Forgive Everyone Everything

by Gregory Boyle, Fabian Debora (Artist)

2023 Illumination Book Awards Gold Medalist, Keepsake/Gift/Specality Bible
2023 Independent Press Awards Winner, Hispanic
2023 Independent Press Awards Distinguished Favorite, Gift Books
2023 Independent Press Awards Distinguished Favorite, Religion Nonfiction
2023 Association of Catholic Publishers Excellence in Publishing Awards, First Place (Tie), Prayer
2023 Catholic Media Association Book Awards, Second Place, Inclusion in the Church

Gregory Boyle, SJ, spends his days at Homeboy Industries accompanying ex-gang members as they rebuild their lives. Forgive Everyone Everything is a powerful collection of his most poignant writings based on decades of experiences of loss and pain, redemption and renewal. All 50 reflections are accompanied by stunning street art from acclaimed artist and ex-gang member Fabian Debora, making this book a modern-day devotional that will provoke and inspire readers.

“There’s no denying how difficult things can be. But the way out to the place of resilience, the place of restoration, the place of not allowing your heart to be hardened by resentment, relies on one forgive everyone everything.”–Gregory Boyle
 

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Religion, Inspirational, Christian

112 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2022

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

[A Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

This work is a series of short anecdotes that have been turned into devotionals for those of the Christian faith. The stories typically revolve around the author’s interactions with inmates, community members, and reformed gang members in California.

I highly recommend this work for those of the Christian faith who are looking for a collection of inspirational and touching devotionals. There are 50 of these stories in this work. Each story contains an anecdote and is usually tied together with a Bible verse and a short exhortation or lesson relating to the topic.

Though some of the stories revolved around death and tragedy, this work had an overall positive and uplifting message. The book is also filled with art by Fabian Debora. The art is graffiti/street art style and made for a lovely contrast with the devotionals.

My thanks to NetGalley and Loyola Press for allowing me to read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[WillyB · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of stories from Father Greg’s previous books. It’s a shorten book that I felt was best read in a devotional style. Read 2-3 stories a day in order to allow the beauty and power of these stories to sink and allow for reflection. This book has played a pivotal role for me in personal life but also in the work that I do. Not to mention the artwork by Fabian is fantastic, and brings the beauty and passion of the stories to a new level. Would recommend this to anyone. But would also recommend reading it few stories at a time (it’s difficult to hold back) but it’s so powerful when you do.

[Danielle Palmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was basically a compilation of stories from his other books, with artwork from one of the homies. The artwork was very colorful. The stories are great, but I’d already read them in the other books. There were two lines that really stuck out to me: that compassion is the answer to every question, and “what are the chances that god holds the same tiny point of view as I do? Well, zero.”

[Mike Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful collection of stories. Most will make you cry. I read a chapter or two at breakfast to help set my perspective for the day.

The artwork is haunting and thought provoking.

I’ll be keeping this on my kitchen table to re-read.

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely solid gold!

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful artwork and gems from the other Gregory Boyle books.
A treasure for future meditation.
Key truth: God want each of us to know the true self that she created in us; I need to reclaim this over and over; I need to see that image in others--especially in those who are most broken.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't remember a lot of these stories from his other books and the artwork in this was beautiful.

[Monica Zebold-Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

My friend Ann shared this with me. I read it during several Adoration hours. Extremely impactful!! I’m going to order one to keep 🥰.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book brings tremendous insight into both the spirit of Father Greg Boyle, and the minds and hearts of the Homeboys, former and current gang members, he mentors.

Forgive Everyone Everything is a collaboration between Greg Boyle and one of those he works with, Fabian Debora, a very talented and insightful artist. The words and images work together to convey both the hurt and hope of experiencing the world they - and we - live in. The young men mentored by G (as he's often called) experience far more death and despair than most of us can even imagine, yet through their stories of extreme loss, pain and hopelessness shines a light of faith and possibilities!

Check out this book of brief devotions, and be open to what their stories can teach us about humility, hope and even faith.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like all of Fr. Boyle's books, this one was lovely - touching and funny and thought-provoking. This was a collection of his stories and comments - some old and some newer - with the addition of absolutely beautiful artwork. Although I read this on my phone, I wouldn't recommend that. This is one book you must read in person in order to get the full effect - highly recommend. Many thanks to Fr. Boyle, NetGalley, and Loyola Press for the ARC of this title.

[Timothy Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anecdotes from the authors more detailed books, these are collected reflections on his experiences of loss and pain, redemption and renewal during his work as a Catholic priest getting people OUT of the gangs in Los Angeles with Homeboy Industries. Each reflection is illustrated with street art created by one of the men who used Homeboy to successfully get out of the gang life. Honestly, the street art is worth the book all by itself.

[Levi Macallister · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boyle's is a healing voice in my life. His compassion and understanding of the human person — forged in a lifetime's worth of service to those otherwise outcast by society (remind you of anyone else?) — is bar none. This book is more a collection of writings found elsewhere (and some original musings) combined with artistry and the best of the human invitation to see oneself as Beloved.

[David Mcnaughton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book- both thoughtful and hopeful- to start the new year.
One of many favorite quotes

For in the end, it's only our joy that authenticates our living, brought to you by a decided fearlessness. "One filled with joy," Mother Theresa says, "preaches without preaching."

Sound track : Bad Bunny

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is sort of a strange book. It is written by a Jesuit Priest who started an organization that would become Homeboy Industries. The organization employs and trains former gang members and helps them eventually find jobs. The book is a collection of short articles based on his experience. The illustrations in the book are done by a former gang member.

[Joanne Ader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Great for reading a page at a time and meditating on those words.
Father Boyle has a very down to earth spirituality the blend scripture with huis stories about the gang members who are living at the Home Boys Institute. A real eye opener.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely book about a Jesuit priest who works with former gang members as they try to improve their lives. It’s illustrated with beautiful, personal portraits and it reminds us of God in our lives and our obligations to one another

[Beckie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this for my DNP program elective ETHL 729. I had not heard of Homeboy Industries prior to reading this but am in awe of the work done by the group and Gr. Gregory Boyle. I didn't love the way this was written and illustrated, but do appreciate it.

[Bryan Eberl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Made as a devotion of sorts. I came mostly for more stories like tattoos of the heart, but didn’t deliver that expectation. Had some, just much different. I rate it 4, because more for the art work and ounces of inspiration/ ties to scripture is still worth the read!

[John Teske · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Title says it all.

This book has a series of reflections that the author makes/made during his years serving the youth of the LA area, those in gangs, arrested, and imprisoned.

Beautiful art reminiscent of Diego Rivera and Frida Khalo.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an inspiring collection of excerpts from Father Greg Boyle's previous books, accompanied by stunning and thought-provoking artwork by Fabian Debora that perfectly compliments the text. I thoroughly enjoyed re-reading some of Father Boyle's writing and will definitely revisit this book.

[Patricia Makatsaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was more like a devotional than a self help book on how to forgive. The stories and artwork were touching. FYI - a lot of quotes from the Bible - just a warning In case you’re not into that kind of thing.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

it's from his books, but I didn't remember all of them, and the artwork is also fantastic. Totally worth it even if you have read everything.

[Vicki Kolbinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impressive artwork

[John Muntges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching, Eye Opening

Word and images to take in and make your own, a gift from the heart of two remarkable men and their community.

[Devon Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect book for Easter Week - the original art is stunning.

[Joni Duke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Greg Boyle & the work that he does!

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful little book, not only the words but the illustrations. I used each short entry as a daily reading.

[Ariane Eicke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Need to read it annually for the therapy and spiritual guidance it provides.

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book of anecdotes. I appreciate Boyle's perspective and really connected to several of the stories.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but beautiful messages and artwork.