Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion

As a pastor working in a neighborhood with the highest concentration of murderous gang activity in Los Angeles, Gregory Boyle created an organization to provide jobs, job training, and encouragement so that young people could work together and learn the mutual respect that comes from collaboration. Tattoos on the Heart is a breathtaking series of parables distilled from his twenty years in the barrio. Arranged by theme and filled with sparkling humor and glowing generosity, these essays offer a stirring look at how full our lives could be if we practiced compassion.

Erudite, down-to-earth, and utterly heartening, these essays about universal kinship and redemption are moving examples of the power of unconditional love in difficult times and the importance of fighting despair. With Gregory Boyle's guidance, we can recognize our own wounds in the broken lives and daunting struggles of the men and women in these parables and learn to find joy in all of the people around us. Tattoos on the Heart reminds us that no life is less valuable than another.

"Destined to become a classic of both urban reportage and contemporary spirituality."--The Los Angeles Times Martin Sheen

"One of my favorite books in years. It is lovely and tough and tender beyond my ability to describe."--Anne Lamott Anne Lamott

"Read, and let your life be changed!"

      --Father Richard Rohr, O.F.M., Center for Action and Contemplation Father Richard Rohr, O.F.M.

"[A]n astounding book and a remarkable testament."

      --Malcolm Klein, Professor Emeritus, University of Southern California Center for Action and Contemplation

"An extraordinary reflection of a life totally committed to reshaping and redirecting the lives of countless young gang members (from L.A.'s gang culture), Greg Boyle's Tattoos on the Heart proves one man with courage is a majority."

      --Martin Sheen Malcolm Klein, Professor Emeritus - University of Southern California

"Father Greg Boyle's . . . commitment should teach us all a lesson in compromise, sharing, learning, loving, and, most important, living life to the fullest."

      --Anjelica Huston Martin Sheen

"Incandescent, always hope-filled and often hilarious."

      --The Christian Century The Christian Century

"A spiritual masterpiece touching the innermost sanctum of the human soul."

      --Kerry Kennedy, Founder of the RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights The Christian Century

"A memorable audiobook. . . . The many triumphs small and large of the gang members and the community and, of course, the tragedies make you want tattoo Boyle's message on your heart."

      --AudioFile

Gorgeous and uplifting, Tattoos on the Heart amply demonstrates the impact unconditional love can have on a persons life.

GREGORY BOYLE is a Jesuit priest and the founder and executive director of Homeboy Industries. He makes approximately two hundred speaking appearances per year and has received numerous humanitarian awards, including the California Peace Prize. He lives in Los Angeles.