You Have a Brain {a BookLook Blogger review}

When I saw that You Have a Brain: a Teen's Guide to T.H.I.N.K. B.I.G. by Dr. Ben Carson was a possible review item for Book Look Bloggers, I immediately called my 17-year-old over to read the book description.

He wanted it.

When it arrived, he started reading immediately, and finished it quickly.  He loves the book and thinks that it is a perfect book for any teen to read.  Especially older teens about to head off to the 'real world' soon.

Let me give you the publisher's description of the book:

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.

Connor enjoyed the autobiographical first part of the book.  Dr. Carson talks about his growing up years, his experiences as a teen in the 60s, with lessons about things he learned along the way.

The second half is more of the advice part, with THINK BIG serving as an acronym for the eight principles Dr. Carson used to succeed. 

The truly great part of this book is that Dr. Carson talks to teens as though they really are people.  He isn't being patronizing, he isn't trying to use flashy graphics or jargon in some attempt to be relevant.  He talks to them as though he respects them.  As though he thinks they can take information like this and apply it to their own life without a lot of condescending handholding.

Connor found this to be inspiring, and he recommends this book to all teens.  I do too.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”