Messenger: The Legacy of Mattie J. T. Stepanek and Heartsongs

More than a mother's love for her son, Messanger is an inspiration beyond disabilities literature.

I never got to meet Mattie Stepanek, while living in Maryland, however I knew of him from colleagues in the Prince Georges'County Public School District who had worked with him when he first started school. I knew of his poetry, his friendship with former President Jimmy Carter, Oprah Winfrey, and other famous people. He was going to do a book signing at the Barnes & Noble in Bowie, Maryland, which I planned to attend, however that was cancelled as he had to return to the hospital. He was unable to ever do public book signings again. When I saw Jeni Stepanek's book, Messanger, how could I not want to read it? I am so glad I did!
Jeni Stepanek writes with warmth, love and caring as only a mother can about her incredible son - poet, advocate, inspirational speaker, friend and kid, yes, kid. Jeni gives a balanced account of her struggle along with Mattie's, and it's not all gloom. She knew the outcome, yet she writes of Mattie's and her capacity to still have fun, build memories and engage in the world better than most. Jeni not only articulates what Mattie's life was like, but her own focus on developing herself as well as Mattie's talents. She has left us all with a gift of how to live each day beyond what we think we are capable of and to cherish each moment. I felt priviledged to have finally been able to meet both Mattie and Jeni through her words in Messenger. As an occupational therpaist and as a Christian, I thank her for having written this book.

6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

A compelling saga of one family's dealing with a terminal illness

I just finished reading Jeni Stepanek's wonderful biography of Mattie Stepanek's life and message. The novel beautifully outlines Mattie's trials and tribulations throughout his difficult life as told by his mother. This book shows that Mattie's message of hope and peace is universal and still pertinent in today's world. Jeni Stepanek has captured how Mattie came to be a peacemaker in his life through a superb narrative. This book is well worth your time and will truly change your perspective on life. Buy It!
~ A Fan and Supporter

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Life Changing

I read the review in People magazine about this book and it sounded like something I would enjoy. Once I started reading the book I could not read it fast enough. I was overwehlmed with such an inspiring story about a special needs family. Not only did they suffer loss of loved ones but Mattie and his mother were both disabled. To have so much negative in your life yet be able to see beyond that and be such inspiring and positive human beings. This true story has been a life changing experience for me. Since reading about the incredible journey that Mattie lived, with the support and unconditional love and sacrifice from his mother, I have grown as a person. I am 49 years old and have never read or seen anything that has inspired me like this story. I have recommended everyone I talk to to read this book. I have given a book to each of my own children. Mattie's story will make you cry, but not because of being sad, but because it will touch your heart. This story can truly help you put your life into persepctive and see what is truly important.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

The Message goes on -- and on -- and on!

Mattie's mom, Jeni, is not only faithful to Mattie's message, after all she largely nurtured it, she is the most authentic person to describe its birth and growth, while urging us all to take our part in spreading it farther and farther.
Mattie's message that Peace is possible is so simple that it is disarming.

At its root, Mattie said:

"Peace can begin over a cup of tea and a game of chess."

"Make peace an attitude.
Make peace a habit.
Make peace a reality."

As it was written by a pre-teen, it is readily understood by all from those ages up.

Jeni shows us that Mattie was, first of all, very much a boy who enjoyed all the fun and games that every normal boy enjoys. He lacked the opportunity to fully enjoy them because of his incredible handicaps of muscular dystrophy, from an early age.

We learn what an ingenious practical joker he was, and how deeply it was rooted in his nature. He loved games and played them with both joy and enthusiasm. To say that Mattie was an all-around boy would be the understatement of the year. Jeni describes for us the depth and breadth of that missed description.

Please read this book, enjoy it and allow it to have its greatly beneficial effect on your life. You will be pleased to find that you can become a more peaceful person, contribute to the peace of those around you, and enjoy a much more rewarding life -- just as Mattie did while he remembered to "Play after every storm."
Bob Balkam

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Remember to play after every storm....

Messenger is written by Jeni Stepanek and is an excellent biography about the life of his son, Mattie J.T. Stepanek, the young author behind the bestselling collections of Heartsongs poetry & peace essays. It tells about Mattie's upbringing, his love for his family as well as extended family and friends, his hardships with having Dysautonomic Mitochondrial Myopathy, his incredible passion to live life and his dream to be a Peacemaker.

I thought the book balanced well with the happy and sad stories of Mattie's life, including insights from his mom, the author. The book also shows the humorous & witty side of Mattie, even during some of his 'storms', and includes some of Mattie's published and never-before-published poems.

I believe there is something we all can learn or relate from reading this book and grow from it. He had an extraordinary life and beaten many odds over the course of his young life before he passed away in June, 2004. During his life and after his death he gave people inspiration and hope. His Heartsongs live on in his books and people who met or learned from him.

I highly recommend anyone to read this book. It is a celebration of a Messenger's life. And if you have not read any of Mattie's Heartsongs books, I encourage you to read them as well.

Lastly, I feel strongly of Mattie's philosophy and encourage everyone to "Remember to play after every storm."

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Touched my soul

An Angel from God Thank You Jeni

Highly recommended

Precious mom and son story. They are inspirations to all who "meet" them. Great read that will make you appreciate what you have. This book will make you believe in miracles and the strength of love and a positive attitude.

Touched my heart

This wonderful book really touched my heart. I don't normally re-read books, but I'm now on my 3rd time. I get something new each time I read it.

Very insightful and inspiring.

Teaches us the art of keeping focused, remaining positive and grateful for being placed on this earth. What a testament to the love between this mother and son. We must communicate!!!

Most totching book ever

I have read many books and this out of all is my favorite. I love the hart warming story that goes with the positive little boy. If i had to describe Mattie to any person i would say that he never starts a sentence with I.

Heartfelt & Inspiring!

This book will change your life! This wonderful little boy and his Mom were a remarkable duo for peace!Read this book! Give yourself this Gift!

Everyone should read!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was very well written. I recommend it to anyone.

Definitely pulls at the heartstrings.

I am inspired to be a better person after reading this book. But most of all I am embarressed for complaining about everyday things that are not important. His final word was 'yes' He made it. May God watch over his mother as well. For those of us who pray lets remember her in our prayers.

saw it today!!!!

saw it on oprah today and i think i should get it!!!! (mom was watching oprah and while walking down the hall i saw it)

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