Born and raised on the streets of Southtown, two exits from the Mexico border, Sonny Sandoval was always going to go his own way. And as frontman of the platinum selling nu metal band P.O.D.--a group too Christian for the world and too secular for the church--he has broken every mold, defied every expectation, and reached into the hearts and minds of hundreds of thousands of people who wanted to belong to something but never felt like they fit in.
Sonny's life has been one lived on the edge between two worlds, a line he has attempted to walk with integrity. Raw and uncut, this memoir tells his true story of growing up in the gritty beauty south of San Diego, his early musical influences and big breaks, his rise to fame and many hardships and struggles along the way.
From stories of performing in cornfields at the Cornerstone Music Festival to rocking MTV's Total Request Live with Carson Daly to playing in New York City just weeks after 9/11, and every unglamorous moment in between, this hard-hitting memoir will have you believing that there's no one right way to follow God's call. Instead, Sonny's story will inspire you to be totally and uniquely you at all times, without apology and without compromise--but with passion and integrity.
P.O.D came into my life at a time when you still had to stand in line for concert tickets, arrange a ride to the music shop to grab an album and wait all day by the radio to hear a new single drop.
Ahhh the 90s how I miss thee.
I was lucky enough to see P.O.D live a few times back in the day and the shows were amazing! I always liked the facts that the band was a Christian band that didn't push an agenda of religion. They were religious, and made boss music, separate but not separate. For a band that prided themselves on not pushing a religious agenda this book sure did the opposite. It felt like one of those Sunday morning pulpits. Preaching was up front and music was a secondary thought. I did get some tidbits on their musical inspiration & process, but it wasn't enough. I was hoping for better. Thanks to NetGalley & RBmedia for my ALC.
Sonny’s such an uplifting and down to earth human being. I was genuinely excited to hear he wrote a book. AND he even narrated his audiobook. It’s nice to know that even those you consider such great talent really go thru the same trials and tribulations as anyone else. I will say just like him I am still in shock they aren’t bigger than they are. Selfishly I cannot deny that I really enjoy their smaller concerts. It’s a very intimate experience I will treasure forever. Also, at the end of the audiobook was a nice new song I don’t recall hearing before. 10/10 recommend
I became a POD fan in my late teens and early 20's and have long appreciated their music and Sonny's particularly public commitment to Christ and his love. I saw them play once (around 2000) and as the curtain opened I bore witness to Sonny worshipping intensely, with hands upraised, while I was being treated to some of the loudest music I've ever heard. It left a strong impression on me.
Life is always more complex than those little indelible snapshots and POD's journey, and Sonny's within it, is no exception. This memoir is candid and forthright, chronicling dizzying highs and the lowest of lows. Throughout, Sonny is willing to lay bare his own thoughts and struggles, but he also protects the privacy and integrity of others. He proves to be an excellent narrator of his own words. If anything, I wish the book were longer. There is so much more that could be said, so many stories that could have been told. In any case, I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to become better acquainted with a man whom I've often admired from afar.
I received this book for free from LibraryThing’s Early Reviewer program:
A very interesting look at a band I like, but didn’t know a lot about. It read like a conversation with an old friend, albeit a bit one sided conversation, and that friend is just a bit too into God, but I don’t fault him for that. Everyone has their “thing” and that’s Sonny’s, and even though it isn’t mine, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book. It’s also not going to convert me, but that’s neither here nor there. Someone who needs to hear what Sonny is saying will read the book and be changed and I’m sure that’s who he wrote it for, but I feel like he will understand that that’s not me, and he will be cool with that and just be happy I enjoyed the book and got what I got from it. Well done.
I was so excited to get this book and get an insight into Sonny and the band. I’ve been a POD fan since ‘99, have seen them live more times than I can remember, and have had the opportunity to meet the guys. Sonny is such a real, and genuine man. Right from the start, the book hit so close to my home and had me fighting back tears. I absolutely love how forward Sonny is about his faith, not religion. I also love that he reiterates that POD is not, nor has ever been a Christian band. Nothing against Christian bands, but that’s not what POD is. You get some insight into the recording of the records and certain songs, which is great! His book has made me want to get closer to Jesus with my own walk, and that’s what I intend to do.
I was there... and can confirm that this is about as real as it gets. Sonny changed my life, and his spirituality and humanism are on full display here. A must read for all POD fans!
I received a copy of this audiobook ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.
This was a lot of fun. One of my favorite types of escapism relaxing reads is to get into a memoir from a musician that I listen to. Sonny Sandoval provides this here, with Son of Southtown. It's always a great bonus when the artist/author is the one doing the narration.
I found Sonny's story to be fascinating and inspiring, from his early days pre-POD all the way to the present. Sonny covers what's been going on in his life as well as his professional career, which is a great formula for an entertaining memoir...
Author: Sonny Sandoval Title: Son of Southtown: My Life Between Two Worlds Year of Publication: 2025
Sonny Sandoval is the lead vocalist of the band P.O.D., a group that has walked the fine line between the secular and the Christian. Criticized by both sides, the group has always pushed forward and delivered its message.
This book reads very quickly, flows smoothly, and feels like you’re sitting with Sonny somewhere, sipping sodas and chatting while he tells you his story with evident passion.
Sonny begins by recounting what it was like growing up in a “hot” neighborhood in the United States, surrounded by friends who became family, a place he holds dear—so much so that, despite having the means to leave, he still lives there and supports his community however he can. But life in Southtown wasn’t without pain: the loss of his mother at a young age marked a turning point in his journey. Far from sinking him into despair, this blow led him to confront his faith in a unique way, striking a “deal” with God:
“I don’t want all that religion. I hate that stuff. I don’t want the blonde, blue-eyed Jesus. I don’t want the God of the Crusades who converts you or stops you or any of those TV preachers with their holy water and people falling on the floor. I want my mom’s Jesus. If that’s you, if you’re my mom’s Jesus, then I’ll follow you because it’s the only way I’ll make it through. And I think it’s the only way she’d let it go.”
After losing his mother, almost without intending to, he joined the band P.O.D. with his cousin Wuv and two other friends, beginning what would become a journey that continues to this day, taking them around the world with God’s message. However, the band’s goal went beyond staying within the church walls—they were clear about that.
“Our calling wasn’t within the sacred boundaries. It was to the bars, the clubs, and anywhere else we could share with people, through our music, that there’s hope in Jesus.”
Sonny explains that he aimed to reach those passionate kids who didn’t fit the “mold” of the Church—those rebellious types with leather jackets, punk mohawks, combat boots, and tattoos, who might ruin the perfect parishioner photo and lead the “church kids” astray. Along these lines, he also points out that, at some point in history, the Church expelled the creative and daring rebels and locked itself in its bubble. It’s a harsh but very true critique.
One of Sonny’s goals with his music is to share his message. He knows that people will read the lyrics more closely at some point, reflect on their meaning, and draw closer to God. He shares that countless people have approached him, telling him how his music helped them connect with God.
Fame came to the band with the albums Southtown and Satellite, but it later took its toll, nearly breaking the group apart. Still, they managed to pull through and continue their mission.
They had to take a break after the album When Angels and Serpents Dance to reassess things. During that hiatus, the idea for The Whosoevers was born—a movement to bring the Gospel’s message to a generation searching for meaning. This movement empowers people to discover their true purpose in life and gives talks at schools, rehab centers, and churches. Some artists supporting the movement include Fieldy and Head from Korn. The movement was founded by Ryan Ries alongside Sonny, with participation from Lacey Sturm of Flyleaf. They’ve expanded their reach, touching many countries worldwide (https://thewhosoevers.com/). Sonny returned recharged to P.O.D., releasing four albums after the break, including during the pandemic. P.O.D. returned to their roots with Veritas, and the mission continues after all these years.
Sonny’s book is a raw and honest account of someone who has lived between two worlds and, with God’s help, has managed to stay afloat and find his purpose in life. He holds nothing back, and people should read it.
Finally, these days, Sonny is focusing on building his Youth of the Nation foundation, which is centered on music and the arts (https://www.youthofthenation.foundation/).
“Many teens and kids are looking for a safe place after school, but most programs are sports-based. Kids whose passion is music and the arts have nowhere to go.”
From the streets of San Diego to the world, it’s been a journey of highs and lows but full of lessons, with his feet firmly on the ground and a clear sense of his mission.
I can’t remember the last time I read a book in just a couple of sittings - until now after reading Son of Southtown. I was introduced to POD when I was stationed in Guam when their album TFEOST came out. From then on I was hooked and became a huge fan of the band. So I was stoked to see Sonny had written this and was just enthralled reading his book. It’s by no means ever going to be a brilliant piece of literature but it was written from the heart and Sonny gives on honest account about his life and lot of stuff going on with the band through the years. Despite my five star rating there was one thing that Sonny discusses that I simply don’t see eye to eye with him on. I will never understand these bands that say “we are Christians in a band not a Christian band.” Michael Sweet from Stryper does the same thing and I just don’t get it. I think this line of thinking comes from within the industry but not so much from the fans point of view. So when he discusses it (and he harps on it a lot) I just shake my head and say to myself “really, dude?” From my point of view there is absolutely no difference between the two and such statements make you look foolish to the fans. So yeah - that bugged me a little. To be honest I’m at the point with these bands that I just really don’t care. Too many punch out (Underoath?) and it gets frustrating. If you can play good music, put on a good show, have lyrics that aren’t blatantly evil, and don’t feel the need to say the f word in every other line of your songs you’re good to go in my opinion. If you can belt out lyrics like “Christ is King” (Impending Doom) thats a bonus. Regardless reading how “Christians in a band” navigated the secular scene was interesting to me. It was also interesting to see the change in attitude from the beginning to where they are at currently. According to Sonny fame hit these guys pretty hard and put them all in compromising positions regarding the faith. The honesty of that admission is so appreciated and reading about it was tough. I checked out on POD after “Testify” came out so it was interesting to see how things went for them after I lost interest in the band. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for these guys.
Sonny Sandoval’s memoir is the perfect mix of nostalgia, faith, and rebellion—kind of like the music of P.O.D. itself. If you grew up headbanging to Deftones and Incubus without realizing P.O.D. was part of your subconscious soundtrack, this book will hit hard. And if you later found yourself leading youth groups while parents panicked over Skillet and Switchfoot, you definitely won’t be able to put this down.
Sandoval tells his story with raw honesty, taking us from the streets of Southtown to MTV’s TRL, from cornfield festivals to post-9/11 New York. It’s an unfiltered look at the struggles and triumphs of a band that never quite fit into the world’s expectations—too Christian for some, too secular for others, but always unapologetically real.
And yes, I may have paused my reading to Google old TRL clips and a certain connection to Katy Perry. But no spoilers—read it yourself to find out. 5 stars for a memoir that rocks as hard as the band that inspired it! 🤘
Son of Southtown: My life between two worlds by Sonny Sandoval is a must read/listen for anyone who listens to P.O.D. but also for those who are trying to navigate living their life of faith in our current world.
I am not religious myself and wasn't sure how I would take that aspect of the book, but it was done in a way that I admired his faith in those moments and saw how it could be a comfort during the tough moments.
I highly recommend the audio version of he book as Sonny himself narrates it. I also really enjoyed the mentions of other bands along the way that I have heard of.
Thank you to Sonny Sandoval for sharing your story and working with NetGalley. I was chosen to listen to an advanced audio copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
I had super high hopes for this book being a fan of P.O.D. and having been fortunate enough to meet the guys. Sonny is everything in this book that he is in person where you really can feel his calm demeanor and love. And I especially enjoyed the insight on Marcos leaving the band. But Sonny never mentions really becoming friends with any of the bands they toured with other than the Christian folks, which felt strange. He never goes into detail about the struggles regarding drugs and sex that he mentions are a real thing for the rock life. But he writes well and I was having a hard time putting the book down, so would recommend it as long as you don’t mind a bit of preaching, as there are a few parts where it feels that way.
I kind of swerved POD at their height, almost certainly due in part to being put off by the “Christian” label that followed them round. I was lucky enough to see them live at Sick New World and the show blew me away so much I knew I had to revisit their stuff.
Sonny finds it tough in this book to stick to his self-imposed restriction on preaching God to the reader, but I get it. He’s a passionately Christian man and that drive and belief got him to where he is and provided the basis for every word written. Ultimately it’s a captivating story about a guy who achieved great things and did it all by (or possibly in spite of) being a generally good and humble guy.
It’s a solid 3.5 and one I’d recommend to anyone with an interest in the band/genre.
This book was a delight. As a Christian and as a rock fan, I was so excited to learn more about Sonny, his walk with the Lord, and how he navigated the world of rock. I paused the book multiple times to look up music videos, SNL performances, TRL videos, and that list goes on and on. He’s a great example of what loving Jesus is about, from praying with people at shows to starting the whosovers, hearing the story straight from him was everything I could have asked for. Middle school me was beaming the entire time I listened to this. Wonderful WONDERFUL book. Thank you for sharing your story and thank you NetGalley for the ARC! P.O.D will always have a special place in my heart.
I really enjoyed reading this book and found it hard to put down. I'm always fascinated by how God works in and through others. The grittier, the better. Sonny is the genuine article and his heart just bleeds through the pages of Sonny's Of Southtown.
There's not a whole lot I can say without including some spoilers (which i won't do), but highly recommend it to those who are fans of this style of music, especially Sonny's band, P.O.D. The tales of ups and downs and how God uses them all is one that encourages and inspires.
I really enjoyed this book. Sonny talks about the line between being a Christian in a hard rock metal world of music and how to navigate through it. It's really cool how he talks about meeting Katy Perry early in her career. I never knew how many guitar players they had leave especially before a big record deal that he goes into detail about. It also follows Sonny and his relationships with his wife and son. The book goes into his world travels and where he has been. I'm so thankful there wasn't any profanity and if there was it wasn't enough for me to remember. If you like the band POD or Christian music, Sonny, or the music industry itself. You will love this. Highly recommend.
Long time fan of POD and this book did not disappoint. The book is candid and answers some of the questions I’ve had over the years. Really inspiring to see someone be so real and his love and concern for everyone around him, including and maybe most notably the outkasts. I really hope I can find my way to a POD concert with my kids who are becoming huge fans as well!
As another reviewer said: no literary masterpiece But rather, it was a delightful and inspiring testimony of Sonny and his calling with and alongside the band POD. Loved going through a nostalgic journey of the POD albums. Putting headphones 🎧 on and playing their songs again. Thank you Sonny.
Interesting and encouraging reading, as a P.O.D. fan since " the fundamental elements of Southtown " it was fun reading some of the behind the scenes stuff.
I’m biased here in my 5 star. It’s not literary work of art, but I have a lot of love for this dude! I’m thankful for Sonny sharing his story and the parts of his life many of his fans may have not really known about or wanted a little clarity on. There were a lot of really great one liners that encouraged me throughout the read also. (While I enjoyed reading the physical book I also shelled out some coins to enjoy him reading the audiobook.)
mmh no seee, quería mucho q me gustara pero no pude:( no es una autobiografía mala pero tampoco es increíble, en partes la sentí poco honesta.. no que mintiera ni nada pero si omitía bastante, por respeto o por lo q sea pero igual algunas historias se sentían bien incompletas. Además, yo se q Sonny es muy cristiano y eso me daba nervios a la hora de empezar el libro. me alivie porque al empezar el dice “yo no pretendo predicar ni cambiar a nadie” pero eso fue una mentira jaja. yo creo q este libro es, sin exagerar, 60% propaganda cristiana y ya las ultimas 70 paginas era como estar sentada en una iglesia (no tengo idea nunca he ido pero me imagino xd). dicho todo esto, es su libro y el puede escribir como y de lo q el quiera. Soy muy fan de P.O.D, amo y admiro mucho a Sonny y eso no cambia, solo no me gusto el libro.
I think overall this book was good but I still didn’t finish it. I think it jumped around a little too much for me and without being a huge fan of POD, it didn’t hit for me fully.