Barking to the Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship

Gregory Boyle

Nov 2017 · Simon and Schuster

About this ebook

In this “beautiful and important and soul-transporting book,” a Jesuit priest shares what his work with LA gangs has taught him about compassion and faith (Elizabeth Gilbert, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of Eat, Pray, Love).

In his first book, Tattoos on the Heart, Gregory Boyle introduced us to Homeboy Industries, the largest gang-intervention program in the world. Critics hailed that book as an “astounding literary and spiritual feat” (Publishers Weekly) that is “destined to become a classic of both urban reportage and contemporary spirituality” (Los Angeles Times). Now, after the successful expansion of Homeboy Industries, Boyle returns with Barking to the Choir to reveal how compassion is transforming the lives of gang members.

Barking to the Choir offers a snapshot into the challenges and joys of life on the margins. Sergio, arrested at age nine, in a gang by age twelve, and serving time shortly thereafter, now works with the substance-abuse team at Homeboy to help others find sobriety. Jamal, abandoned by his family, gradually finds forgiveness for his schizophrenic mother. New father Cuco, who never knew his own dad, thinks of a daily adventure on which to take his four-year-old son. These former gang members uplift the soul and reveal how bright life can be when filled with unconditional love and kindness.

Gently and humorously, Barking to the Choir invites us to find kinship with one another and re-convinces us all of our own goodness.

“If you’re in the market for genuine inspiration, I urge you to read Barking to the Choir by Gregory Boyle, a book that shows what the platitudes of faith look like when they’re put into action.” —Ann Patchett, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of Tom Lake

Ratings and reviews

Gregory Boyle's books, words, but especially his actions have informed my life in many ways. By working with the least among us we do not serve them so much as experience what the world could be if we took better care of one another. It is not punitive that we are directed to give 10% of our time, treasures, and talents to the poor. By meeting and serving together with those at the margins of society WE are transformed and communitys start to resemble the Love to which we aspire. I get to serve from the safety of a hospital ward. I am humbled by Gregory Boyle's fearlessness in serving in the heart of the barrio. May he remain healthy for many years, able to cruise through the projects / public housing on his beach cruiser bike and continue to be touched by the homies, by some of the toughest gang members around.

Part comedy, part sermon, wholly inspirational

About the author

Gregory Boyle is an American Jesuit priest and the founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, the largest gang-intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry program in the world. He has received the California Peace Prize and been inducted into the California Hall of Fame. In 2014, the President Obama named Boyle a Champion of Change. He received the University of Notre Dame’s 2017 Laetare Medal, the oldest honor given to American Catholics. He is the acclaimed author of Tattoos on the Heart, Barking to the Choir, and The Whole Language. CherishedBelonging is his fourth book, and he will be donating all net proceeds to Homeboy Industries.