Knowing Jesse

By: Marianne Leone

Narrated by: Marianne Leone

Length: 6 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's Summary

Jesse Cooper was an honor-roll student who loved to windsurf and write poetry. He also had severe cerebral palsy and was quadriplegic, unable to speak, and wracked by seizures. He died suddenly at age 17. In fiercely honest, surprisingly funny, and sometimes heartbreaking prose, Jesse's mother, Marianne Leone, chronicles her transformation by the remarkable life and untimely death of her child.

©2010 Marianne Leone (P)2010 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Critic Reviews

“A mother’s passion-filled memoir of her fight to give her disabled son the life he deserved.... Love for her son and rage at those who did not see him as worthwhile permeate the narrative, which surprises with its humor and frankness.... Leone’s character sketches are deft and humorous, and included throughout are selections of Jesse’s poetry and photographs of the boy with family and friends, attesting to a life that, though short and often painful, was filled with accomplishment, love and joy. Heartwarming.” (Kirkus Reviews)

Never would have picked this title

If it wasn't for my wife making the recommendation. Spend a few hours listing to Jesse's mom tell her story. You will be pleased to know her and get a feeling about how she knows her son. Lucky woman.

Inspiring

I lost my 17 year old son, Beau, eight months ago, however, under very different circumstances. But the one thing we do have in common as mothers is an undying love for our sons. I appreciated every word. What resonated with me is Marianne's love for Jesse. Just like my love for my son, Beau. Thank you, Marianne.