The Soloist

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

By: Steve Lopez

Narrated by: William Hughes

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)

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.

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.