Author Jeanne Hess hopes to inspire readers with her collection of non-fiction
KALAMAZOO, Mich., July 10, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- A young man with dreams, a family's grief over a lost child, a story of international adoption, a tribute to a revered baseball announcer, and author Jeanne Hess' own journey into becoming a person separate from the roles she played are all linked in Hess' newest release, "MaxAbility: Who Are You, and What Are You Here For."
When Hess first met Max, a young man on the autism spectrum, he asked her, "Who are you? What are you here for?" She takes these questions to heart and shares stories about Max and those close to him as she watches him grow. The title of the book is meant to counteract the term "disability," and encourage readers to live up to their "MaxAbility."
"This book is the result of my experience with that awareness of the common thread that runs within and throughout our connected lives," said Hess. "Succumbing to the great universal truths, the questions hurled at me from the lips of my friend Max were to forever change my life."
Hess spent 35 years as professor and chair of the Physical Education Department, and Volleyball Coach at Kalamazoo College. During her career, she spent time as assistant basketball coach, assistant softball coach and associate chaplain. During this time she penned "Sportuality: Finding Joy in the Games," published by Balboa Press in 2012. The book is a look into the heart of sport and examines how individuals can attain peace, understanding, and joy through sports.
"Now, fully engaged in my encore career, I am using the lessons of coaching and teaching to honor the power of story, to connect with my community, and to find joy," said Hess.
"MaxAbility: Who Are You, and What Are You Here For?"
By Jeanne Hess
ISBN: 9798765237052 (softcover); 9798765237069 (electronic)
Available at Balboa Press, Amazon and Barnes & Noble
About the author
Commissioner Jeanne Hess retired in August 2019 after 35 years as professor and chair of the Physical Education Department, and Volleyball Coach at Kalamazoo College, and immediately pursued election to the Kalamazoo City Commission. In addition to her work as an author and as a Kalamazoo City Commissioner, Jeanne serves as an officiant for celebrating life transitions and volunteers with several community organizations. Hess and her husband reside in Kalamazoo, Michigan. They have two sons and four grandchildren. To learn more, please visit http://www.balboapress.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/847454-maxability.
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