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(11 reviews)
Editorial Review: attie J.T. Stepanek is an award-winning poet whose struggle with a rare form of muscular dystrophy has touched the lives of people nationwide. Celebrate Through Heartsongs, his fourth inspiring collection of poetry, features works written between the ages of three and eleven, and continues to spread Mattie's message of universal hope, peace, courage, and love. Fully illustrated by the poet, the collection will appeal to people of all ages, religions, and beliefs.
Customer Reviews:
1 of 1 found this review helpful:
Mattie Stepanek Still LIVES and Breathes, 2007-02-15
This AUDIO BOOK of spoken poetry is the 4th installment of the 5 original VSP-Published books of HeartSongs by Mattie Stepanek. Celebrate Through Heartsongs is among some of his very best poetic efforts. Mattie Stepanek died on 22 June 2004 (at age 13) from Dysautonomic Mitochondrial Myopathy, a rare form of muscular dystrophy. Mattie was a confirmed genius, but a humble and sweet one who loved God and hated no one. This is a collection of poems that speak volumes about Mattie's wisdom and insights into such difficult topics as: Fear, Love, Suffering, Lonliness, Relationships, Life's Goals/Dreams, and Impending Death. Mattie had the wisdom and understanding of a 52 year old adult.
This audio book of Mattie's poems (in fact ALL of the 5 books) is read by Mattie, himself. He is 100% genuine and 100% endearing! His voice alone, gives the listener marvelous glimmers of his erudite, but very gentle personality.
6 of 15 found this review helpful:
Rate the book, not the author., 2005-01-25
Mattie J.T. Stepanek was a rare soul and a lesson to all of us. He was a brave and courageous child, who despite suffering from a life-threatening illness that took the life of his three siblings, remained optimistic, and definitely had a wisdom beyond his years.
If this were a rating for the author as a person, then he would definitely rate 5 stars and beyond. However, as this rating is intended for the poetry and for the book, then I have to be honest. The meter and rhythm of the poems are extremely awkward.
While free verse poetry is not intended to have a regular metrical pattern, it is supposed to have rhythm and other poetic devices that make it poetry so that even when it's read aloud, one can tell that it's poetry, regardless of whether or not it rhymes. In all honesty, Mattie's poems sound like prose that has divided up into many lines to look like poetry.
4 of 8 found this review helpful:
Now here is a role model for our children!, 2004-07-13
I am a single mother of a 7 month little boy, Georgi. My mother bought all of Mattie's books for me to read to my son and I am so grateful to have Mattie's books which celebrate love, tolerance and peace. I will use Mattie's books for guidance to raise a mindful young man who I hope also chooses to become a peacemaker and poet. God bless Mattie and his mother. We are blessed to have known Mattie who inspired so many people. The world is a better place because he lived!
10 of 12 found this review helpful:
Mattie - May you rest in peace. Some angels will envy you., 2004-07-07
I'd never heard of Mattie until I tuned into Larry King one night during June 2004 to watch his show. The show was dedicated to Mattie after his untimely death from muscular dystrophy. All I can say is that I was both moved and inspired. Hearing Mattie (the show was a re-run of his 2002 appearance) read his poetry was just amazing. He saw things in ways that only a child could see. Maybe as we grow up, we look at the world differently, but his vision of the world through his poetry was refreshing and inspirational.
Being a screenwriter, I am always looking for inspiration. I have a young female character that I had developed only so far. It appears Mattie was the missing piece. It seems I was "meant" to watch that show, to take something from it. I will now complete that character by moulding some of Mattie's ideals and traits into that character. Mattie, in your short life, you achieved more than I think I have in my 28 years on this Earth. I am a dreamer and much of my time has been wasted dreaming. Your illness was was your weakness, but your strenght showed how weak I am. Time is precious and you made the most of your time on this Earth.
With your poetry, you will have the last word. Hopefully we can all take something from your words, that are so simple, but are formed in such an awe-inspiring way. The world is complicated right now. But simple is always best. And you were the best. God Bless.
6 of 9 found this review helpful:
Keep Going Mattie! Outstanding Work!, 2004-07-05
Mattie's heart shines so brightly through his work, and uplifts the spirits of those who may feel like there is nothing left to live for. He is a beacon in the dark, and his writing is soothing to the soul.
Keep going Mattie, no matter what ANYONE says, keep up your fantastic work. You are truly a gift to humanity, and your writing is incredibly beautiful, touching, and deeply needed!
10 Stars!
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