-to-earth style that make this book one you won't easily forget. Dr. Benjamin Carson is director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. He lives with his wife, Candy, and three sons in West Friendship, Maryland. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
173 of 176 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
GIFTED HANDS, an autobiographical look into the life of one of the best neurosurgeons in the U. S. of A, is so unbelievably inspirational and poignant. If 100 people simultaneously read this book, I assure you at least one of them would walk away a changed person! I know Ben Carson has changed me. From now on, I'm vowing to do my absolute best. This year of homeschooling has given me many opportunities to "slack off" as one might say - I've taken a few of those opportunities. Even though I ended up with mostly As, I'm vowing to give my all into my academic performance next year. Ben Carson's motivational drive is absolutely contagious!
Benjamin Carson, M.D started out on the mean Detroit streets. His father had to leave the family after it was found he was practically living a double life: he had a girlfriend and another family while married to Ben's mother. While his mother assured him the family would be fine, they had to struggle to make ends meet. Yet all the while, she kept pushing and pushing Ben to be the best he could possibly be. All the while, she knew he had it in him to get out of the Detroit ghetto in which they lived. All the while, she knew he'd make something of himself. And he did.
We see an amazing transformation from a skeptical kid, unsure of life, to an intelligent neurosurgeon with a heart of gold - so much so that he can't help but break down and cry when surgery results in the death of a patient. He is a person who made the best of his education, as well as his college years. He went from being the best to simply doing his best and can be regarded as an inspiration to all because his standard of life he began with wasn't as favorable as many rich families who have attended Ivy League colleges for generations.
... Read more ›55 of 57 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Anyone having trials in their life, will find this book a positive uplift. I found myself identifing with Ben, when he was faced with the first chemistry final at Yale. The sense of divine intervention on his behalf in regards to the test and his acknowledgement of God as the source was/is a pivot point. Without a high grade at that key point, Ben Carson, probably would not have become the director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins at age 33. The power of God awaits anyone needing the service of the brillant mind and "Gifted Hands" of Dr. Ben Carson. The thrill of his success comes through when reading the book. You too can join his journey and visualize and vocalize what you too may be. Guidance for becoming a better person is being lived out in the life of one, Ben Carson, M.D. Thank you, GOD for such a man, a living example.
73 of 79 people found the following review helpful
By David Graham
Format:Paperback
Dr. Ben Carson is living proof that we are NOT mere products of our environments. He overcame a broken home, bad temper, and racial inequality to become a great man, loving father, and famous Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD. In this well paced, informative biography, Carson speaks about the different goals he set for himself throughout his productive life and how he, through patience, hard work, and faith in God, went about achieving them. This was an enjoyable biography, an unusually humble one from someone in the medical profession who has earned every right to brag about his achievements, yet who deliberately avoids doing so. You will enjoy reading this book.
40 of 43 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I am currently a student journalist majoring in Communications. When I began reading this book, I was almost ready to give up on my career and my education. This book literally changed my whole perception of my life! I absolutely love this book! Being a young African-American woman from the same type of background as Ben Carson, I realized that if I focus on my faith and my God-given talents I could do anything I want. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who needs a little motivation. I am now enjoying school and reading more inspirational books. My next book will be Think Big by Ben Carson.
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I've been suffering from Trigeminal Neuralgia for years. When it reached the point where I couldn't take it anymore, I met with Ben Carson and scheduled brain surgery. During the time between meeting him and having successful surgery I read this book. The book solidified my decision to use Dr. Carson, and helped put my wife and 3 young kids at ease. Great inspirational book for anyone!!
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Once I started reading Gifted Hands, I had it finished within the next 3 days. It is an excellent book because something about it always keeps the reader anxious to find out what is going to happen next. Ben Carson and his brother, Curtis, grew up as poor black kids in the not-so-good area of Detroit. Their father had walked out on them when they were little; therefore, they were raised solely by their mother. Ben had many challenges in his childhood including his slower learning ability, his temper, his lack of self-control, and the racial prejudice shown towards him. When he realized his problems, he decided to change, and he did. He straightened up his life and with the help of prayer and hard work, he eventually became a great student, as well as a life-saving neurosurgeon. He is known to be the first person to successfully separate Siamese twins that were joined at the head, in which both of the boys survived. This was a truly amazing accomplishment and was only one of the major successes Ben Carson has achieved in his career. This is an inspiring story that shows no matter how bad-off you are, if you try, you can always grow to make something great out of your life. Today, Carson is still the Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. He has been awarded 24 honorary degrees and dozens of national citations of merit and is known for saving innumerable lives and being a wonderful role model for people of any age. This book has truly made an impact on my life-it has shown me to never give up, even when all odds are against me. Also, that everyone has their own purpose to fulfill, and with determination, faith in God, and hard work anyone can achieve a more than successful life.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
What a great book!
This is a great book written by a great man! I am so proud to share this book with me children and pass it along to other family members.
Published 1 day ago by Mary Claudio
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gifted Hands
This is without a doubt the most inspirational book I've ever read. It should be mandatory reading in every public school followed with small group discussion. Read more
Published 1 day ago by Bob
5.0 out of 5 stars
Informative.
Very well written book Up to the point and up to mark. Very portable and practical and easy to read
Published 1 day ago by Sanjay Pethkar
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Ben Carson Story
This book shows the American Dream is still possible in these troubling and difficult times. What a humble, talented, generous and devout American man. Read more
Published 2 days ago by pollyann
5.0 out of 5 stars
cool book
Very good book, suggest everyone read it. It is a good look at how hard work and education can get you far in life.
Published 2 days ago by S. Bushnell
5.0 out of 5 stars
No More Excuses
The story was inspiring. It is a story of overcoming hardships and obstacles. He life leaves me no excuses for not being the best I can be.
Published 3 days ago by Jacob Moore
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ben Carson
Great read very inspiring a must read for everyone I think all high school and college students should read 'mandatory'
Published 4 days ago by Reprieve
5.0 out of 5 stars
INSPIRATIONAL
"From inner-city kid to renowned neurosurgeon..." what a lead-in!, Kid makes good lives and realizes the American Dream. I really liked this book, and of course Dr. Read more
Published 5 days ago by Joseph H. Race
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another must-read especially for Jr. & Sr. HS
The writing is a bit simplistic but the ideals and story of Dr. Carson are inspirational. I recommend this to all ages; an easy read. Read more
Published 6 days ago by wmunp
5.0 out of 5 stars
A really inspiring book.
A "must read" for everyone, especially middle and high school students. African American students should be especially involved in reading this book.
Published 6 days ago by mary holland
