I chose to read the book Tattoos on the Heart. It is a first-person story that follows a priest, Gregory Boyle, through his many experiences with Los Angeles gangs in his community. The story is set in the 80s and 90s, a time constantly plagued by violence, especially in a big city like LA. Boyle lived in the poorest parish in the city, yet he strove to make a difference. He welcomed all gang members into his church, because this was what Jesus would do, and this was his strongest argument to the people of his parish. As head of his church, he was responsible for all funerals. They ranged from children to the elderly, mostly due to violence. He also personally knew many of the people he buried. As time went on the funerals began to weigh heavily on Boyle, which made him want to help even more. From sheltering members of his church to providing them with jobs, Boyle truly wanted the best for these people. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The book begins with Boyle giving some examples from his life that inspired him to help others. Most of the students at his school were criminals and he refused to report any of them. They had mutual respect and trusted each other. Boyle truly believed he could make a difference in these kids' lives and he did. Help countless young people. For example Cesar, a massive man who just got out of prison. Boyle helps Cesar to his feet, and Cesar tells the priest that he has always been a father figure in his life. As the story progresses and we hear stories of his years as a priest, Boyle remembers when he first became ordained. He was in Bolivia preaching to the poor, some of whom had never met a priest before. During this time his life was heavily affected, and he often thinks back to this when talking about his non-profit organization and says that it wouldn't have been as helpful as it was if it weren't for the time he spent there. Boyle then starts to talk about how people have self-hatred. Explain that sinners sin because they feel like outcasts and want to feel loved like everyone else. He gives many examples. It also talks about hatred towards others. A boy he knew, named Benito, was shot and killed by a rival gang. He later died in hospital. Boyle shares his struggle to overcome the hatred he harbored toward the two men who shot and killed the child he was caring for. Explain that as a Christian it is our responsibility to love everyone unconditionally. Boyle also shares the story of how he has protected undocumented immigrants for years. As controversial as it was, he wasn't ashamed of it. It states that Jesus lived his life loving the marginalized and we should too. Boyle occasionally mentions kinship. He believes that through kinship anyone can change their life and has hundreds of stories to prove it. He helped anyone and everyone, no matter what situation they were in or what background they came from. He had seen the worst of the worst and still welcomed them into his arms. As Boyle's life progressed, he helped hundreds of gang members. His non-profit organization, Homeboy Industries, was created to help gang members in any way possible. Through this he was able to change countless lives. At one point he was even recognized by the White House. Boyle was invited to dinner at the White House and told to bring three employees from Homeboy Industries. These three employees.