Like thousands around the world, I’ve been a big fan of Al Pacino for many years. Now, arguably in the twilight of his years, he’s finally decided to put pen to paper and write his memoirs - and what a life he’s led! I found this book to be an eye-opening, frank account of Mr Pacino’s rise to fame and the trials and tribulations he’s experienced on that journey. The book covers his childhood, his early acting experience, his friendships, romantic relationships, and his creative collaborations. I applaud him for not dishing the dirt on fellow actors and such like, in fact he’s generally respectful towards all folk from all walks of life - with the exception of briefly showing some understandable disdain for at least one unnamed high ranking movie executive… He candidly mentions his reluctance at times to accept his stardom and does touch on his struggle with drinking. He goes on to opens up his heart in regards to the film and stage productions he is particularly proud of, but is not afraid to admit that he has starred in some rather poor movies, and is rather critical of some of his own performances. He also admits that he has a somewhat naive approach to finances, so despite making ludicrous amounts of money from his highly successful movies, he eventually did at one stage go broke! However, it’s the acting that floats his boat, the ability to bring life to the characters he portrays in his theatre and movie roles, so he takes a rather philosophical view in regards to his financial set-backs, revealing that as long as he can continue to be creative, then all is well with the world. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir, and I particularly enjoyed browsing through the included colour and black & white photos. Here is an actor that started from very humble beginnings, experienced many set-backs and rejections in his early years, but has gone on to continually given us movie-goers such brilliant and memorable performances over the years - to which I say bravo! This is a tremendous book and one which I highly recommend.
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A brilliant insight into the world of Al off camera. Throw in some demons, kids,failures,bankruptcy and you get a very interesting read!
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I’m a lover of everything Al! The book brings to light the struggles of being a “Hollywood star” and finding meaning in being enmeshed in that stardom. We are not spared of the addiction of the journey, we get a sneak peek into what made the star. It’s a buffet of peaks and lows. One would think that these stars are made from heaven but this book set in reality gives us a clear glimpse into an existence like ours. We find hope in the narration, we find despair, we find a spirit floating around looking to create art. It’s in this pages of Al do we find what makes Tony Montana, Michael Corleone. These are the gifts of this star. It is a book that should be placed in library shelves of universities to serve as a reminder that life is to be lived, endured and much more importantly, a reminder for us to pour all our gifts into earth. AL Pacino will always be remembered indeed. It’s worth a read indeed.
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Growing up in the South Bronx, was not an easy start for Al, and he reflects a lot on his early family life, and the loss of several of his childhood friends through drug addiction. He also shares his own battles with drugs and alcohol, which he managed to overcome through talk therapy and other self help tools. I really enjoyed reading of the other highs and lows of his journey, and the challenges he faced as someone who appears confident, but is actually rather sensitive and shy. He has never married but shared a few discreet details of his long term relationships, and the joys of fatherhood. Al's passion for acting shines throughout. Although he is a master of both stage and screen, he is incredibly humble, and admits that some of the less popular roles he has played were very necessary due to his overspending, and a lack of good financial advice. A tough lesson for someone so conscientious. He is a natural raconteur, and wordsmith. Sonny Boy is beautifully written, and a worthy celebration of his outstanding achievements.
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The authoritarian voice in this autobiography speaks with verisimilitude. I was glued to the easily flowing text laughing out loud several times.knowing what it’s like to live in NYC, at a time of paradigm shift and envisioning the story. The creative aspect seems to me to bear out philosophical theories on differences between the heart and the head or the soul and the mind in that creative force comes in an epiphany straight from the heart. Buy this book if you’d like a good read.
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As an Al Pacino fan, I am excited to read this autobiography. Out of all my TV and movie likes, he is a man I have always wanted to meet. He seems like such an interesting person with an interesting life. I look forward to being informed as I turn every page. A brand new book, pristine quality, good price, fast delivery. Would recommend.
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Good book, it was a Christmas present and it has been appreciated by the reader
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I enjoyed reading Sonny Boy, Al Pacino's memoir. It gives insight into his childhood up through the beginnings of his acting and so on. I feel as though I know Pacino as a person. The book is a page Turner. You won't put it down until you're read it all.
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Al is my fav, the book does justice to him.
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consegnato nei tempi previsti
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Good book & good price
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I was surprised how much I enjoyed reading this and discovering Al Pacino beyond his movies like Godfather, Scarface, Irish Man etc. I had not been aware of his multiple theatre pieces, including classics from Shakespeare. Also he made some avantgarde movies with his own money. Surprising also his openess and honesty about his weaknesses and difficulties as well as his upbringing in poor conditions in the Bronx and early years as struggling actor.
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