Loving Through Heartsongs

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

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.

Genres: Poetry

80 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Matthew Joseph Thaddeus Stepanek, known as Mattie Stepanek, was an American poet, who had six books of poetry and one book of essays all reach The New York Times bestsellers list. He became a peace advocate and motivational speaker, and lobbied on Capitol Hill on behalf of peace, people with disabilities, and children with life-threatening conditions.

Stepanek suffered from a rare form of muscular dystrophy, dysautonomic mitochondrial myopathy, that resulted in his death a month before his 14th birthday. His sister and two brothers also died from the disease during early childhood, and his mother, Jeni Stepanek, has the adult form, diagnosed only after all four of her children were born.

Reviews

[Barbara Mahoney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mattie J.T. Stepanek writes poetry about peace and love. He is a young boy with a wisdom well beyond his years. His poems are beautiful and inspirational.

Mattie suffered from MS his whole life and passed away at the age of 14. His hope was that his book would be published and read by others. He wanted to leave something permanent behind so that after he was gone - others would hear his message of love and hope for peace in the world.

This is the second book I have read by Mattie. I find his poems very touching and meaningful. In a troubled world, Mattie's poems are comforting, peaceful and filled with love. There is nothing like hearing about peace and love from a child. Mattie was a gifted child with something important to share!

This was the fifth and final book in the Heartsongs collection.

I will read another book of poetry by this author.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you realize that the author of this book lost his life before the age of 14 it makes it that much more amazing. Mattie Stepanek had a rare form of muscular dystrophy and some of these simple poems can have a much deeper message if you think of them as an adult. I listened to the audiobook and Mattie read it himself. Have your tissues nearby.

[Paxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mattie J.T. Stepanek is an amazing poet and peacemaker. His poetry has inspired many people, including me. Mattie's poetry speaks deeply about how to love everyone, even people that aren't related to you or people that are being mean to you.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

As have all of Mattie's poems, the ones in his "Loving Through Heartsongs, left me in awe. Wise beyond his years, he puts his heart and soul into each poem meant to encourage and inspire his readers.
Once again, he was a success beyond description

[Dias Wuri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never thought I would lay my hands on this book since it isn't sold anywhere in where I live. But there came my best pal Maulida Raviola, who said, "Gotta present for you," and heck she gave me this book!!! I was so stunned. Maulida, Ash Wee, I looooooooooooooove you!

[Yvette]

Loving Through Heartsongs by Mattie J. T. Stepanek (2002)

[Jimmy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm probably the only person in the whole world who didn't care for such immense sentimentality.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the poems. Very intelligent from such a young boy. This one will find its way into my library.

[Tonia Christle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, this is probably my least favorite of these five books - but still good - and worth the read!

[Patricia Franz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, This little boy with an old soul.It's a book to keep forever.

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute!