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May 31, 2010
Tattoos on the Heartby Gregory BoyleFree Press. 240p $25

By now most of our readers have heard of this book and author, a Jesuit priest and founder of Homeboy Industries—the largest gang intervention program in the country. It’s tough, it’s wrenching, but it is also deeply inspiring and leaves the reader with a measured hope that these “homies,” as the gang members are called, will turn their lives around to stay. Boyle recounts each of their stories by theme and amply demonstrates the profound role that kindness and unconditional love play in their lives. Boyle’s ministry is lauded nationwide; he has worked the California barrios for 20 years. In a review of the book in our May 17 issue, J. Peter Nixon calls it “a profound work of theology.” It is an important read for anyone in ministry to troubled youth, for parents and teachers, for the general public.  Visit our Web site and listen to the interviewAmerica’s online editor conducted with Fr. Boyle not too long ago. Then buy the book!

Purchase Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion from amazon.com.

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