Love love love this book and the author. He's the greatest storyteller and helper of people. Suck s fantastic human interests read. I devour this like I did his last book. This book is good for the soul with reminders that humanity still exists. And,redemption can happen.

Until maybe a couple months ago, I’d never read anything by Gregory Boyle. It only took a few pages of his story to get me completely hooked. I’ve never read anything that resonated so deeply or called me forward in faith and in love for others.

While this is a book anchored in Christian faith, the author is a mystic, so you’ll find quotes from the Bible, other Christian teachers, as well as Muslim poets and Buddhist teachers to illustrate a point. The theology is sometimes different than what I grew up with (I was raised in what would probably be described as an Evangelical/Fundamental Christian church), so that gave me some things to think about. On some things I immediately agreed with Fr. Boyle’s assessment, and on others, I’m kind of still letting those ideas percolate.

The book is truly about how to love others in a way that means forging a connection with them. Meeting them where they are and opening yourself up to learning from them rather than standing on a high perch thinking you’re there to simply help out or hand out.

It’s been really good reading all three of his books. (My review of his second book, BARKING TO THE CHOIR won’t post until later due to my overbooked calendar). I feel like this is or these are messages that I can’t possibly get enough of. I’m in a situation right now where my family is trying to support another family that’s going through something really rough. And I know how I would have acted in the past. Now, though, I’m acting with the lessons and values in TATTOOS ON THE HEART and THE WHOLE LANGUAGE bouncing around in my head and my heart. It doesn’t mean having no boundaries, but it has changed what I’m hoping to achieve (connection, relationship).

I have all three books as e-books and audio books. I suspect that I’ll be listening through them again going into the holidays. In case it’s not obvious, I absolutely recommend all three books (you don’t have to read them in order) to anyone who’s either a Christian figuring out how to have relationships and craft meaningful community, or anyone interested in the intersection between faith and social justice. If you’re interested in gang recovery programs, you don’t want to miss these books. Homeboy Industries is the largest and most successful gang intervention program in the world.

Note: I received a free e-book copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

While wildly disjointed, skipping from one story to another in almost every paragraph, there are nuggets hidden within the sentences. You do have to really look for them and work hard to pay attention, though, because it's extremely scattered.

There are quite a few statements of faith that Christians (generally) won't agree with. However, there are also many words (almost entirely from gang members, as quoted in conversations with Gregory Boyle) that will very likely deeply impact the reader. Their stories and words are powerful and the highlight of the book.

If cussing bothers you, you'll want to skip this one.

Father Greg Boyle has completed his trilogy in perfect fashion, continuing his love letter to the "homies" with whom he lives and works. I still hold that no other works comprise my theology in the way that these do, especially The Whole Language with its emphasis on portraying tenderness and grace through storytelling. What a deep gift this is. Highly recommended!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a fantastic book. It definitely lives up the standards his previous books set.

Gregory Boyle writes with faith, humanity, and warmth. This author shares important stories that invite the reader to see beyond the surface and consider deeper waters of what it means to love our neighbors.

I love all Fr. Boyle's books, and this one was no exception. As with his other books, I occasionally got lost in what he was trying to say (he himself admits he has no attention span), but I took note after note as I read. (I also kept a box of Kleenex close). My favorite parts in all his books are the stories he tells of the gang members he works with. He's funny and snarky and takes no guff from anyone, and his stories reflect the great love he has for his "children." Many thanks to NetGalley, Simon and Schuster, and Fr. Boyle for the ARC of this title.