MY BOOK REVIEW

GIFTED HANDS: BY DR. BEN CARSON,M.D

First things first: It goes without saying that this book by Dr. Benjamin Carson (first doctor to separate the Siamese/conjoined twins) is an extremely wonderful and mightily inspirational book.  Like the thousands of its readers, I too have learnt several things from this book, broadly classified into two main groups:

What I learnt as a Human Being- No matter what, one has to be a good person first. Dr. Carson aptly demonstrates this. Whether it was his attitude towards his ward clerks and aides or his composed and unspiteful reaction to the discrimination he would have to face, he always remained a humble human being.

What I learnt as someone building the base of his career- Like others, I too want a flourishing career. Dr. Carson shows how that can be made possible through hard work, dedication and perseverance.  Whether you want to make it big as a doctor, lawyer, writer, singer or priest, you need to be highly determined & focused from the beginning itself.

But what is the book about? Good question! Well, the book is an account by Dr. Carson about his struggles throughout his journey from his childhood in inner-city Detroit to a world renowned neurosurgeon, overcoming all sorts of odds in the process and reaping the benefits of his hard work. Filled with interesting anecdotes and incidents of his life, the book sure is an engaging read.

The most inspiring person in this book is perhaps Sonya Carson, Dr. Ben’s mother. Inspite of having studied only through third grade, her mature and modern views on education, learning and upbringing remain eye-opening even for us today. The numerous sacrifices she makes for her children, and the several sacrifices that her young boys make for her are immensely heartwarming. There is no doubt that whatever Dr. Carson is today, he owes it big time to his mother.

My Fave Chapters: The chapter in which Sonya decides to bring a complete change in the timetable of her children by introducing or rather imposing new but harsh methods of learning is highly interesting. It never fails to charge any student to get up and actually work. Also, the chapter about Dr. Carson’s Chemistry Test is extremely intriguing. (I do believe in the forces mentioned in this chapter, and besides I too disliked Chemistry once upon a time…maybe that’s why I could relate to this chapter.)

The USP of this book: The many many many inspirational quotes peppered thoughout the book always call upon the reader to stop, reflect and get inspired. Hopefully, some of you might grab this book and get inspired too.

After all, anyone with even “half a brain” wouldn’t miss such a golden opportunity…!!!!

P.S  if you haven’t read the book, or you do not know about Dr. Ben Carson, M.D, then you probably won’t get the last line… ;P