Celebrate Through Heartsongs Download Free (EPUB, PDF)
Mattie 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.
Age Range: 18 and up
Hardcover: 73 pages
Publisher: Hyperion; 1st edition (August 27, 2002)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0786869453
ISBN-13: 978-0786869459
Product Dimensions: 6 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #947,956 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #53 in Books > Reference > Writing, Research & Publishing Guides > Writing > Poetry #265 in Books > Children's Books > Religions > Inspirational #1077 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry > Themes & Styles > Inspirational & Religious
Mattie Stepanek's poetry leaves some people wondering how a child could express his thoughts and feelings with such style and grace, and yet as I read through the pages I find myself understanding exactly what he means, and remembering my own special words for entities when I was a child. Mattie is sparked with the grace all of us are born with, but few continue to hold. He exhibits real intelligence, not by calculating or giving us a technological advancement, not by teaching us how to manage our money or how to avoid shelling it out to the IRS. Mattie's intelligence is of the highest variety--the understanding that Love is Law and that the only things of value in this world are the eternal souls--fellow human beings made in the Creator's Image--that we meet and hopefully commune with (rather in a sandbox or by a fireplace) every day of our lives.
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.
The simplicity of Mattie's poetry is its power. His thoughts are deep and well expressed for one of his age. I have been reading his poetry for a while now and find that his words make me smile, make me cry, and most all of all - make me think. If all of our children had the thoughts and goals of this young man, the world would bloom into a much nicer place.
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.
In Celebrate through Heartsongs we hear a sweet child's voice with a wise person's message. However, the power of Mattie's voice is neither his sweetness nor his wisdom. Rather, it's his great clarity and sureness. Mattie uses death to remind us of what's important, and he cuts right to the chase without any confusion or distraction. This refreshes the reader.The collection of poems contained in this particular volume of Mattie's work is inconsistent. For example, the emotional charge you receive from reading a poem like "Post-terrorism Haiku" is not the same as the flatter and less interesting experience of reading "Winter Tops." Still, there is enough beef in Celebrate Through Heartsongs to satisfy the reader.
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!
Mattie was a special soal. His heart was an inspiration to anyone who ever saw or met Mattie. I miss him. He spoke with his loving heart.A joy child who contributed so much in his short life. Everyone shouldread what he shared with the world.
His poetry is some of the best I have ever heard. It is even better to hear him read the poems. This book is worth buying. He will touch your heart.
Celebrate Through Heartsongs Reflections of a Peacemaker: A Portrait Through Heartsongs Journey Through Heartsongs Independence Day / Dia de la Independencia (Little Jamie Books: Celebrate With Me) (Spanish Edition) (Little Jamie Books: Celebrate with Me/Celebro Conmigo) It's Winter! (Celebrate the Seasons!) (Celebrate the Seasons! (Paperback)) Heartsongs Collection: The Poetry of Mattie J. T. Stepanek Little Hands Celebrate America!: Learning about the U.S.A. Through Crafts & Activities (Little Hands Book) Peace. Joy. Color.: Celebrate the Season with 20 Tear-Out Coloring Cards Seize the Day; Celebrate the Everyday Joys of Life 2015 Boxed Calendar 2017 Calendar: Celebrate Every Day and Make This Your Best Year Ever It's Fall (Celebrate the Seasons! (Paperback)) Celebrating Colorado: 50 States to Celebrate (Green Light Readers Level 3) The 50 States: Fun Facts: Celebrate the people, places and food of the U.S.A! Celebrating Washington State: 50 States to Celebrate (Green Light Readers Level 3) Celebrating Florida: 50 States to Celebrate (Green Light Readers Level 3) Let's Celebrate: Festival Poems Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Chinese New Year: With Fireworks, Dragons, and Lanterns Let's Celebrate Independence Day (Holidays & Heroes) Celebrate: A Book of Jewish Holidays (Reading Railroad) Apples (Celebrate Fall)
