Ben Carson: A Chance at Life

Heroes of History #23

by Janet Benge, Geoff Benge

"Ben visited Maranda's family the night before the young girl's brain surgery. He spoke to her parents, outlining the risks one last time. "The surgery should take about five hours. There's a strong likelihood that Maranda could bleed uncontrollably and die right there. Or she could survive and be paralyzed and never speak again. There is no way to know what will happen."" As a child growing up in Detroit, Ben Carson has a dream of becoming a physician, a dream that rose out of struggles with poverty, racism, and poor grades. As Ben persevered and strove for academic excellence, his life became one of compassion and service. Today, Benjamin Carson, MD, is known as the American neurosurgeon with gifted hands. The first surgeon to successfully separate twins joined at the head, he directed pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital for over a quarter of a century. His life continues to be a model of what it means to care deeply, serve brilliantly, and lead courageously. (1951-)

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, School, Christian

192 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 2014

About the author

Janet and Geoff Benge are a husband and wife writing team with twenty years of writing experience. They are best known for the books in the two series Christian Heroes: Then & Now series and Heroes of History. Janet is a former elementary school teacher. Geoff holds a degree in history. Together they have a passion to make history come alive for a new generation. Originally from New Zealand, the Benges make their home in the Orlando, Florida, area.

Reviews

[Fergus, Weaver of Autistic Webs · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been almost five years since I started reading this. But it threw me for a loop when I started to publish my notes and highlights - and what a loop to my novice reviewing brain - for Dr. Ben Carson HIMSELF asked me to friend him!

Wow. I was so overwhelmed by that, I curtailed my reading of it.

But he was my first Five Star (ie famous) Friend!

Fast forward to 2024. My memory was twigged and I looked for my review: it was THEN that I realized that because of that very same acute embarrassment I hadn’t finished the book - or the review, which had never existed.

Oh, well, there was a few snarky comments from a woke friend I have long since unfriended - you many see my answers to her below. Oh, the vulnerability of new book reviewers! I don’t envy you guys.

If you’re on GR you’ve got to see that all newbies are targets!!!

If you still.continue, you'll be banging your head against the wall (which, btw,.is good for your soul. AND your humble persistence will make you pull-enty of friends. I've now got <4,000}.

But - here’s the rub - I’ve now restarted the book to refresh my memory in honour of this brave man’s early life and humble beginnings! Because I had to re-read the part when - a mere tot - he Gave his Heart to the Lord.

Solus Deo Gratias!

So now at last I can truthfully promise: MY FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW.

And thanks again, Dr. Carson.

Never say never - old friend!

Full review to follow. I promise.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook and thought it would be a political book, it’s not. This book is a mostly positive account and high level overview of Carson’s like up to retirement from Hopkins.

I knew of Ben Carson when he became politically active and when I learned of his childhood upbringing and what he accomplished I became a fan because I lived in the foster care system and had little parental involvement during most of my childhood.

This book details many of Carson’s surgical successes and a few of the failures too.

I highly recommend this book.

[Chandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

My boys and I found so many things interesting and amazing about Ben Carson's life and story. His tenacity was/is inspiring to us!

[Esther Filbrun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a few years ago, Mom read Gifted Hands to our family. It was an excellent book, but I always wondered what happened after the book ended. I assumed Mr. Carson went on and did more successful separation surgeries, but since I didn’t have access to any of his later works, I didn’t know for sure. Until this book. This was our most recent audiobook for traveling as a family, and I found it to be another gripping story—even though I was already fairly familiar with a lot of the events.

The Benges write with a passion and ability that I admire. They don’t just spit facts and dates out on the page; they take you along to the individual’s life to watch things play out, as you see sometimes in a novel. As far as I can tell, this is a factual account of a good portion of Ben Carson’s life, but it’s written in a very engaging manner.

As far as Mr. Carson himself, it was inspiring to see how he chose the difficult path of learning and choosing obedience to his mother over his own wishes. Her influence changed the course of his life, and watching him struggle and learn—and learn to rely on God—was quite a blessing. If you enjoy biographies about Christians who choose to take God at His word and do their best to live in obedience to Him, this would be an excellent choice—even if you already know something of Ben Carson’s story!

[Daniel Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and concise biography of Ben Carson, MD. It takes you through his childhood and the positive influence of his mother to work hard in school. He performed ground breaking brain surgeries and was the first to separate Siamese twins in 1987. He was awarded the Presidential Metal of Freedom by George Bush.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this aloud to my children as part of their homeschool history curriculum. We thoroughly enjoyed this book of an amazing man, Ben Carson. The authors really wove this biography as a story that we couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. We look forward to reading more biographies from this series (Heroes of History).

[Lea Berryreadinbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

We really loved this audiobook. What an amazing life Ben Carson has lead!

[Renita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Hearing the life story of Ben Carson pays so much tribute to his mother. His whole life was changed and steered in a direction of will power.
Love his moms no nonsense for things others thought might be impossible. And taught her boys to do better.
_____________

“Bennie, if you can read, honey, you can learn just about anything you want to know.”

Sonya chose to limit her sons’ television viewing to two programs a week and took them to the public library. That choice changed their lives.
Each week the boys were required to check out and read two library books. Sonya required her boys to write a book report on one of those books each week.

Sonya Carson (Ben’s mother)
Quoted this poem often to her sons:

“You’re the captain of your ship”:
If things go bad for you--- And make you a bit ashamed Often you will find out that You have yourself to blame...
Swiftly we ran to mischief And then the bad luck came. Why do we fault others?
We have ourselves to blame...
Whatever happens to us,
Here are the words to say,
“Had it not been for so-and-so
Things wouldn’t have gone that way.”
And if you are short of friends, I’ll tell you what to do---
Make an examination,
You’ll find that fault’s in you...
You’re the captain of your ship, So agree with the same---
If you travel downward,
You have yourself to blame.

“Remember this as you go through life. The person who has the most to do with what happens to you is you! You make the choices; you decide whether you’re going to give up or ante up when it gets tough. Ultimately, it’s you who decides whether you’ll be a success or not, by doing what is legally necessary to get you where you want to go. You are the captain of your own ship. If you don’t succeed, you only have yourself to blame.”
Sonya Carson

[Jodi Z]

Well-written and engaging, my children and I were inspired by this account of the world famous neurosurgeon. Hats off to his mother and her courage to push for a better life for her children by setting them off on the habit of reading! This the fourth book we have read by this husband and wife author team and each one has been a hit. (The three previous were about Eric Liddell, Albert Schweitzer, and Corrie ten Boom.)

[the_storied_life (Joyce Santiago) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben Carson’s story is so inspiring. What a privilege to be able to read this biography to my kids, who each time asked for “one more chapter please!!” I love his emphasis that you don’t have to be a slave or victim to your circumstances. Hard work, perseverance, and faith are so important. To God be all of the glory. I can’t wait to read every book he has written.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. He had a lot of good life lessons and good values outlined in the book. I like how he includes God in his life. I had my kids listen to the first part of this book when he was explaining about how his mother made them turn off the TV and read two books a week instead.

[Jelina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. It is too bad that everything he is about and has overcome and done in his life doesn't come across in person and on TV. Truly a real inspiration for overcoming all. Is a true African American hero.

[Elizabeth Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book with my kids and, wow, we couldn't get enough of it! This uplifting book inspired my kids to watch less TV and read more books. It also, among other things, taught the value of hard work, the importance of integrity, and about how one man overcame racial prejudice.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben Carson is an influential neurosurgeon. He has performed many life-saving surgeries, including hectonamies and the separation of conjoined twins. Even though he was from a poor neighborhood, he was able to complete school as one of the top students.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and fascinating.

[Ale✝ · Rating 3 out of 5]

La historia es conmovedora e inspiradora, pero la escritura un poco pobre y simple.

[Tanya Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow... All of these Benge books are incredible and inspiring...

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leí el libro en español titulado "Vencer lo imposible".

[Alejandro Ramírez Badillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente
Maravilloso
Una gran biografía
Y un ejemplo de vida
Sin duda un gran libro para jóvenes y niños
Y a los adultos para reflexionar
Altamente recomendable

[Trashy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are always 5 stars. I have never read one that wasn't amazing. I loved the inspiring story of Ben Carson!

[Albert Castellanos Maduell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un testimoni vital inspirador i ben escrit

[Marie Angus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed learning more about Ben Carson. My respect for him grew while listening to this book. What a wonderful man!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of our favorites by far!! I didn't know his life story and history and it was all so encouraging and hopeful. A wonderful read.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remarkable life. He had a wise mother and was led by God throughout his life.

[Natalie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My children and I equally enjoyed reading this one together.

[Jo March · Rating 5 out of 5]

THINK BIG

Talent and time
Hope and Honesty
Insight
Nice
Knowledge

Books
In-depht learning
GOD

[Erin Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story, based on the book, "Gifted Hands" by Dr. Ben Carson, is a great read. It has been scaled back a little so that it appeals to younger audiences, but it's still a wonderful, inspirational read about triumph over adversity.

[Flavia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Al principio no me gustó, ya que no soportaba al protagonista. Luego cuando llega a la parte en la que opera, me empezó a interesar. Si crees en Dios y te gusta la medicina, es un libro bastante bueno y motivador, con escenas en las que explica diversos procedimientos quirúrgicos muy interesantes. La actitud del principio de Ben no me gusta, pero luego va mejorando. En general, diría que es un libro bueno para personas con gustos específicos.

[Jodi Kendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this on CD with the kids so they could make a personal connection when we watch the debates. We really enjoyed it. A few of the surgical descriptions were a bit much for our younger two (ages 9 and 7) so they were free to leave the room for those parts.