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A Doctor in the House: My Life with Ben Carson
“The life of a neurosurgeon isn’t an easy one, and Ben has been required to go above and beyond the call of duty almost constantly. The life of a neurosurgeon’s wife isn’t much easier. But it’s all been worth it. Together, we’ve been through poverty, tragedy, wealth, and joy, and we’ve had each other’s backs. I love that guy!” —CANDY CARSON
Like most Americans, you might think of Ben Carson as a trailblazing brain surgeon and, in the last few years, as an outspoken commentator on national issues. But his wife of more than forty years knows him as so much a loving husband, a devoted father, a devout Christian, a committed philanthropist, and a fierce patriot. Now Candy Carson introduces us to the private side of a very public figure as she shares the inspiring story of their marriage and their family.
Like her husband, Candy grew up in Detroit, one of five children of a teacher and a factory worker. Also like Ben, she overcame her humble background through determination, hard work, and perseverance, earning a scholarship to attend Yale University. In that strange new world she focused on her studies, her music, and her deepening spiritual life. She attended church with a handsome older student who liked to tease her, but never assumed he would be anything more than a friend to her. But Ben and Candy quickly became inseparable, and they married soon after she graduated, with Ben still in medical school, preparing for his career as a soon-to-be world-famous pediatric neurosurgeon.
In A Doctor in the House , Candy reveals many stories that have never been told before, despite the media spotlight on Dr. Carson in recent years. She shows us what it was like when they moved to Baltimore to join the community centered around Johns Hopkins Hospital. She describes how their family evolved with the births of their three sons and the tragic miscarriage of their twins. She talks about the challenges of Ben’s twelve- to twenty-hour workdays, saving thousands of lives every year while Candy ran the household.
She also addresses the prejudice they sometimes faced as African Americans, and how Ben’s calm, levelheaded approach made him a great problem solver at home and in their travels, just as he was in the operating room.
Above all, she reveals her husband’s consistency as a in God, in family, and in America. Having lived the American Dream, Ben believes every child from every background is capable of achieving it. That’s why he and Candy have been committed to educating and inspiring young people and over the past twenty years have awarded more than 6,700 students with scholarships through their Carson Scholars Fund.
A Doctor in the House is a classic American love story—and that story is far from over. As Candy writes, “We don’t know what God has for us next, but we’re ready to follow. . . . As we head forward into the un-known once more, I thank God for putting us together."
Like most Americans, you might think of Ben Carson as a trailblazing brain surgeon and, in the last few years, as an outspoken commentator on national issues. But his wife of more than forty years knows him as so much a loving husband, a devoted father, a devout Christian, a committed philanthropist, and a fierce patriot. Now Candy Carson introduces us to the private side of a very public figure as she shares the inspiring story of their marriage and their family.
Like her husband, Candy grew up in Detroit, one of five children of a teacher and a factory worker. Also like Ben, she overcame her humble background through determination, hard work, and perseverance, earning a scholarship to attend Yale University. In that strange new world she focused on her studies, her music, and her deepening spiritual life. She attended church with a handsome older student who liked to tease her, but never assumed he would be anything more than a friend to her. But Ben and Candy quickly became inseparable, and they married soon after she graduated, with Ben still in medical school, preparing for his career as a soon-to-be world-famous pediatric neurosurgeon.
In A Doctor in the House , Candy reveals many stories that have never been told before, despite the media spotlight on Dr. Carson in recent years. She shows us what it was like when they moved to Baltimore to join the community centered around Johns Hopkins Hospital. She describes how their family evolved with the births of their three sons and the tragic miscarriage of their twins. She talks about the challenges of Ben’s twelve- to twenty-hour workdays, saving thousands of lives every year while Candy ran the household.
She also addresses the prejudice they sometimes faced as African Americans, and how Ben’s calm, levelheaded approach made him a great problem solver at home and in their travels, just as he was in the operating room.
Above all, she reveals her husband’s consistency as a in God, in family, and in America. Having lived the American Dream, Ben believes every child from every background is capable of achieving it. That’s why he and Candy have been committed to educating and inspiring young people and over the past twenty years have awarded more than 6,700 students with scholarships through their Carson Scholars Fund.
A Doctor in the House is a classic American love story—and that story is far from over. As Candy writes, “We don’t know what God has for us next, but we’re ready to follow. . . . As we head forward into the un-known once more, I thank God for putting us together."
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 5, 2016
29 people are currently reading
574 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 22, 2016
This is a wonderful biographical memoir by Candy Carson about her husband, Dr Ben Carson. At the time of this post, Dr Carson is running for the GOP Presidential nomination. However, this is not a political book. Regardless of your political views, you should know that this account of his life is highly inspirational and uplifting. Through all the rancor of the political process, I'm afraid much is lost in the fray. This account embodies the American dream of social mobility, education, personal sacrifice, service, and achievement. I'm glad for the timing of this book. I'm recommending this book as a must read for all Americans regardless of your background or political views. It's definitely worth the time to read and get to know the life of this American neurosurgeon.
February 26, 2016
There are books that make for some really tiresome reads, and Candy Carson’s A Doctor in the House: My Life with Ben Carson (Sentinel, 2016) needs to be added to the list. The author, wife of famed neurosurgeon Ben Carson, can’t mask her unspoken intent of garnering support for her husband’s shot at becoming the next President of the United States. But rather than providing an insider’s perspective of the man’s life, with all its ups and downs, Carson appears to subscribe to the belief that, during a job interview, it’s best to recast one’s weaknesses – and even mundaneness – as strengths.
From the very first page to the last, the doctor is genius and a miracle worker. And when there’s anything that might be construed as otherwise, Carson is quick to put a positive spin on it. The doctor is a calm and cool “hero” when he steps aside to let a robber hold up a fast-food joint. He “comes through” for her when he catches the baby and placenta during an emergency homebirth and then sends her off to find something with which to clamp the umbilical cord. I could go on, but I’ve got a headache.
The point is that it’s rather boring to read two hundred pages of a doting wife’s…doting. Yes, the doctor has been a vanguard in neuroscience, and that’s amazing. But I think most readers are interested in reading about a real person, not a constructed flawless superhuman. My only recommendation is to leave Candy Carson’s book to its proper place. Her grandchildren can cherish it as a hodgepodge collection of stories about their grandparents’ lives, accompanied by written endorsements from their colleagues and children. Future (real) biographers can use it as a source of information probably not available elsewhere. To everyone else I recommend leaving it on the self.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book as a First Reads giveaway winner on GoodReads.com. There was no obligation to write a review.
From the very first page to the last, the doctor is genius and a miracle worker. And when there’s anything that might be construed as otherwise, Carson is quick to put a positive spin on it. The doctor is a calm and cool “hero” when he steps aside to let a robber hold up a fast-food joint. He “comes through” for her when he catches the baby and placenta during an emergency homebirth and then sends her off to find something with which to clamp the umbilical cord. I could go on, but I’ve got a headache.
The point is that it’s rather boring to read two hundred pages of a doting wife’s…doting. Yes, the doctor has been a vanguard in neuroscience, and that’s amazing. But I think most readers are interested in reading about a real person, not a constructed flawless superhuman. My only recommendation is to leave Candy Carson’s book to its proper place. Her grandchildren can cherish it as a hodgepodge collection of stories about their grandparents’ lives, accompanied by written endorsements from their colleagues and children. Future (real) biographers can use it as a source of information probably not available elsewhere. To everyone else I recommend leaving it on the self.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book as a First Reads giveaway winner on GoodReads.com. There was no obligation to write a review.
January 11, 2016
Beautiful, real-life love story
An inspiring memoir. A real love story between two very special people , their journey through married life and their commitment to God.
An inspiring memoir. A real love story between two very special people , their journey through married life and their commitment to God.
January 6, 2025
Loved hearing about this humble man!
May 6, 2016
I have read some of the other books written by Ben Carson and find him to be someone to be admired. A Doctor in the House is written by his wife Candy, and therefore you meet Ben Carson as a husband and father...still an admirable man. Candy and Ben met at Yale and were friends before thoughts of dating. They shared devotion to family, education, religion and their hometowns. Married life took them to many destinations where they shared both joys and sorrows. They lost their twins to a premature birth, Ben had to deliver his son at home when labor went to quickly. Ben endured racial prejudice at Johns Hopkins, but his calm demeanor and undeniable skills as a neurosurgeon eventually won some. Ben Carson is the epitome of the American Dream. Raised in poverty with a single mom who was determined to see her boys succeed, Ben and his brother, Curtis, proved that hard work and education can change lives.
March 4, 2016
Loved this book! I listened to the audio book, read by the author, and that was so nice. Loved the personal stories and getting to know the Carsons better. Can't wait to vote for Dr. Ben Carson this primary!
Read
June 14, 2020Obviously written circa 2016. I find it interesting, in all of this outrage over racism, that Carson's presidential race, and the racist comments concerning his wife around that time, haven't surfaced more.*
*no party distinction, either.
*no party distinction, either.
February 2, 2023
This book allows you to get to know Ben Carson and his family on a more personal level. It is a story of their lives together and their family. He came from humble and difficult beginnings and has done amazing things with his life. His wife Candy is a diamond. I really enjoyed this book!
February 5, 2023
Candy is the most beautiful and wonderful wife any man wishes for. She is a smart lady and she is beyond a dutiful wife. What a smart person she is and she is a godly woman too.
Dr. Ben Carson is one amazing doctor and human. Our world is beyond blessed to have him in it. He can do just about anything.
I am so impressed with the Carson family. This is a family that America needs to look to for inspiration. I felt brokenhearted when I finished the book because I loved it.
Dr. Ben Carson is one amazing doctor and human. Our world is beyond blessed to have him in it. He can do just about anything.
I am so impressed with the Carson family. This is a family that America needs to look to for inspiration. I felt brokenhearted when I finished the book because I loved it.
December 16, 2016
This is an enjoyable read. It allows the reader to get to know the Carson's. They are both warm, intelligent people who seek to make the world a better place to live. It make not be "Great Literature", but it is an inspiring read.
January 5, 2020
Very pleasing to read a book by wife who loves her beloved husband and who both trust God in pain and in greatness and everything in between. She is an example to wives, they are an example to marriages and to believers.
February 7, 2016
Could not put it down. Loved it.
Could not put it down. I loved it.
An honest look into the life of the Carson family. Highly recommend.
Could not put it down. I loved it.
An honest look into the life of the Carson family. Highly recommend.
November 6, 2024
I thought this book was going to give me an insight in Candy Carsons life, as the wife of "the neurosurgeon", how she experienced and managed her lonely nights, etc.
But that was totally not it.
I admire Candy for pushing through that marriage and always having her husbands back, I beleive they are a couple to be admired, but this was basically "gifted hands" from Candys perspective. (I read that one a few years ago, so it was kind of refreshing the whole story).
To summarize the book: Candy presents her husbands work schedule and tells you how much she admires his hardworking, disciplined, god-fearing character. (Which is not a bad thing but super boring after the fourth chapter).
I don't understand why she didn't use the chance of the book to open up about HER life and HER experiences. Her husband already wrote a lot of books so I think his story and character are displayed enough. If you want to know about him, go read a book written by him.
If they actually consider having Ben running for president why not show your emotional and vulnerable side, to get the overwhelmed women on board who are unseen and always seem to stand in someone else's shadow? Why not write more about HER ordinary experiences as a mom and woman, the challenges she faced in the early stages of marriage and family, out of the perspective, when she didn't know yet they were going to be this famous and having such a remarkable influence in their country? How do you live a life as a wife of a husband who is almost never home? How do you spend your time? Maybe some lifehacks, hobbies, etc?
In general, I think that something that makes the book boring is: she writes from her current perspective, always justifying the past with the present. Of course now, we look back and understand everything, why certain events happened, bla bla bla. But you didn't know back then! This would've been the perfect opportunity, to be real. But it felt like to me she missed it.
If they love the United States of America so much and feel this heavy burden to have a cultural and moral revival, why not tell HER personal "rags to riches"?
I get that with their public display and christian-adventist influence she may feel like she has to show she is the perfect wife, who loves and supports her husband no matter what, etc. but
Bottom line: I would`ve enjoyed more vulnerability and actual insight of her life. I believe she has some great stories to tell! (What about her musical side - I bet there are so many beautiful and funny stories she could write about, but nope that wasn't it...)
(Also sometimes felt awkward how she wrote about her husband shortening his little family time to even tinier time, to speak more at public events and the way she displayed their wealth, especially when she talked about their new house towards the end of the memoir, but that's personal prefence/opinion i guess.)
But that was totally not it.
I admire Candy for pushing through that marriage and always having her husbands back, I beleive they are a couple to be admired, but this was basically "gifted hands" from Candys perspective. (I read that one a few years ago, so it was kind of refreshing the whole story).
To summarize the book: Candy presents her husbands work schedule and tells you how much she admires his hardworking, disciplined, god-fearing character. (Which is not a bad thing but super boring after the fourth chapter).
I don't understand why she didn't use the chance of the book to open up about HER life and HER experiences. Her husband already wrote a lot of books so I think his story and character are displayed enough. If you want to know about him, go read a book written by him.
If they actually consider having Ben running for president why not show your emotional and vulnerable side, to get the overwhelmed women on board who are unseen and always seem to stand in someone else's shadow? Why not write more about HER ordinary experiences as a mom and woman, the challenges she faced in the early stages of marriage and family, out of the perspective, when she didn't know yet they were going to be this famous and having such a remarkable influence in their country? How do you live a life as a wife of a husband who is almost never home? How do you spend your time? Maybe some lifehacks, hobbies, etc?
In general, I think that something that makes the book boring is: she writes from her current perspective, always justifying the past with the present. Of course now, we look back and understand everything, why certain events happened, bla bla bla. But you didn't know back then! This would've been the perfect opportunity, to be real. But it felt like to me she missed it.
If they love the United States of America so much and feel this heavy burden to have a cultural and moral revival, why not tell HER personal "rags to riches"?
I get that with their public display and christian-adventist influence she may feel like she has to show she is the perfect wife, who loves and supports her husband no matter what, etc. but
Bottom line: I would`ve enjoyed more vulnerability and actual insight of her life. I believe she has some great stories to tell! (What about her musical side - I bet there are so many beautiful and funny stories she could write about, but nope that wasn't it...)
(Also sometimes felt awkward how she wrote about her husband shortening his little family time to even tinier time, to speak more at public events and the way she displayed their wealth, especially when she talked about their new house towards the end of the memoir, but that's personal prefence/opinion i guess.)
July 19, 2017
In this biography/autobiography, Candy Carson shares stories from her life with Dr. Ben Carson, the world-renowned neurosurgeon. From their first meeting to the adventurous birth of their second son; from the tragedy of loss to the witnessing of miracles, the Carsons have experienced much together in their 40+ years of marriage. Desiring to follow where God leads, the couple believes in giving back to the community and the country they love, and being the best citizens they can be.
***I added this to my to-read list while Dr. Carson was still running for President of the U.S. Though I had known relatively little about this soft-spoken, polite man, I was intrigued by his behavior during debates and impressed by his politeness and calm ways. I wanted to know more about him and saw this book was being published soon, so I added it to my to-read list. I enjoyed the book and learned a lot about the couple. I appreciate Mrs. Carson's unabashed recognition of God and her faith. The book largely feels like walk down memory lane, and there were moments when I thought how grateful I am my husband isn't such a famous neurosurgeon (the time commitment would be hard!). Truly it shows the strength of Mrs. Carson's character. I am now looking forward to reading Dr. Carson's autobiography and a couple of his other books written right before or during his time on the campaign trail.
***I added this to my to-read list while Dr. Carson was still running for President of the U.S. Though I had known relatively little about this soft-spoken, polite man, I was intrigued by his behavior during debates and impressed by his politeness and calm ways. I wanted to know more about him and saw this book was being published soon, so I added it to my to-read list. I enjoyed the book and learned a lot about the couple. I appreciate Mrs. Carson's unabashed recognition of God and her faith. The book largely feels like walk down memory lane, and there were moments when I thought how grateful I am my husband isn't such a famous neurosurgeon (the time commitment would be hard!). Truly it shows the strength of Mrs. Carson's character. I am now looking forward to reading Dr. Carson's autobiography and a couple of his other books written right before or during his time on the campaign trail.
April 13, 2023
I love reading about the lives of people that have beat the odds and broke the cycle. Ben Carson is that person. However, what I have found to be true in most cases, is that there is a wonderful mother, or someone who is determined to teach them how to break the cycle of poverty, broken homes, and uneducated.
Candy Carson does a phenomenal job at describing the journey that both she and Dr. Carson took together. She goes into detail the life they lived before, during, and after he became chief of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins. If your are the spouse of a surgeon, or like myself, the spouse of an anesthesia provider or any other OR professional, hearing her side of the story is so refreshing. It reminds those of us who are Dr’s wives that our work in the home does matter. She goes on to describe how she supported her husband and helps us to see what the bigger picture truly is.
“A Doctor in the House” does have it’s mundane moments, but in the end, it is a very well written book about the outside looking in.
Candy Carson does a phenomenal job at describing the journey that both she and Dr. Carson took together. She goes into detail the life they lived before, during, and after he became chief of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins. If your are the spouse of a surgeon, or like myself, the spouse of an anesthesia provider or any other OR professional, hearing her side of the story is so refreshing. It reminds those of us who are Dr’s wives that our work in the home does matter. She goes on to describe how she supported her husband and helps us to see what the bigger picture truly is.
“A Doctor in the House” does have it’s mundane moments, but in the end, it is a very well written book about the outside looking in.
June 19, 2022
This was a surprisingly good book that I picked up some time at Dollar Tree. I found Candy Carson's memoir of her marriage to Ben entertaining. I admit I was playing 'Guess that personality disorder' throughout the book regarding Ben Carson. The man is a trifle different, not necessarily all in a bad way, but I suppose anyone smart enough to be a neurosurgeon is going to be a bit weird.
My amateur pop psychology Freud thinks maybe he has some traits of OCPD. Candy relates a particularly odd story of Ben making a mistake as a child and searching for rat poison to kill himself over it.
Overall, the book is inspiring. Ben Carson rises above growing up poor and abandoned by his father to become a renowned pediatric neurosurgeon and presidential candidate. I don't agree with his politics, but you have to appreciate his journey.
My amateur pop psychology Freud thinks maybe he has some traits of OCPD. Candy relates a particularly odd story of Ben making a mistake as a child and searching for rat poison to kill himself over it.
Overall, the book is inspiring. Ben Carson rises above growing up poor and abandoned by his father to become a renowned pediatric neurosurgeon and presidential candidate. I don't agree with his politics, but you have to appreciate his journey.
July 2, 2022
Wonderfu! Story
This is a captivating story. The Carson family is an inspiration to families everywhere. Dr. Ben Carson is truly a special gift to this world, nog only to the Medical and Surgical world, but to you and me and our families , as we!!.
This book is one I could not put down. It is also one of love, respect, humility, faith, and discipline lived out everyday.
This is a captivating story. The Carson family is an inspiration to families everywhere. Dr. Ben Carson is truly a special gift to this world, nog only to the Medical and Surgical world, but to you and me and our families , as we!!.
This book is one I could not put down. It is also one of love, respect, humility, faith, and discipline lived out everyday.
November 4, 2020
This book is quite straightforward without a lot of frills and emotion. I was touched by this impressive couple and their willingness to do so much to lift others without fanfare - even though it came to them anyway. I also loved the acknowledgement of God in their lives and how they have trusted Him to guide them throughout life's ups and downs.
June 20, 2019
How refreshing to read about a man with morals and the true love of Christ in his heart. It was amazing. My only complaint was that the religion was kind of heavy-handed. Otherwise kudos for this book.
April 6, 2020
This was such a refreshing book and a perfect read during the coronavirus epidemic. Candy Carson is a wonderful woman. She is smart and funny and kind and very real. I actually met her when her husband was running for President. I liked her then and I like her even more now!
December 27, 2021
Candy Carson provides great insight into not only her husband’s life as a neurosurgeon, but insight into her life as his wife. Thoroughly enjoyed her telling of their lives and experiences together and how they have kept God at the center of the work they’ve done.
November 13, 2018
An interesting look at the life of Dr. Ben Carson from the viewpoint of his spouse, Candy Carson.
June 14, 2019
Very nice to hear about Carson's lifestyle.
September 25, 2019
A very charming love story, and a wonderfully written account of life behind-the-scenes for this highly intelligent, greatly accomplished, yet, very humble man.
November 19, 2019
Some great info on Ben Carson but the writing was less than I expected
January 31, 2020
Fast read, thoroughly enjoyed. Inspiring life despite amazing hardships. Makes me feel I should do more with my life. Really got me thinking. Well done, Candy & Ben!
January 13, 2022
Fast enjoyable read. Learned a lot about service and relying on God.
October 10, 2023
A real delightful read, may God continue to bless both Candy and Ben Carson.
October 29, 2023
Very detailed story of Ben Carson and Candy meeting , courting, marrying, and raising kids. Interesting to hear her perspective. He is practically perfect in every way.
July 23, 2025
(¿me estás coqueteando House?)-Wattpad
Buena fanfic pero lo sentí muy antinatural tipooo nada.
Buena fanfic pero lo sentí muy antinatural tipooo nada.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews