The Soloist

A Lost Dream, an Unlikely Friendship, and the Redemptive Power of Music

By: Steve Lopez

Narrated by: William Hughes

Length: 6 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

When journalist Steve Lopez sees Nathaniel Ayers playing his heart out on a two-string violin on Los Angeles' skid row, he finds it impossible to walk away. More than 30 years ago, Ayers was a promising classical bass student at Juilliard - ambitious, charming, and also one of the few African-Americans there - until he gradually lost his ability to function, overcome by schizophrenia.

Over time, the two men form a bond and Lopez imagines that he might be able to change Ayers' life. The Soloist is a beautifully told story of devotion in the face of seemingly unbeatable challenges.

©2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc. (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"With self-effacing humor, fast-paced yet elegant prose and unsparing honesty, Lopez tells an inspiring story of heartbreak and hope." ( Publishers Weekly)

Book for the soul.

What other book might you compare The Soloist to and why?

Step Out on Nothing

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Steve Lopez realized Mr. Sanchez was helping him become a better person.

I know why it became a movie!

I always loved this as a movie. I t was well acted and well cast. But I loved getting to know the backstory better and it made it more personal for me as I am a murse and have had some close encounters of this nature. Bravo!

The Soloist by Steve Lopez

The Soloist is as inspiring a story as they come. It tells of vast patience and love for a homeless mentally ill musician. Inspiring because we can all relate to the musician and the journalist, Thank you , Steve Lopez.

Didn’t sit well with me.

I wanted to like this story, but it just seemed like Lopez was using Nathanial and would have gone on ignoring him had he not needed a story. Narration was a little flat.

My Thoughts

I had to read this book for my research assignment for a reading class that I am taking at my local Community College, located in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. I wasn't sure that I would be able to fully understand what Steve Lopez's relationship was going to entail. From the beginning I could see that Mr. Lopez was so taken by Nathaniel's love for music especially Beethoven. To be able to play both cello and violin was amazing! I felt as though I was able to hear Nathaniel every time he played for Steve. It was hard to understand why Nathaniel was so resistant in the beginning but it wasn't because he didn't want anyone's help, he was too proud to ask for help. Nathaniel had so many people in his corner who were there to help him if he fell along the way. Steve Lopez took him under his wing on more than one occasion and taught Nathaniel that there would always be someone there to help guide him in his journey. I thoroughly enjoyed listening and reading The Soloist.

inspirational yet sad story

it was a Beautiful narration I almost felt like I was almost there in scene.

Fantastic Audiobook

This is one of the best audio books I've listened to in a while. Excellent writing, wonderful narration, and a terrific story.
The author provides a good perspective on how mental health affects lives and how one person can make a difference in someone's life.
It will tug at your soul, stretch your heart and bring tears to your eyes.

Hope, Illusion, Schizophrenia

It is seldom that I choose nonfiction books, and when I do I am often disappointed. Not this time. I haven't seen the movie . . . doubt if I will . . . they usually come no where near the book. I am one of those people who have really been angered by the laws which put the mentally ill out on the streets many years ago, when "in their best interest" the mental institutions were eventually all closed down, along with all the other institutional placements for the severely handicapped. You see, I am the mother of a severely mentally retarded, severely autistic adult, who only through the grace of God, lots of work on our part (mine and my husband's), and constantly advocating for her, is now in an appropriate group home close to us, where she is safe. Mental illness is very different. But I'm not entirely sure that we've done these precious people any service by closing all the facilities which once housed them. There are so many ethical questions, so many questions of safety, not only of the mentally ill themselves, but that of the family members who spend years trying their best to care for their loved ones, many of which end up injured and sometimes killed by the person they are trying to take care of. One of the saddest stories happened here in Alabama when a teenage boy killed both his parents, and severely injured his siblings, several years ago. This family could not get any help from authorities or physicians, because the boy "had not actually harmed them" YET. The Soloist is a hauntingly beautiful, deeply moving story of a gifted musician who is unable to make health, cleanliness or other basic choices in life. Therefore he is "free". But everyone around him, everyone who loves him is TRAPPED in a vicious cycle of needing to help him, of continuing to hope, and of fighting the illusion that he CAN be helped. Nathaniel Ayers life has VALUE. God created Nathaniel. God created our sweet daughter. What we learned, over many, many years, is that God also created these special people to be adults, in whatever shape or form that is. And that God releases us, as their parents, as their caretakers, to also take care of ourselves. I fear that our society and our nation have not done well by those who truly need help the most, and cannot help themselves, while continuing to subsidize those who are ABLE BODIED. And the answers are not simple. But they are WORTH seeking.

wonderful

amazing story of human compassion in the face if a devastating disease state. great narration keep the reader involved.

Poignant

This is an incredible book. The hopes and expectations of Mr Lopez remained all the while Mr Ayers tested (knowingly or unknowingly) Mr Lopez time and again.. This book is mesmerizing.