Tattoos on the Heart
The Power of Boundless Compassion
By: Gregory Boyle
Rarely does one come across a book like this and a man like Father Gregory Boyle. I was excited to read this book based on the preliminary information I received from the publisher. Being from New York City the only knowledge I had about the gangs in Los Angeles was from the Spanish news programs my parents shared with me. However none of these programs told the stories of the kids who were trying to get out of the gang life or the people working hard to help them. People like Father Boyle, who is lovingly referred to as "G" by the "homies". Homies is the term he uses to affectionately refer to the gang members he works with.
The book is a series of short stories written by G where he spotlights young gang members who are working hard to turn their lives around or who are figuring out what else there is to life besides their current situation. At the center of their evolution is
Homeboy Industries, a program created by G to assist the at-risk youth involved in gang life. The program offers counseling, tutoring, and job placement. One of their most valued programs is the free tattoo removal. A painful and time consuming process that when completed removes the visual scars of the homies past lives. Sometimes it is the tattoos that will keep the homies from moving on. The removal process is both liberating to their physical appearance and healing to their spiritual side. As compelling a character as the work of Homeboy Industries is, it is the homies themselves who really make this book inspirational.
All the men and women that G encounters affect this book in their own unique way. The reader gets to see all levels of change, struggle, and success. Each chapter is titled with key words or phrases that gives the reader insight into the homies' lives and in the process awakens connections to the characters. This is the surprising element of the book. For example in one chapter titled,
"God, I Guess", we read about how the homies are becoming aware of themselves and their ability to make something positive out of their lives. When G writes
"Behold the One beholding you and smiling", he really touches on how God views us. No matter what we do in our lives, God is there for us. It is only natural for us to view God they way we would view another human being...with faults. Sometimes when we do not live up to our fullest potential and we see disapproval. That is a human view, not a Godly view. The book has made me aware of all areas where I can see God , especially in my interactions with others. I think the interpretations of these stories are based on how deep the reader connects to the homies. I am a very spiritual person therefore when God is referenced I can pick up on this and see a connection to Him. Another reader of a different faith, or not spiritual at all, can also appreciate the stories and see the goodness of humanity throughout the book. This peronal connection between the homies and the reader is a powereful element.
I approached this book with curiosity of an unknown subject matter and was surprised to find that I received so much more. Reading this book reminds me that I need to be more aware of my actions when dealing with others. A smile or kind word that I can give to someone can be life altering. The book inspired compassion for the homies, admiration for G, and it awoke in me a desire to be more a part of humanity. It is hard in our daily lives to live with a constant awareness of others. Being reminded how an approving look, praise, or simply forming a bond with another person can touch people so deeply, forever changes my life. I recommend this book to everyone. I challenge you all to let it take you on a journey and I'm curious to know what you receive from these stories. It's nice to have a book remind you of all the important little things that our busy lives may cause us to forget.
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I am reviewing this book for Condor Book Tours http://condorbooktours.com/.
I received one copy of this book for the purpose of reviewing it. All opinions are entirely my own.
** 100% of commission on sales of the book through our Amazon affiliate at Condor Books will be donated to Homeboy Industries' Press which publishes a yearly Review. To donate by purchasing the book, click here.
