Sonny Boy: A Memoir

Sonny Boy (2024) is a memoir by American actor Al Pacino. In his book, Pacino offers readers an intimate glimpse into his personal life and his career as an actor. Pacino reflects on his childhood in the Bronx in the 1940s and 50s as the only child of a single mother, revealing how he first became enamored with acting and storytelling at a young age. He remained determined to fulfill his calling of being an actor in spite of the loss and hardship of his early years. Pacino touches on his romances, money troubles, substance dependency, family, and creative triumphs as he traces his journey of how, against all odds, he became one of America’s most notable actors. 

This guide uses the 2024 Penguin Random House Kindle edition of this book.

Content Warning: The source text and this guide discuss substance misuse disorder, mental health issues, assault, and attempted death by suicide.

Summary

Pacino discusses his youth in the Bronx, where he spent much of his free time with his three close friends, playing sports and getting into wild adventures in their neighborhood. Pacino reveals that his single mother was supportive and loving, but also had mental health problems which led them to lean on her parents for support.