Thank you so, so much to NetGalley and Avid Reader Press for an advance copy of this book.

Wow - truly a profound, deep, and rich book. I took my time savoring every page, and really found Father Boyle's writing filled with wisdom. As a future clergy person, I know that I will be turning back to this book to explore how love and God influence even the most difficult relationships we have.

Highly recommend this book.

At first I worried this book might be a little more religious than what I was comfortable with. But the book quickly settled into Fr. Boyle's signature homie anecdotes showing warmhearted love and affection for all humans. This book touched on some recent political events and characters, but really stuck to the theme that everyone must belong to us and we must belong to them. Just like with his other books, there were parts that brought me to tears and parts that made me laugh. It felt like a balm to read during this election season. “People change when they are cherished.”

Title: Cherished Belonging
By: Gregory Boyle
Pub. Date: November 5, 2024

Genre:
Non-fiction, Memoir, Self-Help, Christian, Spirituality

Trigger Warnings:
Lives of incarcerated adults, experiences involving as such.

Summary/Review:
In "Cherished Belonging," Father Gregory Boyle shares heartfelt stories that showcase the love and compassion fostered by Homeboy Industries. Boyle offers a proactive perspective on bridging the societal divide, emphasizing the importance of belonging and the belief that we are all "unshakably good." Through his distinctive approach, he reminds us of our shared connections and the light within each of us. While my beliefs differ somewhat from Boyle’s, his Christian message resonates with readers from all backgrounds. I highly recommend this book!

Similar books to:
Tattoos on the Heart by Gregory Boyle
What Does it Feel Like? By Sophie Kinsella
The Story of the Heart by Rachel Clarke

Thank you Gregory Boyle, Avid Reader Press, Simon and Schuster, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

#CherishedBelonging
#GregoryBoyle
#AvidReaderPress
#SimonandSchuster
#reluctantreaderreads
#advancedreadercopies
#NetGalley

Another wonderful book from Father Greg. Although my beliefs aren't entirely aligned with the authors he delivers a powerful message of acceptance, compassion and open heartedness. His message is Christian, however he offers stories that have a universal thread. Homeboy Industries is featured prominently. I love hearing updates about the people and organization over the years with each new release . Cherished Belonging is the first book by Father Greg I've read in print. I have loved all of his books as audiobooks and admit that I miss hearing his voice and humor when he tells a story. I will definitely listen to this when it becomes available. As with all of Father Greg's books...highly recommended.
Many thanks to Simon and Schuster and Netgalley for an advance readers copy.

Thank you NetGalley and Avid Reader Press for this advanced copy. I have been a fan of Father Boyle since Tattoos on the Heart. I have such respect and admiration for his work and the community he has created. I’m finding it incredibly difficult to critique his work in any way! My only comment is that I enjoyed the personal stories from his earlier books, and I think in this book he was preaching more and relied less on personal narratives. But with that said, his message is beautiful and powerful.