Gifted Hands by Ben Carson

Gifted Hands is a kind of autobiography narrating the life of Ben Carson, who became a world famous neurosurgeon. He came from a poor black boy with a single mother to his position as the director of pediatric neurosurgery at John Hopkins Hospital at age 33. The book follows Carson’s miserable situations and his effort to overcome them all. He was able to make it by his strong will, unconditional faith in God, respect for others, meekness, and so on.

Carson showed considerable determination and dedication from a young age. He was rather a student having trouble catching up at school at first, but thanks to his mother he became a top student at 5th grade. Later on he just did his best to pursue more knowledge and wisdom. His effort has never stopped even after he became a very successful doctor. Carson didn’t focus on being top of the class, but on being the best he could be. I believe that it was possible because he had a strong ambition and belief that there is no limits.

Another important thing that runs throughout the book is Carson’s extraordinary trust and faith in God. A good example of Carson’s faith is portrayed before a major chemistry final. Although Carson was unprepared, he entrusted the situation to God and was able to miraculously receive a good grade in the exam. Even though I am not a Christian, I admire him because he prayed and worked not for himself but also for those in trouble.

Carson’s humble attitude and a sense of humor shone throughout the course of his life. His pleasant behavior and respect for others brought him an excellent opportunity to be able to move up the ladder of success.

The most important person for Carson is the very his single mother, Sonya Carson. Although her educational background was only third grade and she was terrible busy working three jobs for a living, she insisted on the book reports, library visits, and restricted television viewing for her two sons because “they were not living up to their potential.” Her effort for their education really paid off. In 1987, Dr. Benjamin Carson became a world-renowned neurosurgeon, leading a medical team to separate two Siamese twins who were joined at the back of the head. At that time, it was a unprecedented surgery. Since then, he has written three books about his life, and Gifted Hands is one of them. He is also visiting many schools to give young students encouragements and wisdom of life. So he is the man with gifted hands and giving minds.