Sonny Boy: A Memoir
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars | 807 ratings
Price: 19.69
Last update: 12-23-2024
About this item
The Instant New York Times Bestseller One of People Magazine's Top 10 Books of the Year
"The rare celebrity memoir that's also a literary read. As funny as it is reflective, it shares stories behind Pacino's hardscrabble upbringing, classic films and journey to icon status."—People Magazine
From one of the most iconic actors in the history of film, an astonishingly revelatory account of a creative life in full
To the wider world, Al Pacino exploded onto the scene like a supernova. He landed his first leading role, in The Panic in Needle Park, in 1971, and by 1975, he had starred in four movies—The Godfather and The Godfather Part II, Serpico, and Dog Day Afternoon—that were not just successes but landmarks in the history of film. Those performances became legendary and changed his life forever. Not since Marlon Brando and James Dean in the late 1950s had an actor landed in the culture with such force.
But Pacino was in his midthirties by then, and had already lived several lives. A fixture of avant-garde theater in New York, he had led a bohemian existence, working odd jobs to support his craft. He was raised by a fiercely loving but mentally unwell mother and her parents after his father left them when he was young, but in a real sense he was raised by the streets of the South Bronx, and by the troop of buccaneering young friends he ran with, whose spirits never left him. After a teacher recognized his acting promise and pushed him toward New York’s fabled High School of Performing Arts, the die was cast. In good times and bad, in poverty and in wealth and in poverty again, through pain and joy, acting was his lifeline, its community his tribe.
Sonny Boy is the memoir of a man who has nothing left to fear and nothing left to hide. All the great roles, the essential collaborations, and the important relationships are given their full due, as is the vexed marriage between creativity and commerce at the highest levels. The book’s golden thread, however, is the spirit of love and purpose. Love can fail you, and you can be defeated in your ambitions—the same lights that shine bright can also dim. But Al Pacino was lucky enough to fall deeply in love with a craft before he had the foggiest idea of any of its earthly rewards, and he never fell out of love. That has made all the difference.
Top reviews from the United States
5.0 out of 5 stars Al Pacino’s Journey Through Art and Identity
From the very beginning, Pacino immerses readers in his journey—his early days in the Bronx, the drive that pushed him toward acting, and the search for belonging both on and off stage. He delves into his process, his inspirations, and the people who shaped his life and career, including mentors, co-stars, and family. The title Sonny Boy itself is more than just a name; it’s a nod to his roots, a tribute to his past, and a symbol of the complexities that come with staying true to oneself in an ever-shifting world.
Pacino’s openness about his struggles, both personal and professional, makes Sonny Boy an inspiring read. He shares stories of failure, heartbreak, and self-doubt, yet each chapter is infused with hope, grit, and a palpable love for the craft of acting. For aspiring artists and longtime fans alike, his memoir is a powerful reminder of the resilience needed to pursue one’s dreams, and the courage it takes to face the world while discovering one’s true self.
What truly sets Sonny Boy apart is Pacino’s ability to inspire readers. Through his reflections, he encourages us to dig deeper, embrace our imperfections, and remain curious. His journey reminds us that true greatness is not just about talent or success but about dedication, humility, and a profound respect for life’s complexities.
In Sonny Boy, Al Pacino has given us more than a memoir—he has given us a guide to living with passion, purpose, and authenticity. This book will leave a lasting impact, much like the characters he brought to life on screen, reminding us to seek truth, pursue our art, and never stop searching for meaning.
5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible!
4.0 out of 5 stars Wanted more personal background
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it
Very interesting but if you’re looking for him to spill the dirt on others, like a tabloid, you won’t find it here
Class Act, respectful guy