Customer Reviews

Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion

5 star:		(108)
4 star:		(8)
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I heard Fr. Greg Boyle speak a few years ago at a conference in Los Angeles and he is without question the best speaker I have ever heard. What is so impressive about his faith journey is that it is lived. The stories of human transformation described in the book are some of the most moving and inspiring spiritual narratives that I have encountered. At a time when it is so easy to become so cynical about institutional faith his writing breaks through with a spiritual force that reminds us of true meaning of faith.

It's about what it means to be human, to seek the goodness within ourselves and everyone and everything around us. It is thoroughly entertaining, instructional, thought-provoking, inspirational, faith-restoring... I am halfway through the book and torn between devouring the rest in one sitting or drawing it out as long as possible. It's one of those books that you know you will be sad when you reach the end because you loved it so much.

Whenever Fr. quotes one of the "homies," I cannot help but cry. The simple yet deep wisdom they speak makes this very slow and prayerful reading. I have to stop and meditate. It is hard only because I also want to rush through the pages. The writing is fascinating and inspired! It's on my kindle, but know it's a book I want on my shelves. This is gospel!

Greg Boyle is one of the greatest persons I've ever known. The stories are riveting along with the spiritual insight. I was impressed how he wrote the short story about the passing of his own father and how his mother's pillow played a part of that same story. My wife and I also breathe in the scents of each other when the other is not there.

Tattoos on the Heart is all about the kinship we should all be sharing with each other, and that God asks us to be kind, loving and compassionate with each other. This book helps to reaffirm the ultimate goal in life.

Thank you Father Boyle. Had a chance to hear you speak and you are inspirational

After reading this book, I am a different person. I read each of the stories, I cried and laughed. It made me think about how
easily I dismiss people and demonize them when I really don't really know them. The last story about Chico broke my heart. The book
is written in a poetic style and it touched my heart. I will be more compassionate to the students that I teach that are struggling.

Tattoos of the Heart by Father Gregory Boyle is the kind of book I want to press into the hands of everyone I know to make them read it and love it as I do. Boyle is the creator of Homeboy Industries which employs gang members in Los Angeles. Originally a bakery, it has grown to a silk screening business, graffiti removal business, plus more. They provide counseling, tattoo removal, and a wide range of other services for the entire community. Boyle fills the book with an assortment of anecdotes from the hilarious to the outrageous to the tragic. While reading, I kept sharing different stories aloud with my husband, because they are so stunning, I just had to share them. The message that Boyle wants his readers to get is that every single one of these gangbangers, no matter how hardcore, are in need of love, and to know that they have personal worth and value. He has faced a lot of prejudice in his dealings with them, and to the average reader, some of these people are truly frightening, but Boyle makes them always human and fragile. He speaks their language and gives them the opportunity to get a job, and to shatter the limitations imposed upon them by a variety of societal conditions. Boyle doesn't just share the "success" stories, but he wants to change the reader's definition of success. It can't be measured by a number of jobs or education, but by the number of hearts changed permanently by an organization who pours out the unconditional love of God. I dare you to read this book and not be moved by the stories within. Try not to cry as a mother loses yet another son to senseless violence. Don't smile when reading as a former gangbanger shares how he reads stories with his children each night before bed. These stories will tattoo themselves onto your heart.

Father Greg's book speaks to the heart of the work, and is essential reading for anyone who chooses to "stand outside the circle" with those who have no choice. His words are hopeful, and affirming, and necessary for anyone who seeks to make a difference....one at a time. Father Greg is a well-educated and well-read Jesuit, and his stories are viewed through more than one lens: the spiritual, the intellectual, and the humorous. Its a fast read, but one to be savored. I will never think about high school biology again without thinking of "digesting the frog", and I will never forget the enduring hope and compassion of Father Greg and his "homies".

Greg Boyle's insight into gang life is at once remarkably personal and incredibly poetic. He shares years of experience in one of the toughest neighborhoods in the country with stories that overflow with humanity and love. It's an epic read that I just couldn't put down.

I've given away three copies and am back for more. This book really blew me away. I don't know how stories about such sad circumstances can end up renewing my faith in humanity. The hope and love demonstrated in the stories has lifted me like nothing in the past few years. And Fr. Boyle's ear for the patois of the 'hood is really awesome. I can't recommend this highly enough.