Compassionate Houston’s Book studies
Compassionate Houston offers four seasonal book studies throughout the year facilitated by our amazing book study champions and dedicated volunteers Marlin Murdock, board member, and Pam Lewis, board president.
Meet people of our rich community once a week over a 4-week period, bringing together a multitude of perspectives on topics aimed to foster a greater understanding of compassion, kindness, respect and identify personal and public ways to practice it regularly.
Our book studies are conducted virtually as they offer several benefits compared to in-person meeting such as comfort and convenience, cost-effectiveness as participants can save on transportation costs and troubles driving through Houston’s traffic, larger outreach, and easy accessibility.
Our book studies are always free of charge. Offering them is part of our mission to cultivate compassion in Greater Houston.
If you are able to make a donation to our nonprofit 501 (c) (3) at any time, that kind act is most appreciated.
2nd Quarter Book Study 2025
Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion
by Gregory Boyle
Image Source: Simon & Schuster
For two decades, Gregory Boyle's Homeboy Industries has combatted gang culture in LA's Boyle Heights. Tattoos on the Heart captures Boyle's experiences, turning them into profound parables on faith. These stories, woven with humor and generosity, illuminate the transformative power of unconditional love. From tattooed Cesar's quest for acceptance to young Lula's need for recognition, Boyle's insights speak of universal kinship and hope. An inspiring testament to the value of every life. (Source: Homeboy Industries)
Tattoos on the Heart is a powerful introduction to Father Boyle’s life’s work and the mission of Homeboy Industries. It has left a lasting impression on many readers with its unique blend of storytelling, spirituality, and social commentary. Praised by critics and readers alike, its themes of compassion, empathy and redemption are universally relatable.
About the author
Father Gregory Boyle S.J., is an American Jesuit priest and the founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, the largest gang-intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry program in the world. He has received the California Peace Prize and been inducted into the California Hall of Fame. In 2014, the White House named Boyle a Champion of Change. He received the University of Notre Dame’s 2017 Laetare Medal, the oldest honor given to American Catholics. He is the acclaimed author of Tattoos on the Heart and Barking to the Choir. (Source: Homeboy Industries)
Dates: Three consecutive Thursday evenings, May 1, 8, 15
Time: 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Location: Online via Zoom
Facilitators: Marlin Murdock and Pam Lewis
Editorial Reviews of Tattoos on the Heart
“An extraordinary reflection of a life totally committed to reshaping and redirecting the lives of countless young gang members (from L.A. ‘s gang culture), Greg Boyle’s Tattoos on the Heart proves one man with courage is a majority.
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“One of the bravest, most humane, heartbreaking, brilliant, and hopeful stories I’ve read in ages. Father Greg, the Gandhi of the Gangs, fills Tattoos with unquenchable soul force and down-to-earth love.
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1st Quarter Book Study 2025
Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness by Jamil Zaki
Dr. Jamil Zaki is a professor of psychology at Stanford University and the director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab.
Hope for Cynics by Jamil Zaki explores the inherent capacity for kindness, empathy, and altruism in humans. Zaki presents compelling research and anecdotes that highlight the positive aspects of human nature, even in challenging circumstances. He argues that understanding and nurturing our innate goodness can lead to stronger communities and healthier relationships. Through a blend of scientific insights and personal stories, the book encourages readers to recognize and cultivate the positive traits within themselves and others.
We are excited to kickstart our 2025 book study season with a “ray of light” and hope you will join us on this four-week journey.
Links to various book retailers on Zaki’s website > here.
Dates: Four consecutive Thursday evenings, February 6, 13, 20, 27
Time: 7:00 to 8:30pm
Location: Online via Zoom
Facilitators: Pam Lewis and Marlin Murdock
Editorial Reviews of Hope for Cynics
“There has always been an emotional case for hope, but now there is a rational one. Jamil Zaki’s new book is beautiful, wise, and important—a sensible, scientific, and much-needed tonic for what ails us.
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“Zaki paints an optimistic yet realistic view of where things stand without papering over the obstacles to building trust in increasingly divided societies. This will convince readers they don’t need to bury their heads in the sand to envision a more hopeful future.
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“A refreshing look at why ‘people are probably better than you think’… With both heart and academic rigor, Zaki should persuade many cynics to trust in hope.”
Reflections, insights, and testimonials
““The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.””