Father Gregory Boyle's Memoir "Tattoos on the Heart" Killing LA Gang Violence with Kinship and Kindness

Father Gregory Boyle is a Jesuit Priest who chose to move into downtown LA's poorest, gang riddled areas to solve for the vicious cycle of poverty, hatred, violence and unemployment.  Father Boyle's loosely structured memoir feels like he's directing an intimate conversation with the reader to share what he's experienced living in the Boyle Heights area of LA, the people he's come to known and love and the practices he incorporates to make positive change in the community.  The memoir does pull at one's heartstrings with shared pride in people turning their lives around, the numerous, senseless killings of young people and the joy that comes from kinship.  Kinship is the meme that has given rise to mutual understanding, respect and camaraderie.  Father Boyle brings us along on his many rides (literally) to reach young people on their terms, their willingness and their achievements.  Homeboy Industries grew out of The Dolores Mission Church in Boyle Heights in 1988.  It has become a major resource for assisting high risk youths, former gang members and recently incarcerated find employment through numbers programs that include counseling, legal aid, educational & work skills, seek employment.  This is all provided free of charge in a safe environment along with the free removal of tattoos for those who choose.  Many are looking for a way out of gang life with few options and no place to go.  Boyle has created loving communities of kinship to counter hopelessness, racism and cultural disparagement that separates people.  Father Boyle proselytizes on Catholicism and Jesus' teachings.  He also quotes from many poets, scholars & religious leaders.  But, what gives Boyle's memoir its power & poignancy are the quotes from the young people whose paths have crossed with his.  These young people are amazing with their resiliency and surprising epiphanies that never fail to delight and leave an indelible impression.  This comes from a caring adult who pays attention and offers unconditional support.  Boyle does not gloss over the hundreds of burials he's officiated which are painful and senseless.  He's brought positive change into so many lives and enriched the community.  The response to kindness, kinship and respect becomes a loving community where  justice is celebrated.  It becomes impossible to demonize someone you know.   Everyone needs to hear that they are wholly acceptable for themselves.   "Tattoos on the Heart" is about out common human nature to provide room for those who are left out.