You Have A Brain and A Giveaway For You #FCBloggers

The target audience for Ben Carson's book, You Have a Brain, seems to be the adolescent African- American. He would be an excellent role model for this group, which contains a high percentage of youth struggling to believe that they can have a successful and meaningful life, given their circumstances. A large portion of the book is autobiographical, describing Carson's refusal to give up his dream of being a doctor despite the disadvantages of his childhood.

The book's title echoes a phrase Carson's mother used to say to her children often: “You have a brain, you figure it out;” “You have a brain, you can handle this;” “You have a brain, what do you think?” Carson praises his mother throughout the book for her guidance and inspiration. He also names many other people who helped him as he matured. Yet one easily sees that it was Carson's own decisions and determination that allowed a Detroit boy from an impoverished single-parent family to become an internationally respected brain surgeon and author of more than a half dozen books.

Like many books about successful people, this one contains dramatic incidents which easily gain the reader's attention. Unlike many such books, Carson never seems to be boasting. His humility is refreshing.

The story of Carson's life should convince the reader than this is a wise man who has the right to share life principles – which he does in the latter part of the book. His challenge is: Since “you have a brain, THINK BIG.” Each letter in “THINK BIG” stands for one of eight concepts which Carson believes helped him achieve his goals in life, such as Talent, Insight, and Books. Each is explained clearly, using illustrations which have been shared in the earlier portion of the book. This author has the ability to take weighty and complex concepts and make them easy to understand. He does not descend to the all-too-common “you can do it because you're you” pep talk. He asserts that success is possible, but stresses the need for wise choices and persistence.

The “G” in “THINK BIG” stands for God. Carson acknowledges the role of faith in his mother's life as well as his own. He is not “preachy.” but not bashful about his beliefs. Just as he shares his love of books and in-depth learning, he shares his love of his Creator and calls God “the greatest single influence in my life.”

Ben Carson's story and advice in You Have a Brain present a fine role model for African-American youth, but this book should not be limited to that audience. Carson's book can be inspiring to anyone of any age or ethnic background when they realize that they do, indeed, have a brain and accept the challenge to THINK BIG.

You can purchase a copy of Ben Carson's boo, You Have A Brain HERE!

Family Christian Stores has generously offered to give one of my readers their own copy of the book. Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter!

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Open to Continental US Residents only. Must be 18 or older to enter. Limit one entry per household/address. All entries will be verified. Winner will have 24 hours to respond to winning notification if if no response then another winner will be chosen. Contest ends at 12:01 AM 5/2/15. The Minister's Wife Stamps and Saves is not responsible for the delivery of the prize. The company sponsoring this giveaway is solely responsible for the delivery of the prize to the winner(s). The Minister's Wife Stamps and Saves is not responsible for lost or misdirected emails or physical mail. This giveaway is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google, Instagram, or any other social media. Void where prohibited by law.

We received samples of the products for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed here are those of the author