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G-Dog and the Homeboys: Father Greg Boyle and the Gangs of East Los Angeles
". . . A beautifully composed exposition of the work that Father Greg Boyle, S.J., has done with young Latino gang members of East Los Angeles. Boyle has received national recognition for his dedicated efforts to redirect finding jobs and decent alternative schooling and offering unqualified support and love. . . . Boyle couldn't save all the "homies" from the results of gang-banging, gun attacks, alcohol, dope, and prison, but they knew he was there, and many have made it to responsible adulthood."-- Library Journal Originally published in 1995, this paperback edition updates us on the lives of the homeboys with whom Father Greg Boyle continues to work, allowing for a unique analysis as to how some former gang members are able to make it out, while others are not. "Cops, rabbis, judges, janitors, teachers, talk show hosts, Read G-Dog and the Homeboys! . . . Celeste Fremon's engaged yet honest journalistic tour de force will . . . help you to understand why our children are blowing each other to pieces, and force you to consider that yes, these violent young pariahs are, indeed, ours."--Bob Sipchen, author of Baby Insane and the Buddha
299 pages, Paperback
First published July 14, 1995
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1139 people want to read
About the author
Celeste Fremon
5 books2 followersAn Award-winning journalist whose articles have been syndicated worldwide by Universal Press and The Los Angeles Times Syndicate. She is a regular contributor to the Los Angeles Times Magazine, plus numerous national magazines. She has followed Father Greg and his work with the gangs for four years. She lives in Los Angeles with her son.
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December 21, 2017Celeste Fremon met Father Boyle and learned of his work in the early 90's, and she published the first version of this book in 1995. Since then she has added an Introduction and Epilogue and continued her work witnessing and documenting the work of Father Greg Boyle in East Los Angeles. She is a senior fellow for Social Justice/New Media at the USC Annenberg Institute for Justice and runs a website on Criminal Justice in the public interest at WitnessLA.com.
She tells the story of Father Boyle that he cannot tell, the successes and failures, perceptions of him among the community, the totality of what he brings to the marginalized. The only problem is that everything seems thrown together, which I understand is because it is real life and moving and therefore difficult to capture. I guess I'd hoped a journalist could do with language what us ordinary folks cannot. In any case, this is important documentation of an underserved community, to understate the situation.
She tells the story of Father Boyle that he cannot tell, the successes and failures, perceptions of him among the community, the totality of what he brings to the marginalized. The only problem is that everything seems thrown together, which I understand is because it is real life and moving and therefore difficult to capture. I guess I'd hoped a journalist could do with language what us ordinary folks cannot. In any case, this is important documentation of an underserved community, to understate the situation.
June 9, 2010
I read this book about Father Greg Boyle's work with the gangs in East L.A. after I read Boyle's own, recently published Tattoos on the Heart. I think this is the right order.
Although I knew something about Homeboy Industries, one of the business Boyle started to help gang members turn their lives around, I was amazed by some of the stories told in this book. I laughed at some of them, cried about others.
I learned a great deal about what motivates young people to join gangs, and about the deep-down goodness of the gang members. I learned how much the homies love Father Greg because he has loved them first, and how much resistance he met from his Church, the Jesuit Order, and the L.A. police department. I also discovered my own prejudices about the people served and loved by Father Greg.
I found this book to be enlightening in the same way as Three Cups of Tea, and a most enjoyable read.
Although I knew something about Homeboy Industries, one of the business Boyle started to help gang members turn their lives around, I was amazed by some of the stories told in this book. I laughed at some of them, cried about others.
I learned a great deal about what motivates young people to join gangs, and about the deep-down goodness of the gang members. I learned how much the homies love Father Greg because he has loved them first, and how much resistance he met from his Church, the Jesuit Order, and the L.A. police department. I also discovered my own prejudices about the people served and loved by Father Greg.
I found this book to be enlightening in the same way as Three Cups of Tea, and a most enjoyable read.
December 29, 2020
Really loved this one. Highly recommend.
October 17, 2016
If you are interested in gang life, this is a fine book to read. It details the inspiring work of a Jesuit priest in the midst of the worst gang area in LA. The power of love--real love--is transformative and the hope of the world.
December 2, 2010
Father Greg Boyle started his work in a working-class LA neighborhood during the worst of inter-youth violence in the 90's. Fremon shadows Boyle's relationships with the youth from the neighborhood who are very much in need of a friend. In the process, Fremon herself becomes involved with these soulful and engaging young people.
Many young men and and women have contacted Boyle and Fremon to let them know what this book meant to them, and that it is the only book they have read. The blessing that Boyle delivers to the young people who come into contact with him - you have value as a human, you are lovable - makes this book truly uplifting.
From a political perspective it is interesting to observe the church politics that threaten to destroy Boyle's work because he is simply too popular - and how he overcomes these hurdles.
Perhaps most importantly Fremon's work gives voice to the gang-involved minority youth who the media portrayed as violent monsters during the mid-90's. The resulting public outcry was arguably the beginning of the incarceration trend in California and nationwide. Through their own words we learn that these young men are doing their best to find a sense of purpose, acceptance and love against the backdrop of incredible deprivation, bigotry and loss.
My favorite part of the book is the update to the new edition where we learn about the young people who go on to make good lives for themselves. This is an engaging and meaningful must read!
Many young men and and women have contacted Boyle and Fremon to let them know what this book meant to them, and that it is the only book they have read. The blessing that Boyle delivers to the young people who come into contact with him - you have value as a human, you are lovable - makes this book truly uplifting.
From a political perspective it is interesting to observe the church politics that threaten to destroy Boyle's work because he is simply too popular - and how he overcomes these hurdles.
Perhaps most importantly Fremon's work gives voice to the gang-involved minority youth who the media portrayed as violent monsters during the mid-90's. The resulting public outcry was arguably the beginning of the incarceration trend in California and nationwide. Through their own words we learn that these young men are doing their best to find a sense of purpose, acceptance and love against the backdrop of incredible deprivation, bigotry and loss.
My favorite part of the book is the update to the new edition where we learn about the young people who go on to make good lives for themselves. This is an engaging and meaningful must read!
March 21, 2019
This book from the 1990s is truly inspiring. It demonstrates what a difference truly caring about a community can make. Father Greg, purely by instinct, embodied the main factors necessary for building resiliency in the kids in his parish:
caring and support,
high expectation for success,
opportunities for meaningful participation,
positive bonds,
clear and consistent boundaries,
and good life skills. (from page 288)
I look forward to reading the books Father Greg has written himself about his decades working with gang members.
caring and support,
high expectation for success,
opportunities for meaningful participation,
positive bonds,
clear and consistent boundaries,
and good life skills. (from page 288)
I look forward to reading the books Father Greg has written himself about his decades working with gang members.
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June 23, 2020This month I read Father Greg and the Homeboys: The Extraordinary Journey of Father Greg Boyle and His Work with the Latino Gangs of East L.A. by Celeste Fremon. It is a biography of a white, middle-aged, Jesuit Priest who is assigned to a church in a neighborhood of East L.A. that has something like eight different gangs in one square mile. ‘G’, as the boys like to call him, worked to befriend all of the boys, despite gang affiliation, help them get jobs and help them get out of the gangs. G uses what he calls ‘radical empathy’ to help the boys. He does not judge them or reprimand or look down on them for being in a gang, he understands them and acts as the father that most never had, one that is always there for them and loves them no matter what. This, you come to realize, it something that these boys have never had and the one thing they want and need the most.
What affected me the most about this book was that Father Greg was never a gang member, did not grow up in East L.A., and had almost none of the problems that these boys face everyday. Despite this, he was able to connect with them, get through to them and help them. This makes me think of my own service and the clients that I help everyday. I don’t have children, I have a job and I am living in my native country speaking my native language. However, this book gave an example of how one can connect and help people who are radically different than oneself. This will help me with my students if I practice my own version of ‘radical empathy.’
What affected me the most about this book was that Father Greg was never a gang member, did not grow up in East L.A., and had almost none of the problems that these boys face everyday. Despite this, he was able to connect with them, get through to them and help them. This makes me think of my own service and the clients that I help everyday. I don’t have children, I have a job and I am living in my native country speaking my native language. However, this book gave an example of how one can connect and help people who are radically different than oneself. This will help me with my students if I practice my own version of ‘radical empathy.’
August 8, 2020
I stumbled across the work of Father Greg after listening to a podcast. I immediately became equally obsessed with and inspired by him. His refusal to give up on anyone is remarkable. He instructs us to stand in awe of the baggage people carry not in judgement. I can understand completely why the author has also dedicated herself to Homeboy industries and invested so much into it. While I enjoyed this book and think the author did a good job of portraying the homies and Greg, it (I read the kindle version) is crying out for the eye of a good proofreader. The numerous typos (I lost count) really grated on me.
March 3, 2018
Great insight into the life of these young, gang members. My perspective has forever changed!
I've read both of Father Greg Boyle's books and he is nothing short of amazing. He is Jesus here on earth working through Father G. I wanted to read G-Dog and the Homeboys to gain more insight as to the history of Father G's work. Great read...so inspiring! I also love how Celeste started on her venture as a reporter, but then this because a huge part of her life. She truly has a Father G heart.
I've read both of Father Greg Boyle's books and he is nothing short of amazing. He is Jesus here on earth working through Father G. I wanted to read G-Dog and the Homeboys to gain more insight as to the history of Father G's work. Great read...so inspiring! I also love how Celeste started on her venture as a reporter, but then this because a huge part of her life. She truly has a Father G heart.
September 16, 2024
Kudos to Celeste Fremon for allowing herself to become so taken by Fr. Greg's example that she didn't settle with just writing an article on him, but also writing this good-sized book on him. After having read Fr. Greg's book first, this one was a bit disappointing, as she catalogs each Homeboy one after the other. I hope you don't mind that I compare this female account with the original male account in that she does delve into detail quite a bit, and it gets tedious.
August 29, 2019
3.5 stars. Depressing. Despite G’s Herculean and life-risking efforts, soooo much still went wrong. I feel I can understand better how kids end up living this life. Without decent parents, there’s not much else to turn to. Depressing. It’s reality though. Worth reading.
January 14, 2023
I had was able to hear Father Greg Boyle speak at a work conference a few years ago and I immediately went out and bought this book. Even though it's nearly 20 years old the stories are just as compelling now as they were then.
November 17, 2020
Impactful. Eye opening. Inspiring. Life changing. I have become a huge fan of Homeboy inc. I love Father Greg Boyle. Watch his TEDTalk or any of his YouTube clips. Amazing.
April 12, 2021
eye-opening, everyone should read
August 10, 2022
Excellent history... I found the Epilogue extremely informative and inspirational too!
December 1, 2022
Excellent. 100% recommend for anyone familiar with Homeboy Industries and Father Greg or for those curious about gangs & gang life in East LA.
November 5, 2023
Outstanding.
January 10, 2025
Excellent book about the beginnings of Homeboy industries in the barrio of East LA.
Greg Boyle is an inspiration.
Would recommend to anyone.
Greg Boyle is an inspiration.
Would recommend to anyone.
February 10, 2017
This was an interesting book, though I have to admit that I lost track of who was who with all the nick names, but the message remained the same: these are humans, who have often had no one love and care for them, and that love and care, and continuity in that, really makes a huge difference. And, most grow out of 'gang life' which they cling to in their teens and early 20s, seeking to be part of a group that loves and supports them. That's not to say every homie ends up on the straight and narrow...
January 28, 2016
Several times I’ve read books that took on a journalistic approach, only to see the author get enveloped by the subject she is studying. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen it happen to such a degree as it happens here. Fremon not only becomes embedded in her subject matter, she becomes deeply committed to it. Before she has finished her first year of research, you can see that she has fallen deeply in love with the men and women of Pico Gardens and with the priest who ministers to them, Fr. Gregory Boyle.
Fremon both follows the day-to-day ministry of Fr. G as he engages with the massive systemic issues of the projects and reaches back into the lives of the homeboys and homegirls he works with in order to try to understand how their lives took this path. Both aspects of the book are meaningful. Having ear-lier read “Tattoos on the Heart”, I had a good idea of Fr. Boyle’s theology and the manner in which he viewed the men and women he served. This book gave me a clearer idea of what was going on in their lives and how his service to them developed, as well as how others in the community (especially law enforcement, community mothers, and the other Jesuits) responded to what Fr. Gregory was doing.
It’s not the most well-written book, but it doesn’t need to be. The book’s strength is not in how it tells its story, but in the stories that it tells. These are stories that need to be told and shared if we are to care about those who are most maligned in our society.
Fremon both follows the day-to-day ministry of Fr. G as he engages with the massive systemic issues of the projects and reaches back into the lives of the homeboys and homegirls he works with in order to try to understand how their lives took this path. Both aspects of the book are meaningful. Having ear-lier read “Tattoos on the Heart”, I had a good idea of Fr. Boyle’s theology and the manner in which he viewed the men and women he served. This book gave me a clearer idea of what was going on in their lives and how his service to them developed, as well as how others in the community (especially law enforcement, community mothers, and the other Jesuits) responded to what Fr. Gregory was doing.
It’s not the most well-written book, but it doesn’t need to be. The book’s strength is not in how it tells its story, but in the stories that it tells. These are stories that need to be told and shared if we are to care about those who are most maligned in our society.
May 19, 2014
Having read Father Greg Boyle's book, Tattoos on the Heart, I got my hands on this book to read about the early days of his work among the street gangs of LA. Both books together have had a huge impact on me ... mainly to remind me over and over again never NEVER to give up on people. At the heart of the most hardened criminal gang member as well as the child who's grown up in the most loving and stable of homes there is that innate desire to know that we're loved "no matter what" ... to know that somebody believes in us "no matter what". Father Greg Boyle has lived that out in the most heart breaking of mission settings in the streets of LA and over the years has had a deep and lasting impact on the lives of society's most rejected young people.
In Celeste Fremon's book, I did feel as though there was not enough of the spiritual impact that Father Greg has had on the young men and women gang members ... perhaps it is just one of those "understood" things that she feels is obvious b/c he is a priest. Father Greg's book tells the spiritually redemptive story and this book by Celeste Fremon tells the story from a position that is more social worker in nature. That is not to say that she does not have an emotional stake in the story she tells, however, b/c that is also one of the strengths of the book, the author's own almost unwitting emotional involvement in the lives of these young people.
In Celeste Fremon's book, I did feel as though there was not enough of the spiritual impact that Father Greg has had on the young men and women gang members ... perhaps it is just one of those "understood" things that she feels is obvious b/c he is a priest. Father Greg's book tells the spiritually redemptive story and this book by Celeste Fremon tells the story from a position that is more social worker in nature. That is not to say that she does not have an emotional stake in the story she tells, however, b/c that is also one of the strengths of the book, the author's own almost unwitting emotional involvement in the lives of these young people.
October 6, 2015
"Gang violence is a lethal absence of hope."
Wow...I was riveted and uplifted to read this book because despite all the valleys a community goes through, it's encouraging to see the impact one person who comes from a position of love can affect.
I first heard about Father Greg Boyle when my best friend recommended I hear his interview on the podcast On Being. I was immediately engrossed, and became obsessive about understanding what the gang experience really entails, why people join, why it's something that doesn't seem to go away as readily. I think I have a better understanding, but mostly what I took away from the book was hope. I am encouraged by those who live their lives Christ-like-as we are truly called. We are called to love and embrace those around us because we are all in need of redemption and love. Father Boyle not only firmly believes that, but his actions have irrevocably impacted the homies in profound ways that society at large has often failed to do.
"I feel like I can do it and do it reasonably well. But i am not called to do it...I discovered what I am called and meant to do. It is such a gift and the denial of it remains more painful than I often admit to myself."
This quote desperately spoke to me too, as I went from a job filled with purpose and passion to a meaningless source of income. I want to get back to what I'm called to do too, and hope I'm as lucky as Father Boyle to make that happen.
Wow...I was riveted and uplifted to read this book because despite all the valleys a community goes through, it's encouraging to see the impact one person who comes from a position of love can affect.
I first heard about Father Greg Boyle when my best friend recommended I hear his interview on the podcast On Being. I was immediately engrossed, and became obsessive about understanding what the gang experience really entails, why people join, why it's something that doesn't seem to go away as readily. I think I have a better understanding, but mostly what I took away from the book was hope. I am encouraged by those who live their lives Christ-like-as we are truly called. We are called to love and embrace those around us because we are all in need of redemption and love. Father Boyle not only firmly believes that, but his actions have irrevocably impacted the homies in profound ways that society at large has often failed to do.
"I feel like I can do it and do it reasonably well. But i am not called to do it...I discovered what I am called and meant to do. It is such a gift and the denial of it remains more painful than I often admit to myself."
This quote desperately spoke to me too, as I went from a job filled with purpose and passion to a meaningless source of income. I want to get back to what I'm called to do too, and hope I'm as lucky as Father Boyle to make that happen.
February 3, 2017
First published back in the mid 1990's, G-Dog and the Homeboys outlines a period in the life of Father Gregory Boyle, a Jesuit Priest who has committed his life to living with, caring for, and supporting the mostly Latino gang bangin' youth in East L.A. Fremon's first hand account-she shadowed Father Boyle for over 2 years-contains a fascinating look at a selfless man who fought tooth and nail to improve the lives of his teenage charges. Filled with tragedy and hope, Fremon's book proves that one person full of heartfelt conviction can have a significant, life-changing impact on a grand scale. Father Boyle knew that gang-banging can, and will, lead to teenagers killing teenagers over the smallest of slights-he officiated far too many funerals during the course of Fremon's research. He also believed that unconditional love and a job could create miracles, and Fremon's writing illustrates how Father Boyle put his beliefs into practice. He eventually created a financially successful jobs program called Homeboy Industries that provides jobs for ex-gang members. Google Father Boyle. You'll want to read this book.
April 16, 2014
I'm roughly the same age as some of the Boyle Heights gang members whom Celeste Fremon profiles in her well written account of the early days of Homeboy Industries and the worst days of L.A.'s gang wars. While the homies in question were fearing for their lives, losing hope and getting in trouble, I was a few miles (and an entire world) away, buying into the media's gang hysteria as Phil Donohue shamed crunchy-haired cholas for their unapologetic attitudes. What becomes immediately obvious upon reading the oral histories in the book: The homies are alternately wounded, childlike, wise beyond their years, funny, angry, hopeful, and hopeless, but there's not a truly bad person among them. Although Father Greg Boyle is a hero in the book and in real life, I'm equally intrigued by Fremon's own journey as she becomes radicalized by the love and violence she witnesses. Yes, people like Fr. Greg are rare, but the solutions to gang violence--a job, a little stability and a decent parental figure--don't have to be.
June 8, 2007
Following the true story of a priest working in the more dangerous areas of East Los Angeles, this book paints the bleak life of those stuck in gang life. Partly the observations of the author as she followed along with Father Greg, and partly the stories of gang members themselves it's an uncompromising look at their lives, that paints them as human beings rather than monster kids out of control.
I found this book very heavy going towards the end. More often than not the gang members who tell their stories die as the book progresses, leaving others to tell their own story and express their grief of the loss of their friends. Devistating, and unapologetic, it's probably one of the few books I've wanted to end sooner due to it's emotional content.
I found this book very heavy going towards the end. More often than not the gang members who tell their stories die as the book progresses, leaving others to tell their own story and express their grief of the loss of their friends. Devistating, and unapologetic, it's probably one of the few books I've wanted to end sooner due to it's emotional content.
November 11, 2016
None of the homies named in the book became real to me. Just story on top of story about gang members whose monikers were interchangeable and whose lives were similar. The book repeated a point I'd read elsewhere that when the movie "Colors" came out, it ignited a major increase in gang violence as the homies believed they would all be killed if they weren't as well armed as their rivals portrayed in the film. I was interested to learn more about the resentment of Greg's Jesuit brothers to his celebrity. I was interested in the post-publication epilogue in which we found out that about one-third of the homies have found success in the job world, many in film and tv production. I recommend this book to any reader interested in youth gangs or Los Angeles history.
May 23, 2015
My hubby brought this book home from a religious retreat and kept telling me I should read it. I was reluctant because I thought it would be too church-y. Fr. Greg's stories are inspiring and relate-able. It's amazing the positive impact he's had on this little community, but in this book, he doesn't draw the attention to himself. Instead he tells the stories about the kids who made it out. And in those stories, he weaves lessons of God's love for us.
November 18, 2015
I recommend reading this with in conjunction with Fr. Greg Boyle's book, Tattoos on the Heart. While this is a touching, unrelenting view of Fr. Greg's early years in ministry, and the reality of life as a young male living in poverty, it lacks some of the spiritual touch and thoughtfulness of Fr. Greg's own reflections.
I loved that there were portions of each chapter dedicated to the young people's own words though.
I loved that there were portions of each chapter dedicated to the young people's own words though.
August 24, 2008
This is a must-read for everyone who has an interest in Los Angeles and the lives of the kids who end up in gangs. Written with incredible understanding and insight into the difficulties these young people encounter and what Father Greg Boyle has done with his life to help them, this is a book all Angelenos should read. It should be required reading in all middle or high schools.
November 14, 2014
I recently read Tattoos on the Heart and decided to read this book. I found it to be a terrific read which forced me to rethink my position on a number of things. It is a book that I highly recommend to someone who reads a few pages, stops and reflects before moving on. Make a list of the gangs and try to keep the names straight but above all, reflect.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews