• 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
  • 4.1 out of 5 stars (738 ratings)

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The Soloist  By  cover art

The Soloist

By: Steve Lopez
Narrated by: William Hughes
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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)

What listeners say about The Soloist

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    332
  • 4 Stars
    229
  • 3 Stars
    137
  • 2 Stars
    28
  • 1 Stars
    12
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    264
  • 4 Stars
    148
  • 3 Stars
    59
  • 2 Stars
    15
  • 1 Stars
    6
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    261
  • 4 Stars
    140
  • 3 Stars
    67
  • 2 Stars
    15
  • 1 Stars
    9

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars

Loved It, Will See the Movie

I purchased this book because it is being made into a movie and I wanted to read the book first. Can't wait to see the movie.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Imagination gone Wild

while I found the story and desc ription of schizophrenia enlightening, the reading made made drag myself through the first 4 chapters. Worth the read though.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Inspiring and beautiful story

I would recommend this story to anyone watching in despair the homeless enclave in Oakland. San Francisco’ and LA! We can help.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

it's was a moving story<br />

I love the progression of the story. would love to hear more about Mr.Ayers life.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

If you don't mind that it's written in the present

Would you try another book from Steve Lopez and/or William Hughes?

William Hughes, yes, Steve Lopez if he wrote it in past tense.

Would you be willing to try another book from Steve Lopez? Why or why not?

The story was sweet, but writing in the present tense irritates me.

Which scene was your favorite?

Gave up. Don't know

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

I did see it.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Moving and true

A quick listen. It is moving and shows the toll schizophrenia takes on a life and the life of a family. It also reminds us we are who we are and that may be just fine. The soul can endure even when the mind is ill.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant!

What made the experience of listening to The Soloist the most enjoyable?

The story was remarkable.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Soloist?

The most memorable moment was when Mr. Lopez went back to Nathaniel after he threatened his life.

Which character – as performed by William Hughes – was your favorite?

My favorite character, as performed by William Hughes, was Mr. Lopez.

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

I was moved when Yo-yo Ma put his arm around Nathaniel and said they were brothers.

Any additional comments?

I rarely revisit a book twice, but I'll keep this one on my list for a second go.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Very enjoyable!

I liked the book as well as the movie. Enjoyable to listen to.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Inspiring and motivating story.

If you're reading this book, there is a reason. It's inspiring and motivating to say the least.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful. Compelling. Soul stirring.

A journey with two incredible people. The journey of a lifetime for both. staying with me. I'm in awe.

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