Loving Through Heartsongs [Hardcover]

Mattie J. T. Stepanek (Author), Maya Angelou (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 7, 2003

attie J.T. Stepanek has won the hearts of millions with his inspiring poems from his first two New York Times bestsellers. Now he's ready to spread a little love with Loving Through Heartsongs, a beautiful collection of poems written about innocence and trusting love from a child's perspective. Mattie's struggle with muscular dystrophy has never kept him from feeling deep love for his family, friends, country, and faith-heartfelt emotions that are reflected throughout these pages.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Twelve-year-old Mattie J.T. Stepanek, has been writing poetry and short stories since age three. He has made several appearances on Oprah, and has also been a guest on Good Morning America, Prime Time Live, and has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, Chicago Tribune, and People. Mattie is currently the Maryland State and National Goodwill Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He is the recipient of several awards, including the 2002 Children's Hope Medal of Honor and the 2002 Verizon Courage Award. He lives with his mother, Jeni, in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, where he is homeschooled.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Hardcover: 70 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion; 1st edition (January 7, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786869461
• ISBN-13: 978-0786869466
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #188,926 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

113 of 122 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Poet and Peacemaker, April 3, 2003

By 

Terrie (Little Chute, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Loving Through Heartsongs (Hardcover)

Is there anyone who doesn't know about Mattie J.T. Stepanek? He's gotten a lot of press thanks to Oprah and Jimmy Carter, Jerry Lewis and Maya Angelou and a host of others who have been touched by his poetic words, heartfelt messages of love and peace and his beautiful spirit, so filled with courage and hope.
Well, I hadn't heard of him before yesterday. If you don't know him, he is a young boy, child of a single mom, and he has a rare form of muscular dystrophy that has already claimed the lives of his three siblings.
When I did hear about him, it was with great praise, so I did some investigating. At first all the glowing praises I heard made me a little hesitant to check his work out. Sometimes Oprah just gets to me...yeah, yeah Oprah, I think, everything is sooo wonderful and it's all about spirit and love and joy, joy, joy down in my heart...wish I had a few million bucks...whatever, Oprah. I know, what a bitter, jaded way to think...I admit it...but I do think that way sometimes and I hate for people to tell me how GREAT everything is when I feel otherwise. Thankfully, something made me actually take a look at Mattie J.T. Stepanek's actual work. I was swept away in a river of emotion. I was bowled over by the beauty of his words and the power of his talent. I was deeply touched by his life and his spiritual presence. I actually bought all five of his books and read every one. Some of his poems have a delightful childish humor, some are subtle, some are blunt, some are sweet and some are so sad. All are filled with such light and hope and the deep yearning for peace, understanding and love. All have been written with a deep wish to give to others, to share with others the joy of living. I think Mattie is a Christian but his words speak past religious dogma and into the spirits of everyone, no matter what religion. His words even speak past "religion" altogether and go directly to spirit and heart. I am sometimes a jaded old sour puss but this boy's words reached me with complete ease and made me feel hopeful...no small job. This book, Loving Through Heartsongs, is his latest and the poems are more mature sounding than in some of the other books, because of course Mattie is becoming more mature, growing up and becoming more complex. His writing skills are sharpening. His meditations and his life experiences are giving more depth to his thoughts. I feel that some of the innocent simplicity of his earliest work is lost in these longer more "thoughtful" poems. There is a little more temptation on his part to chide and to instruct, but it is barely detectable. His earlier work is more from his heart and I feel that as he grows older he is beginning, as in this book, to rely more and more upon his mind. I am not saying that is a bad thing, but it does seem, to me, to be happening gradually. This is a beautiful, moving and uplifting book. I think most anyone will be able to take a great deal of good from it. I do encourage everyone to check out Mattie's other books, too. His message to humanity is enormously important and his skill as a writer is a rare thrill.

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible Inspiration from a Very Special Soul. 10 Stars!, June 29, 2004

By 

Barbara Rose (BornToInspire.com) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Loving Through Heartsongs (Hardcover)

Mattie J.T. Stepanek's words really went right to my heart, and into my soul, as I read his work agape with wonder at his pure spirit that is a beacon of Light, Wisdom, Hope, and Peace for all.
This book is an absolute treasure, and one that I HIGHLY recommend to anyone, at every age - it is priceless, and so is Mattie. Deserves 10 Stars!
Thank you Mattie, for being such a brave, true, and genuine soul. This world really needs you - keep up your profound work! From my heart, Barbara Rose, author `If God Was Like Man'

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Words written by an Angel, September 21, 2004

By 

Unbroken "Crys" (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Loving Through Heartsongs (Audio Cassette)

First of all, Mattie was an amazing child, an angel that graced us with his presence. His words, although obviously written by a child, are far more meaningful than anything I have ever read in my life. His message and attitude inspires me to this moment, and I will live my life with his smile in my mind.

To the person who wrote the terrible review... how dare you. You use the words of an ignorant miserable person, and you need Mattie's book most of all. You're honest opinion is one that should be kept to yourself, Mattie passed away this June and he was so much more than just an ordinary child. He was a gift from God and Im sorry that you are missing out on that, its an amazing gift.