
Below are 3 reviews and a link to the author's website:
The moving tribute to the young man Oprah Winfrey called "an inspiration"-told by the woman who raised him.
Mattie Stepanek's Heartsongs books were a phenomenon. Not only did they hit the bestseller lists, but the books-and Mattie himself- were a source of inspiration to many, and brought him major recognition. Jimmy Carter described young Mattie Stepanek as "the most remarkable person I have ever known."
In Messenger, Jeni Stepanek shares the inspiring story of her son's life. Mattie was born with a rare disorder called Dysautonomic Mitochondrial Myopathy, and Jeni was advised to institutionalize him. Instead, she nurtured a child who transformed his hardships into a worldwide message of peace and hope. Though Mattie suffered through his disease, his mother's disabilities, and the loss of his three older siblings, he never abandoned his positive spirit. His Heartsong- the word he used to describe a person's inner self-spread a philosophy that peace begins with an attitude and can spread to the entire world. About the Author Jeni Stepanek, Ph.D., is the mother of Mattie Stepanek, the New York Times bestselling author and humanitarian, who passed away in 2004 due to Dysautonomic Mitochondrial Myopathy. Jeni lost three other children to that same neuromuscular disease and has the adult-onset form herself. She is an award-winning speaker and advocate, and chairs the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation.
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.
I have read some of Mattie's other books. This one written by Jeni is in such depth about Mattie's moments in life and how
he clearly served up lemonade when given lemons. Both mom and son are messengers.
Author's Website:
http://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-Smith-Stepanek/e/B002PI5ZXM/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
www.mattieonline.com