A Heartsongs Collection: Heartsongs and Journey Through Heartsongs [UNABRIDGED] (Audio Cassette)

by Mattie J. T. Stepanek (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From AudioFile
[Editor's Note: The following is a combined review with HOPE THROUGH HEARTSONGS.]--The author, not yet a teenager, is a poet whose inspirational words arise from his longstanding struggle with a rare form of muscular dystrophy. Hearing him read his poems and connecting with his view of the world will be quite an experience for many listeners. You hear, not a struggling child, but a young adult, seasoned by having to contemplate an existence founded on pain, dysfunction, and a limited future. He reads naturally, and the two audios will make many parents take another look at the way children experience the world and what kinds of childhood problems are really worth worrying about. T.W. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Hyperion; Unabridged edition (March 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786869534
• ISBN-13: 978-0786869534
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #540,411 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A HUMBLE PEACEMAKER WHO WILL REMAIN IN YOUR HEART, October 19, 2002

By	BeatleBangs1964 (United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Mattie Stepanak is a self-proclaimed peacemaker. His words of wisdom cover a myriad of subjects ranging from the tragic deaths of his older siblings to his own daily challenges and successes living with a rare form of muscular dystrophy.

This boy speaks the wisdom of the ages. He has said that he is a peacemaker and I believe he is. His work reflects deep thoughts on current events and pleas for people to reach into their own hearts and minds and follow their individual heartsongs. A "heartsong," as this young man has so eloquently defined, is any calling or core beliefs that guide, direct and shape one's thinking. Mattie has a flair for natural expression and the rhythm of his words flow smoothly and naturally. He is just as fluent, brilliant and well versed verbally. I like the way he has said that instead of bombs, "have a war with words" and "you don't need weapons." He is right.

Mattie's role model of choice is former President Carter because in his words, Carter is a humble peacemaker. Mattie, like Carter has championed causes and has done a lot to promote peace and reason. Mattie has certainly been a voice of comfort and inspiration for many.

This book might make you cry, but it is so worth reading. You will love Mattie. He really is a peacemaker.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Young Peacemaker, June 28, 2004

By A Customer

Since Mattie has passed away, there may be new readers who learn of him. He was truly an incredible soul, and this book has to touch your heart. He will astound you with his words and wisdom and you will feel blessed by the writings of a young peacemaker. His books should be required reading by all!

11 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Struggles with a rare form of muscular dystrophy, May 10, 2002

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

The eleven-year-old author has prior writings and audios about his feelings of life and his struggles with a rare form of muscular dystrophy: this collection is filled with inspiration and reflections and will attract a wide audience of listeners.