Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion

by Gregory Boyle

Paperback

Published February 22, 2011

About the author

As Executive Director of Homeboy Industries and an acknowledged expert on gangs and intervention approaches, Fr. Boyle is an internationally renowned speaker. He has given commencement addresses at numerous universities, as well as spoken at conferences for teachers, social workers, criminal justice workers and others about the importance of adult attention, guidance and unconditional love in preventing youth from joining gangs. Fr. Greg and several “homies” were featured speakers at the White House Conference on Youth in 2005 at the personal invitation of Mrs. George Bush. In 1998 he was a member of the 10-person California delegation to President Clinton’s Summit on Children in Philadelphia. Fr. Greg is also a consultant to youth service and governmental agencies, policy-makers and employers. Fr. Boyle serves as a member of the National Gang Center Advisory Board (U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention). He is also a member of the Advisory Board for the Loyola Law School Center for Juvenile Law and Policy in Los Angeles. Previously, he held an appointment to the California Commission on Juvenile Justice, Crime and Delinquency Prevention.

Reviews

[Kathleen Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book and has been life changing and provocative for me. Every chapter another example of extraordinary grace.

[Kara Mckeown · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many lessons in this one i don't know where to start. I picked it up because my family member rated it highly, I started listening and almost returned it without finishing. I am so glad I didn't. There are so many lessons and truly powerful. I love books that I can honestly say changed me this is right up there at the top of my list. I don't rate many books 5 stars so hope you pick it up because that is how good this one is.

[Jaquin McGugian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great, I would recommend it to everyone I know. The stories in the book are all very well written and very impactful. All the characters and stories are very personal and contribute to the overall theme of the book. All the characters and stories are amazing and I would recommend it to everyone.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely surprise. The work Mr. Boyle is doing is incredible. He is example of how compassion and pure love can change people and provide a second chance in life. It is inspiring, moving, and so refreshing in a world where many look to criticize and tear others down. He sees the good in people and believes they can change through love. Grab your tissues!

[Cara Kasparian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of compassion and quotable passages. It will leave your heart full and aching in the same chapter. We need more people like Gregory Boyle in the world. People full of brotherly love, compassion and taking action to help others.

[Josue · Rating 3 out of 5]

i think this is a ready good book. it has some many story about people that are in gangs and that dont ask for help or don't ask for help or that are in drugs. i like this book because i know people that are in those things to.And i feel homeboy is a good peerson to be helping the ones in needed.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

just reread this favorite, in need of a bit of hope in this particular moment in time. if only we could all live in such a way—kinship, compassion, solidarity. we could be somewhere beautiful.
i will share this book and reread it anytime i am in need of a reminder on how we are called to live.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. The lessons in this book are important and shed light on important social issues.

[Chloe Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very good and all the stories and characters lead to developing an overall theme of compassion and caring for others unconditionally.

[Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells an amazing true story. It has some very sad parts. It will make you dislike gangs and simultaneously have compassion for individual gang members.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful and heartbreaking.

[Kymberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy his books and stories. Know this is a priest who helps gang members who want to change their lives. Warning: there is language.