When Clare was visiting last week (I miss her and wish she'd come back), we made a trip to Half Price Books in town. Clare and I have very different taste in books. She loves anything based on a true story. I don't dislike nonfiction; I just really enjoy fiction. When we got there, I knew I'd have to find her the nonfiction section. Half Price Books has this section labeled nonfiction/memoirs. The title of this book caught my attention. I picked it up to read the synopsis and realized I used to have this book on my Amazon wish list a few years ago. It sat on my wish list but was never purchased. I decided that because it caught my interest on more than one occasion it was going to be worth reading. Let me tell you that this book is definitely worth reading.
This book is a mixture between a nonfiction and a memoir. It's written by Father Gregory Boyle who writes about his experience working in Los Angeles in an area with the highest concentration of gang activity. But he also shares stories about the lives of the people he's called to help. He has a calling to work with the individuals in the community to help them work together and gain mutual respect for one another. He lovingly calls them "Homies" and "Homegirls". They in return lovingly call him "G" or "G-dog". He starts an organization called "Homeboy Industries". His organization helps people find jobs and collaborate together.
I almost didn't use this book for #26. I almost used it for book #17: A book that will make you smarter. This book is amazing. "G" is an amazing human being. The people he meets and works with are amazing. I wish I could share some of the incredible stories he writes about in this book. I won't because that will rob you of the joy of reading them for yourself when you sit down with this book. It truly is a story about "the power of boundless compassion". There is sadness mixed in with all the goodness, but isn't that how life is? Have the tissues ready. I cried at least once during every chapter.
Stats:
Angie: 6 books
Clare: 6 books
Total: 12 books
#26BOOKSwithBringingUpBurns
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