Fr. Gregory Boyle, founder of the Los Angeles nonprofit Homeboy Industries, the largest and most successful gang-intervention program in the world, will discuss his new book, “The Whole Language: The Power of Extravagant Tenderness,” on Thursday, November 4, 7 p.m.
The book follows Fr. Boyle’s acclaimed bestsellers “Tattoos on the Heart,” hailed as an “astounding literary and spiritual feat” by Publishers Weekly, and “Barking to the Choir,” deemed “a beautiful and important and soul-transporting book” by Elizabeth Gilbert and declared by Ann Patchett to be “a book that shows what the platitudes of faith look like when they’re put into action.”
In a community struggling to overcome systemic poverty and violence, “The Whole Language” shows how those at Homeboy Industries fight despair and remain generous, hopeful, and tender. When Saul was 13 years old, he killed his abusive stepfather in self-defense. After spending 23 years in juvenile and adult jail, he enters the Homeboy Industries training and healing programs and embraces their mission. Saul now shows tenderness toward the young men in his former shoes, treating them all like his sons and helping them to find their way.
Before coming to Homeboy Industries, a young man named Abel was shot 33 times, landing him in a coma for six months followed by a year and a half recuperating in the hospital. He now travels on speaking tours with Father Boyle and gives guided tours around the Homeboy offices. One day a new trainee joins Abel as a shadow, and Abel recognizes him as the young man who had put him in a coma. They have both embarked on a path to wholeness.
Bursting with encouragement, humor, and hope, “The Whole Language” invites readers to treat others with acceptance and tenderness.
This is ticketed event that will take place at All Saints Church, at 132 N. Euclid Ave. in Pasadena. The ticket price, $33, includes one entry plus one copy of “The Whole Language.” For General Admission only, tickets are $8.
To purchase tickets, visit www.vromansbookstore.com/
For more information, call (626) 449-5320 or send an email to email@vromansbookstore.com.
Proof of vaccination is required for all audience members attending the Vroman’s Bookstore event. Masks are required at all times as well.
