I just read my first book by Gregory Boyle in 2022, and it was Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion. It was a powerful read, full of moving stories, many that will break your heart. Boyle, a Jesuit priest, is the founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, CA. He served as pastor of Dolores Mission Church, then the poorest Catholic parish in Los Angeles, which also had the highest concentration of gang activity in the city. Homeboy has become the largest gang-intervention, rehabilitation, and reentry program in the world, and employs and trains gang members and felons in a range of social enterprises, as well as provides critical services to thousands of men and women each year who walk through its doors seeking a better life.

Gregory Boyle, SJ, spends his days at Homeboy Industries accompanying ex-gang members as they rebuild their lives. Forgive Everyone Everything is a powerful collection of his most poignant writings based on decades of experiences of loss and pain, redemption and renewal. All 50 reflections are accompanied by stunning street art from acclaimed artist and ex-gang member Fabian Debora, making this book a modern-day devotional that will provoke and inspire readers.

“There’s no denying how difficult things can be. But the way out to the place of resilience, the place of restoration, the place of not allowing your heart to be hardened by resentment, relies on one thing: forgive everyone everything.”–Gregory Boyle

This work is a series of short anecdotes that have been turned into devotionals for those of the Christian faith. The stories typically revolve around the author’s interactions with inmates, community members, and reformed gang members in California.

I highly recommend this work for those of the Christian faith who are looking for a collection of inspirational and touching devotionals. There are 50 of these stories in this work. Each story contains an anecdote and is usually tied together with a Bible verse and a short exhortation or lesson relating to the topic.

Though some of the stories revolved around death and tragedy, this work had an overall positive and uplifting message. The book is also filled with art by Fabian Debora. The art is graffiti/street art style and made for a lovely contrast with the devotionals.

My thanks to NetGalley and Loyola Press for allowing me to read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Like all of Fr. Boyle's books, this one was lovely - touching and funny and thought-provoking. This was a collection of his stories and comments - some old and some newer - with the addition of absolutely beautiful artwork. Although I read this on my phone, I wouldn't recommend that. This is one book you must read in person in order to get the full effect - highly recommend. Many thanks to Fr. Boyle, NetGalley, and Loyola Press for the ARC of this title.