In Barking to the Choir, Gregory Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries and Jesuit priest, uses personal stories and "homie-propisms" to explore themes of compassion, tenderness, and community kinship within the context of gang intervention and re-entry. Boyle gently subverts conventional wisdom, presenting the inherent worth and dignity of individuals labeled as gangsters or criminals, and advocates for a deeper, more genuine form of Christianity.

Gregory Boyle's Barking to the Choir is widely praised for its heartfelt and inspiring anecdotes from his work with former gang members. The book offers profound lessons on compassion and redemption. Some critics note a lack of analytical depth, and a repetitive narrative style, but overall, it is celebrated for its emotional impact and message of love.

Ideal for readers who appreciate narratives of redemption, compassion, and social justice, Barking to the Choir by Gregory Boyle speaks to fans of Tattoos on the Heart by the same author and Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. Those interested in faith-based community activism and transformative stories will find it particularly compelling.

Heartwarming / Inspirational / Emotional / Hopeful / Informative

- Barking to the Choir is written by Gregory Boyle, who is a Jesuit priest and the founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang-intervention and rehabilitation program in the world.
- The book's author, Gregory Boyle, has been awarded the California Peace Prize and has been inducted into the California Hall of Fame for his transformative work with marginalized communities.
- Gregory Boyle's writing in Barking to the Choir often draws upon his experiences and mentorship style, which emphasize kinship and compassion over conventional correctional approaches.

**Gregory Boyle**  
A Jesuit priest and founder of Homeboy Industries, committed to social justice and working alongside formerly incarcerated and gang-involved individuals. His religious insights are drawn from his interactions with the people he serves, focusing on everyday experiences as expressions of holiness.

Gregory Boyle

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Overview

Get ready to explore Barking to the Choir and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Barking to the Choir Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 1 Barking to the Choir Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 2 Barking to the Choir Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 3 Barking to the Choir Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 4 Barking to the Choir Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 5 Barking to the Choir Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 6 Barking to the Choir Chapter 6 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 7 Barking to the Choir Chapter 7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-10

Barking to the Choir Chapters 8-10 Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

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Themes

Barking to the Choir Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Barking to the Choir Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Barking to the Choir Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Barking to the Choir Essay Topics

Barking to the Choir

Before You Read

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