Fortress Round My Heart

I attended, as the bookseller, the 2010 Canada-US Gang Summit held here in Toronto. The keynote speaker was Father Gregory Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries. His book, seen above, details his remarkable journey assisting Los Angeles gang members to become positive and contributing members of society. Told through personal stories arranged by themes, Boyle inspires and humanizes those who have fallen through the cracks. An excellent resource showing a different side of gang culture. My only criticism is that Doyle's Jesuit background influences his storytelling. It was filled with references to Christ, God, and Catholicism. The story, and real changes Boyle made in former gang members, is remarkable and if you can get beyond the language it's a fantastic and inspirational book.