Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion Audiobook

" At first I wasn't sure. But, as I continued to listened to the story, I found it to be a book of much love and compassion. Being read by the author always makes it more interesting. "

" Having been born in Los Angeles there have always been places to avoid. I left and headed east. Now many decades later I return. Barrio and vatos are around the corner. This book needs to read for a greater understanding. "

" This man is my hero. "

" Father Boyle has spent the last 20 years working with youths who wished to leave gangs and build lives. He has spent his time in Boyle Heights in the most gang infested part of Los Angeles which is considered the "gang capital" of the United States. The book has you either in tears or laughing. It is a terrific book with fabulous stories of the lives of the young men and women involved with gangs. There is a gloss of liberal Catholic/Jesuit theology that interweaves these stories that can be a little off-putting for those not religiously inclined, but the overall story drown all of that out. A genuinely great read! "

" Trying to get through this book but it jumps around a lot, has a parable or other relation back to the Bible in every chapter, and would be much better if Father Boyle did tell in depth stories about the people, which is what he said he didn't want to do with this book. Couldn't finish it. I really respect his work but the book was just not great. "

" Much like teaching in LAUSD, with more family involvement, more care to individual children and lots less litigation than a teacher! "

" I learned that I can shine the flashlight on the light switch for someone else, but I can't make that person turn it on. Also, I was reminded of God's patience and that to reflect God, I need to be patient with people, as well. Reading the book also caused me to search the Bible anew to find out what God's love is really like. Boyle makes it sound utterly amazing. "

" Good to hear about young people who are saved from the gang lifestyle. Sad to think about how many young lives are wasted in this manner. "

" A powerful book about the work of one priest in the the gang capitol of the U.S.--Los Angeles. His compassion and perseverance to make a difference in the lives of young gang members is astonishing. "

" An incredibly powerful and heart-stirring read. This book will open your eyes to see those who are marginalized (or just people not like you) in a totally different light. You will not get out of this book with a dry eye. This is a must read. "

" Read during a JustFaith study group. Amazing examples of compassion, life, and hope in spite of incredibly awful life situations. "

" Really, really powerful book. It really opened my eyes to a lot of things (poverty, compassion, pride, etc.) more broadly than just gangs. Strongly recommend this! "

" Beatriz' book pick for June 2012 "

" I love this book. It became a curiosity of mine to read this book due to a class I took. This curiosity lead me to relfect on life, death, and the great impact of how one person "can be the change we want to see in the world." "

" Fantastic, heart-wrenching and awe-inspiring. A great way to revitalize an understanding of who God is. "

" beautiful book....just beautiful "

" I really liked this book. It does help me be a little more compassionate. "

" Father Boyle is truly inspiring! This book will give you a glimpse into a world most don't even know exist yet is the only world many know. "

" We are reading this for a "Community reads choice" and I am glad I read it because it does give a reason to pause and reflect. Don't read it for the great writing or to be totally uplifted but read it to provide perspective on the positive parts of life that we sometimes forget to acknowledge. "

" Good, not great. Loved the premise, and the personal stories about the young people. The writing style left something to be desired though. "

" At first, I had a difficult time keeping up with the book as it jumped from idea to idea, but overall it makes very good points that we need to be reminded of frequently. "

" Tear-jerking anecdotes about gang kids who figure out how to grow up and love themselves, told by the Jesuit priest who points the way. The priest, who also holds an MA in English, takes wicked delight in recalling the homies' often hilarious malapropisms. "

" This is a wonderful and very well written book about living the Christian life in a profoundly generous and joyful way. I highly recommend this book! "

" The best book I've read in at least a year. Couldn't put it down and now heartbroken that the journey is over. This is a must read. "

" I can't grade the writing, but the content was great. Father Greg is my hero. I read this on the plane and cried like a big baby about a half a dozen times. "

" A really great book, best read in short segments to really take home the messages. Such an amazing glimpse into a world I would otherwise never know. "

" A truly wonderful, heartwarming book about the power of unconditional love, set among the gangs of Los Angeles. "

" Liked hearing the stories about the gang members. Father G truly humanizes each. "

" This is filled with such great stories. It really is a book filled with such compassion and so much healing as a result. I was laughing and crying at the same time. I think you should read it for a perspective on gang mentality and our deep need for love and second chances. "

" This is one of the most powerful religious books I've read in years. It's funny, poignant, and possesses a great depth. I recommend it to anyone who works with marginalized or minority populations, particularly teenagers. "

" I like this book - it was informative and I learned about what Homeboys and Homegirl Cafe is all about. It's amazing what Gregory Boyle has accomplished - I applaud him!!! It's an eyeopener into the gangs and ganglife in Los Angeles. "