Think Big by Ben Carson (Book Review Sample)

Student’s Name Professor’s Name Course Date "Think Big" by Ben Carson Reading is my hobby, but what motivates is the inspiration I get from it. I have read many books, but one of the most influential one is Ben Carson’s book, "Think Big”. From the title itself, one can realize that it is not ordinary everyday book. It narrates the personal journey for success through the lens of the author (Carson and Murphey 2). Perhaps, who could give better advice and inspiration than a person who has transformed his life from being a ghetto child with difficulties in schooling and family problems to become one of the most renowned and celebrated neurosurgeon in the whole world. The book contains secrets of achieving success in marriage, family life, and work. One can apply the philosophy outlined in "Think Big" to help realize and utilize the gifts God has bestowed on him or her. It does not matter where one comes from as with determination and focus, it is possible to reach where one wants to be. The book narrates how one does not need to be unique or incredibly intelligent to achieve success that he or she wants. Rather, a person needs to think in a manner that cultivates success. This essay presents a book review of Ben Carson’s book "Think Big”. The book is narrated in two parts where. The first section explains how people gave their best to make Ben Carson’s achievements possible (Carson and Murphey 1). The author explains how others did their best without even realizing it. He indicates that God had endowed him with the ability to work as a pediatric neurosurgery, but being a black person, he would not have realized that talent if other people had not taken their time and efforts to share with him and give their best. In particular, the author explains how medical mentors, parents, inspirational speakers, and even doctors played an instrumental role in ensuring that he achieves the best in life. His mother, Sonya Carson, was born in a poor family and kept on shifting from one foster home to another (Carson 12). She married at a young age to a man who later left them out Ben Carson’s mother suffered in efforts to make the most of her son. Part two of the book focuses on how one can give his best as explained through the acronym "Think Big”. The author experienced hardship having grown up in the inner-city of Detroit, with an illiterate mother, and an absentee father (Carson and Murphey 90). His low grades in school made his classmates consider him stupid. Besides, he struggled to contain his violent temper due to the family problems and all circumstances pointed that he would have a harsh future. Unexpectedly, he rose to become one of the most accomplished personalities after he learned his potential and how to capitalize and unleash it. Personally, Think Big has had the most profound influence on my life as it has guided and given me the inspiration to always pursue excellence despite the challenge that I may be facing. The story pushes me to work hard because of Ben Carson did it, despite the challenges he faced, and then I can also do it. In the book, the author explains the meaning of Think Big by breaking it down each letter. In Think Big, T stands for time/talent (Carson and Murphey 100). One needs to recognize these talents as gifts. Even the time one is a gift. H stands for hope and being honest. Hope is what keeps me moving. Despite the challenges I face today, Ben Carson instructs us to always be optimistic and be honest in all our activities. He does not just give a theoretical meaning of honesty but links it with his life explaining how honesty and hope have helped him to achieve his dreams. I stand for insight from books and people. I understand that one is defined by the friends he or she interacts with and the books he or she reads. It is about the way people...