Knowing Jesse
A Mother's Story of Grief, Grace, and Everyday Bliss

Not only do I cherish this beautiful story, I spent 11 years with jesse and his entire family. He was my teacher of unconditional love,facing fear and embracing myself. I carry part of his life and spirit in my heart, in my soul forever. My love to his family......more

Rather than being a pity party, this memoir encourages the exact opposite - that we start seeing disabled people as the human beings they are. As a person with cerebral palsy, I was initially hesitant in picking up this book, wary that it might eventually give way to what I dread - an able-bodied pe......more

Recommended by Melissa McEwan at Shakesville. I was interested partially because of my connection with people with serious disabilities, including someone in my family, and partially because I'm a big fan of Jesse's dad, the actor Chris Cooper. And having read this book, I'm now a big admirer of his......more

Marianne Leone's son, Jesse, is born early and has a brain bleed that results in cerebral palsy. She tells her story through stories--little glimpses into her life as the mother of a severely disabled child, the struggles, the lessons, etc. The book is sprinkled with photos and Jesse's poetry, which......more