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Messenger: The Legacy of Mattie J.T. Stepanek and Heartsongs Audiobook
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(4.07) - 261 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
When her son, Mattie, was born with a rare disorder now known as Dysautonomic Mitochondrial Myopathy, Jeni Stepanek was advised to put her child in an institution and “let nature take its course.” Instead, she nurtured a boy who grew to become a young man who transformed his hardships into a message of hope and peace that touched millions. Mattie J.T. Stepanek was a best-selling author, publishing six collections of his Heartsongs poetry and one collection of peace essays that all became New York Times best-sellers and eventually sold more than two million copies; he gave inspirational talks to thousands and became the National Goodwill Ambassador for Jerry Lewis’s Muscular Dystrophy Association. But his legacy lives strongest in his choice—his decision to celebrate life and perceive it as a blessing even during the most painful moments. It is that legacy that Jeni Stepanek honors with Messenger. Telling the story of Mattie as only his mother could, Jeni Stepanek recounts the intimate moments of her little boy’s life, a life that became larger than life as his message spread across the world. In describing her son’s trips to the beach, his love of reading, his obsession with Legos®, his planning of a surprise birthday party for his mom, we see an ordinary child who just so happened to be facing a life-threatening health situation. In recounting Mattie’s sadness at losing all of his siblings to the same disease, his astonishing intellect, his belief that he was channeling God’s message into his poetry, and his dedication to spreading the message of peace he so believed in, we see the extraordinary boy who lived every day given to him to the fullest.
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"This book was an amazing story of a family who were all diagnosed with a rare disease. The first three children died at a very young age, but the 4th child Mattie beat the odds and kept living. His life story is sad, yet very inspiring. I was amazed at how much this boy accomplished in such a little time. His plea for peace at a time when the world was yearning for it was readily accepted. He made his dreams happen and his hope and message inspired many other people. His poetry was beautiful and inspiring for a child so young - I was very touched. (The first half of the book took me awhile to get through, but I finished the second half quite fast.)"
— Stephani (4 out of 5 stars)
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“Incredibly inspiring, and although sad, it’s ultimately an uplifting tale of how Mattie inspired Americans to find peace and hope after 9/11.”
— Soul & Spirit Magazine
Awards
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A New York Times bestseller
Messenger Listener Reviews
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" I'm at a loss for words!!!! If this doesn't inspire you, nothing will! What God can do through us, if we allow Him!! Wow! Impossible to read without weeping at the end. What a beautiful, heroic mother Jeni is! "
— Sue, 2/15/2014 -
" What an amazing boy Mattie Stepanek was! We need more people like him, with his message of peace! "
— Lisa, 2/6/2014 -
" Remarkable, a must read... "
— Jaime, 2/1/2014 -
" Interesting read about an amazing little boy! "
— Jenn, 1/30/2014 -
" This book was far better than all the reviews I had read, including a television interview I had seen. There are only two words to adequately describe this person's story; truly awesome. "
— Bonny, 1/19/2014 -
" Not done with this book yet but already, the story makes me want to love, give and see the goodness in everything, one chapter at a time. Lessons from a child. "
— Evelyn, 12/28/2013 -
" An inspiring book. Can't wait for the discussion on this book at our next church book club meeting. "
— Carol, 12/11/2013 -
" Amazing story... Very uplifting and very sad... This child was a true Messenger... born with a gift to share with the world. "
— Brandy, 10/26/2013 -
" A powerful book about the life of Mattie Stepanek, the child philosopher, poet, and peacemaker, who taught the world how to live with joy, serenity, and happiness amid the pain and sorrows of life. I would high recommend this book. "
— Carol, 8/19/2013 -
" Have a box of tissue at the ready!!! This book will make you laugh and cry - appreciate your children and life in general. "
— Rita, 7/18/2013 -
" Great book. What an amazing boy. "
— Melanie, 7/2/2013 -
" Amazing child/teenager this boy was. AMAZING. "
— Crystal, 11/25/2012 -
" This book is amazing. What an impact this boy had on so many. MUST READ! "
— Shannon, 7/20/2012 -
" A brilliant boy-man. Richly gifted with intuition, grace and a desire to see a peaceful world. Peace dominated his thoughts and formed his dreams which he then recorded in poetic verse. His was a life well-lived, an example to others... and to the world. Inspiring "
— Barcar26, 4/19/2012 -
" A MUST read for everybody!! "
— Gabriela, 8/20/2011 -
" I borrowed this book from the library, but am now going to buy a copy for my bookshelf so that I can read it over and over again. "
— Jenny, 7/13/2011 -
" Best book ever! Inspiring book! Thank you Jeni for sharing Mattie with us. He is one of my personal heros. My students love to learn about him. "
— Karen, 7/3/2011 -
" What a terrific book about a young boy who doesn't make it to his 14th birthday. This boy brought a message of peace and lived well even as he knew he was dying. "
— Karen, 2/14/2011 -
" Have a box of tissue at the ready!!! This book will make you laugh and cry - appreciate your children and life in general. "
— Rita, 2/3/2011 -
" so far i really like this book. when one of my ela teachers were talking about it during class, i thaught it would be something cool to read.this isnt a book u would normaly see me read, but i do like it anywayz. and i am looking forweard to see what is happening next.<br/> ttyl, Rhiannon "
— Rhiannon, 9/17/2010 -
" Excellent, Excellent, Excellent!! The story of Mattie Stepanek lives on through his mother's words. You cry, you laugh, you remember a little boy who struggled through life and gave back so much to others. A must read for all. "
— Pat, 6/19/2010 -
" Amazing story... Very uplifting and very sad... This child was a true Messenger... born with a gift to share with the world. "
— Brandy, 6/4/2010 -
" A powerful book about the life of Mattie Stepanek, the child philosopher, poet, and peacemaker, who taught the world how to live with joy, serenity, and happiness amid the pain and sorrows of life. I would high recommend this book. "
— Carol, 3/2/2010 -
" I first heard about Mattie on Oprah's show. What an inspirational and beautiful boy Mattie was. I loved this book, and I cannot wait to meet Mattie in heaven. "
— Melissa, 1/6/2010
About the Authors
Lloyd James (a.k.a. Sean Pratt) has been narrating since 1996 and has recorded over six hundred audiobooks. He is a seven-time winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award and has twice been a finalist for the prestigious Audie Award. His critically acclaimed performances include Elvis in the Morning by William F. Buckley Jr. and Searching for Bobby Fischer by Fred Waitzkin, among others.