Special thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.
You Have a Brain: A Teen’s Guide to Think Big (affiliate link) begins with the story of Dr. Ben Carson’s life. He went from being the “dumbest kid in the class” to being a renowned neurosurgeon, author, and more. His journey to knowledge began at an early age when his mom required him to read a certain number of books each week. While she didn’t have an education beyond elementary school school, she was smart enough to understand what her boys needed to succeed in life. She would ask her boys “Do you have a brain?” when she wanted them to think about their decisions.
I truly enjoy reading stories about people who beat the odds and make something of their lives no matter what hardships they need to overcome to be successful, and Dr. Carson’s life story did not disappoint. I had previously watched Gifted Hands, but to truly appreciate his story, you need to read it in his own words.
After sharing his life story, which is a large chunk of the book, Dr. Carson talks about how teens need to T.H.I.N.K. B.I.G. He wants teens to be able to set goals for themselves and then succeed at achieving those goals. He lays out a plan, and of course, that plan involves utilizing the brain that the Lord gave them. As a mother of a teen, I found this section to be really motivational for me as it gives me tools to help my teen succeed at her dreams.
Whether you’re a parent of a teen or you’re a teen, this book can help you lay down a solid strategy for success in life. His foundation is based upon using the brain that the Lord gave you. Honestly, it’s not a bad book for anyone to read no matter what stage of life they are in as we can all use a little help in realizing our goals/dreams in life.
Book Description:
Throughout his life, renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin Carson has needed to overcome many obstacles: His father leaving the family; being considered stupid by his classmates in grade school; growing up in inner-city Detroit; and having a violent temper. But Dr. Carson didn’t let his circumstances control him, and instead discovered eight principles that helped shape his future.
In You Have a Brain: A Teen’s Guide to Think Big, Dr. Carson unpacks the eight important parts of Thinking Big—Talent, Honesty, Integrity, Niceness, Knowledge, Books, In-Depth learning, and God—and presents the stories of people who demonstrated those things in his life. By applying the idea of T.H.I.N.K. B.I.G. to your life, and by looking at those around you as well, you too can overcome obstacles and work toward achieving your dreams.
About the Author:
Dr. Carson is an emeritus professor of neurosurgery, oncology, plastic surgery, and pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. In 1984, he was named director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, a position he retired from in 2013. In 2008, he was named the inaugural recipient of a professorship in his name, the Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., M.D., and Dr. Evelyn Spiro, R.N., Professor of Pediatric Neurosurgery. Also in 2008, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the land. He was the keynote speaker for the President’s National Prayer Breakfasts in 1997 and 2013. Through his philanthropic foundation, the Carson Scholars Fund, he strives to maximize the intellectual potential of every child. An internationally renowned physician, Dr. Carson has authored over a hundred neurosurgical publications and has been awarded more than sixty honorary doctorate degrees and dozens of national merit citations. Dr. Carson has written six best-selling books, and his fifth book, America the Beautiful: Rediscovering What Made This Nation Great, released in early 2012, made the New York Times Bestseller List. His sixth book, One Nation: What We Can All Do to Save America’s Future, was released in 2014, and became a number one New York Times bestseller. He is a syndicated columnist and a highly sought-after, world-renowned inspirational and motivational speaker.
Gregg Lewis is an award-winning author and coauthor of more than fifty books, including Gifted Hands, The Ben Carson Story, Take the Risk and The Big Picture.
Deborah Shaw Lewis has authored or coauthored more than a dozen books, including Gifted Hands, The Ben Carson Story, has taught school, does professional storytelling, speaks on motherhood and family issues, and holds a master’s degree in early childhood development. She and Gregg are the parents of five children.
Book Details:
- Hardcover: 240 pages
- Publisher: Zondervan (February 3, 2015)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0310745993
- ISBN-13: 978-0310745990
- Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.8 x 8.7 inches
- Retail Price: $18.99
- Electronic Version also available
