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

by Jeni Stepanek

Book Overview

Oprah Winfrey has called him "an inspiration," Maya Angelou saw him as a kindred spirit and fellow poet, and Jimmy Carter described Mattie Stepanek as "the most remarkable person I have ever known." When Jerry Lewis received his lifetime achievement award at the Oscars, footage of Mattie played behind him. Five years after his death from a rare neuromuscular disease, Mattie is still being celebrated for his indomitable spirit and message of hope...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0525951423
• ISBN13: 9780525951421
• Release Date: November 2009
• Publisher: Dutton Books
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.2" x 9.0"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

A satisfactory read

It's a good read through the history of Mattie Stepanek! (1990-2004)

Well Done Jeni!!!

I found Jeni's book "Messenger" to be a great read and the most detailed account of the life and feelings of her son Mattie. She filled in the details of Mattie's suffering and dealings with pain in a way that explains what he was dealing with while at the same time not overdoing it and managing to mix in just the right amount of humor and background to keep it about him and the life he led, despite his Muscular Dystrophy. The fact that his work and memory carry on today, five years after his death, just strengthens the hope for peace he sought in his lifetime. I highly recommend this peek into Mattie's life and thank Jeni for bringing it to us and helping us to get to know even more about Mattie J. T. Stepanek.

"Messenger"

I just finished reading Jeni Stepanek's beautifully written book, "Messenger", on the life of her son, Mattie. I could not put it down. I'm not one to write reviews, but I feel this book is THAT special...everyone should read it. Similar to Mattie's books of poetry, each page I read in, "Messenger", had something that touched my heart as only Mattie's authentic and honest views on life can. There is so much I can say on how it affected me, but I think the important thing is that you read it for yourself and experience how it affects you. Jeni Stepanek is so generous as a Mom/author to share so much, which I really appreciated. Her book to me is a handbook on how to live life right. Mattie has the ability to bring out the best in people by just being himself..., a poet, a peace maker and a philosopher who played. In this book, Jeni delivers her sons message of hope and peace with perfection! So take the opportunity and read it.

Playing After Life Storms

I am a Mattie Fanatic and have been waiting for years for a book ABOUT Mattie. Although I love his works,I really wanted to know the boy and his life behind his Heartsong. I was so excited when I found that Mattie's Mom, Jeni, was writing this book, Messenger: The Legacy of Mattie J. T. Stepanek and Heartsongs, it was like waiting for the last book in your favorite series. The book does not disappoint, it is not the typical biography with a format that chronologically details a person's life, this book takes you on Mattie's journey and transformation into the Peacemaker we know and love through his Heartsong books. Mattie's Mom takes the reader though the devastating effects of her family's deadly disease while making you laugh and cry. If you loved Mattie's works, you will love getting to know him though the person closest to him, his Mom.

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

Life Beyond Life

If inspiration is your need, "Messenger" is the story for you. It takes us through the amazing life of Mattie in a way only a mother could tell us. His life will inspire and help many in the decades to come. Jeni Stepanek brings the disease of " Dysautonomic Mitochondrial Myopathy" to the forefront of our thoughts. We will forever be indebted to her for telling us about this terrible disease. Mattie, you are giving and giving beyond your young life. Author of: Mr. NewHeart - Heart Attack to Transplant and Beyond