Barking to the Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship

Barking to the Choir follows Father Gregory Boyle's work with Homeboy Industries, the largest gang-intervention program in the world. Through stories of former gang members finding hope and transformation, Boyle chronicles his experiences in Los Angeles helping people leave gang life behind. The narrative shifts between personal encounters, conversations with "homies," and reflections on compassion and unconditional acceptance. Father Boyle shares accounts of both victories and setbacks as former rivals become colleagues and friends within the Homeboy Industries community. The book documents the daily operations of Homeboy Industries, from its tattoo removal services to its bakery and café, where former gang members work side by side. These workplace interactions become the foundation for healing and change. Through these interconnected stories, the book examines themes of kinship, redemption, and the power of community to overcome systemic barriers. The work stands as a testament to the possibility of transformation when people are given the opportunity to rewrite their own stories.

Readers applaud Boyle's storytelling ability and his authentic accounts of working with gang members through Homeboy Industries. Many note the book's balance of humor and heartbreak, with compelling personal stories that illustrate human dignity and redemption. Specific praise focuses on Boyle's writing style - one reader called it "accessible and profound without being preachy." Others highlight how the book challenges preconceptions about gang members and marginalized communities. Common criticisms include: - Too similar to Boyle's first book - Repetitive anecdotes and themes - Lack of practical advice for readers wanting to take action - Religious references that some found unnecessary Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.48/5 (2,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (850+ ratings) BookBrowse: 4.5/5 Multiple reviewers noted the book works better when read in small segments rather than straight through, allowing time to absorb each story's impact.

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🌟 Gregory Boyle, a Jesuit priest, founded Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, which has become the largest gang-intervention program in the world. 🌟 The book's title "Barking to the Choir" comes from a malapropism by one of the homies (former gang members), who meant to say "preaching to the choir." 🌟 Homeboy Industries employs and trains over 200 former gang members every year, offering services like tattoo removal, mental health counseling, and job training. 🌟 The author has buried more than 200 young people killed in gang-related violence during his ministry in Los Angeles. 🌟 The book is a follow-up to Fr. Boyle's bestselling "Tattoos on the Heart" and features stories of transformation, hope, and kinship among former gang members who found their way to Homeboy Industries.