Lovely Things in Ugly Places

by Mattie Montgomery

During his 10-year career as the frontman of acclaimed metal/hardcore band, For Today, Mattie Montgomery spent countless nights in bars and night clubs all around the world, sharing the love of Christ with a largely secular subculture—one that has been all but forgotten by much of the modern church. In Lovely Things in Ugly Places, he invites us to come with him as he revisits the moments in his ministry (some incredible, some hilarious, and some tragic), that shaped him most substantially. Known for his bold and fearless proclamation of the Gospel, Montgomery writes with vulnerability and transparency, beckoning the Body of Christ into a radical lifestyle of love. He challenges his readers to lay down the labels we use to identify people, and to see them (and ourselves) as God does, reminding us that, if we are willing to look, we too will find Lovely Things in Ugly Places.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian

208 pages, Paperback

Published October 11, 2016

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will never win any literary awards but I absolutely loved it! I'm a fan of Mattie's, a fan of For Today, I love Jesus, and I've experienced first hand how Mattie reaches out to people and loves the unsaved! My husband and I brought an atheist (self proclaimed satanist) friend to a For Today show. Mattie reached out to him and prayed with him. Because of that encounter, our friend turned his life over to Jesus the next night. That was a year ago and he's come to church with us every week since! This book is so inspiring and brought me to tears several times! I can't wait to see what God does in his life next!

[Sam Nichols · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspires you to to see others as God sees them, and not by their sin. They are treasures. Each and every person.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read; he writes as if he's having a conversation with you. Full of stories of real people that are inspiring, challenging and interesting. If you're a fan of Jesus, or I suppose of For Today ;), then you'll appreciate the testimony that this book is.

[Nick Cleyman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of Mattie’s stories are incredible and this is played out as more of a collection of them.
Great to hear the way God moved during his time on tour and in the band For Today.
However, as his first book, it is pretty poorly written and typed out almost like he is telling you through a text message. Still a fun read for the Christian metal head.

[Angela Palmertree · Rating 5 out of 5]

a blessing

Read this upon a Recommendation from a friend, a true blessing indeed. Highly recommend to all! Only wish there was more.

[Micah Rydmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still HIGLY recommend reading this book and being wowed at God's incredible power and love for a sometimes forgotten sub-genre of people in the underground hardcore and metal scene. This book walks you through one of the most unique, powerful, and unpredictable ways that God used a metal core band to reach countless thousands with the gospel and transform many lives. From the perspective of the lead singer Mattie. Mattie is not known for being a writer but he tells these stories so well. As if you are sitting down hearing them over lunch with him.
I avidly followed the band For Today all 10 + years that they existed and were active as a music group. It was amazing to hear more in-depth about certain stories that occurred along the way. Whether you know anything about this band or don't even like heavy music. Anyone would enjoy this book and be impacted by it.

[Jameson Ketchum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've known Mattie a lot of years. This book is his heart, great tour stories mixed with meaningful life lessons in faith.

[Jalen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

After being a fan of For Today and Mattie for years it only felt natural I buy this book when I went to see them one last time on their farewell tour… that was in 2016. Who knew it would take me 6 whole years to actually get to it.

Lovely Things in Ugly Places was a fine read. Mattie writes in a simple manner as if he’s having a conversation with you. The book is sort of an autobiography focused around the time frame that For Today (the band) was active. Mattie tells stories of the way God used himself and the other guys in the band, the miracles performed, the hardships, and everything else in-between. I appreciate the authenticity with which Mattie writes about his experiences, making it all more genuine.

I’d be slow to recommend this to anyone unless they were fans of For Today as it’s so focus on that of his life. If you were a fan though I’m sure you would enjoy this read as I have.

[Richard Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wonderful!

I saw my life in this book. Mattie calls them treasures, I call them gems. I would recommend this book to those who have lost sight or detoured down a diffrent road. The encouragement offered in this book will keep the fire burning. As "For Today" would say "Take your flame, ignite the world!"

[Acacia Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book felt like a conversation. Written in a simple, honest, heartfelt style, this book will take you on a journey into some of the darkest places and surprise you with little diamonds of light. I got shivers and chills while reading this because of the light shining through. It felt like I was watching each situation unfold right in front of me. Wow!

[Ralph Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book: very real and inspiring life story

The story of a very ordinary young man who follows God through life and discovers God has a plan to use in ways he never imagined.

[Nickii Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart gripping read

So much power in his words. God does amazing things and this was a testimony of that. Inspires me greatly.

[Zachariah Herron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. Essential reading.

[Rob Snider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Easy reading and very touching. 👍

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Mattie Montgomery is a man who lives true to his teachings. For Today has been my favorite band for four years now, and what I love more than their music is their ministry and love for people. I have seen them perform live every year from 2013 all the way to their Farewell Tour this past month. If you are looking for a man who represents what it means to be a Christ follower, look no further than Mattie.

[Kavin Kramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each time I put the book down I couldn't wait to pick it back up to read the next encounter Mattie would have while sharing the love of Jesus. This book is inspiring and will put a tear in your eye more than once.

For anyone familiar with who Mattie is--there is plenty of insight into his life and times with For Today. The focus throughout is on what God has been doing in Mattie's life.