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

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 seventeen. 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. An unforgettable memoir of joy, grief, and triumph, Knowing Jesse unlocks the secret of unconditional love and speaks to all families who strive to do right by their children.

About the Author :
Marianne Leone is an actress who appeared in The Sopranos, a screenwriter, and an essayist published in the Boston Globe. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband, actor Chris Cooper, and two rescue dogs. The Jesse Cooper Foundation funds inclusion and adapted sports for children with special needs, and supports disabled orphans in Romania. READER BIO Marianne Leone is an actress who appeared in The Sopranos, a screenwriter, and an essayist published in the Boston Globe. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband, actor Chris Cooper, and two rescue dogs. The Jesse Cooper Foundation funds inclusion and adapted sports for children with special needs, and supports disabled orphans in Romania.

Review :
"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"Knowing Jesse's title mentions grief and grace and everyday bliss. Yes, those elements are included. But that's a fraction of the fun. Yeah--that's right. I said fun. As in funny. This book made me laugh and cry and then laugh again until I was crying with laughter. . . This kid's journey is one of a kind and so is this book. Do yourself a favor: buy it, read it, and when you are done--read it again." - Dennis Leary, author of Why We Suck and co-creator of Rescue Me"I was stunned. Stunned and moved to tears. This book is about unwavering courage, unbounded love, and perseverance in the face of adversity. It grabs you by the lapels and takes you on a wondrous, inspiring journey. I couldn't put it down and I now carry Jesse's journey in my heart." - William H. Macy "This book will break your heart. This book will make you angry. It will make you laugh and cry and cheer. But mostly, this book will lift you up." - Ann Hood, author of Comfort and the Knitting Circle "In prose so full of life and love and rage and grace it will fill the room where you read it, Marianne Leone tells the story of her son, Jesse. Sorrow and joy found in the same breath, but grace abounds and justice triumphs." - Abigail Thomas, author of A Three Dog Life