Cherished Belonging: The Healing Power of Love in Divided Times

I am a longtime fan of Father Greg Boyle, so it is no surprise that I picked up the audiobook for "Cherished Belonging" as soon as I could. He is one of the few authors that I need to both hear and read on the page, so not long after listening to the book, I bought a hard copy. The premise of this book is simply that eveyone is unshakably good and that we all belong to one another, no exceptions. Moreover, Father Greg boldly, humbly, and eloquently states that embracing this view is sufficient to redress many intricate social dilemmas. He then proceeds to show how that has played out during his decades of guiding gang members in East Los Angeles to another way of being in the world, using stories from his interactions with the community that shapes itself around Homeboy Industires, and his own insights. Reading this man, listening to him, is powerful. He is not a fool who does not see things as they are. In fact, he seems to be a sage who sees things just as they are, no matter how they may appear on the surface. It is to have the company of a magnificent man, one who feels like a true bodhisattva, to take a page from my own Buddhist frame of reference, untiringly being in the midst of the world without getting weighed down by it. Every minute I spend taking in his words is rewarded many times over by the tenderness and wisdom they transmit. This may be my favorite of his books yet, for its ability to portray the immensity and the heartbreak of this priceless life. Highest recommendation.

Boyle makes a lot of sense. It helps to remember that as we live in the complexity of the world we can learn to see more clearly the essence of goodness around us. Being present pushes fear out and makes space for humor, healthier connection and positive expansion.

Each book Gregory Boyle writes gets better and better. I love them all, and I was so happy when I learned this book was coming out. So I pre-ordered it, and felt like it was truly God-sent when I opened an Amazon box to find it on election night. Drawing from his three decades of experience with Homeboy Industries, Boyle presents a compelling vision of community and healing, rooted in the belief that every person is unshakably good and we all belong to each other. Through colorful anecdotes and wisdom from former gang members, Boyle challenges readers to see the world through a lens of love and practice radical kindness as a defiance against societal divisions. His intimate and vulnerable voice adds depth to the narrative, creating a sense of personal connection with the reader. "Cherished Belonging" is not just a book but a call to action, inspiring readers to nurture connections and see the inherent goodness in all people, offering a compassionate way forward in our current times. I can’t recommend it enough! Just what I needed. I also ordered it on Audible, so I can listen to Father Greg read it. Even more powerful to listen to him read his books. I will continue to re-read and re-listen to “Cherished Belonging” as a guide to navigating these times we are living through.

I've been touched by all of Fr. Greg Boyle's books but this one is extra special. Maybe because I'm older. Maybe because of the increased separateness among people. I had to get both the hardcopy and the audiobook. Boyle's stories illuminate the need for acceptance of and kindness toward others.

Title: Cherished Belonging By: Gregory Boyle Pub. Date: November 5, 2024 Genre: Non-fiction, Memoir, Self-Help, Christian, Spirituality Trigger Warnings: Lives of incarcerated adults, experiences involving as such. Summary/Review: In "Cherished Belonging," Father Gregory Boyle shares heartfelt stories that showcase the love and compassion fostered by Homeboy Industries. Boyle offers a proactive perspective on bridging the societal divide, emphasizing the importance of belonging and the belief that we are all "unshakably good." Through his distinctive approach, he reminds us of our shared connections and the light within each of us. While my beliefs differ somewhat from Boyle’s, his Christian message resonates with readers from all backgrounds. I highly recommend this book! Similar books to: Tattoos on the Heart by Gregory Boyle What Does it Feel Like? By Sophie Kinsella The Story of the Heart by Rachel Clarke Thank you Gregory Boyle, Avid Reader Press, Simon and Schuster, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily. #CherishedBelonging #GregoryBoyle #AvidReaderPress #SimonandSchuster #reluctantreaderreads #advancedreadercopies #NetGalley

Written as only a Jesuit could, Cherished Belonging was chocked full of inspirational quotes and passages, from a wide range of personalities, including Abraham Lincoln and Yo Yo Ma. It left me feeling that there is good in the world.

Fr. Boyle provides a wonderful mix of personal stories of tragedy and renewal, of laughter and pain. If you can’t relate to the difficulties experienced by Homies, this book offers you a glimpse into their world and teaches you what is possible when a person feels valued, loved, and given a sense of belonging.

The power of tjis book lies in the simplicity of a message that could change the world. We all need to belong and we all deserve to be cherished. Read it and be inspired as I was.

Reading Fr. G's is like going on a religious retreat. One can't help but be transformed by the expansive view of love and kinship that erases boundaries. If you like the book, do yourself a favor and visit Homeboy Industries. It truly is holy ground. Fr. G challenges us to broaden our understanding of God. If this message became universally embraced, as G says 'we wouldn't be preaching justice, we would be celebrating it.'