The Soloist : a Lost Dream, an Unlikely Friendship, and the Redemptive Power of Music by Steve Lopez

Memoirs are my favorite read these days. A memoir is a bit of an autobiography with a large dose of personal experience. They are always true stories. The memoirs I have read have been written in an "I'm your friend" voice always drawing me in to the author's life - or at least a segment of his/her life. I like them because they reveal the grittiness of life, the difficulties, the problems people endure. The Soloist by Steve Lopez meets all of those criteria.

Steve Lopez is a columnist for the Los Angeles Times. One day he stopped to listen to a homeless man playing an old, two string violin. The music was classical and showed a depth of talent that did not match the Skid Row homeless environment. So Steve asked. He approached the bedrageled soloist and commented on his talent. Over weeks, months, and years Steve learned that Mr. Nathaniel Ayers had attended New York City's prestigious Juilliard School for students with talents in the performing arts. Mr. Ayers also suffers from the mental illness, schizophrenia. He simply was not able to manage the demands of school and was hospitalized against his will. When Mr. Lopez wrote of Nathaniel Ayers in his column, readers responded favorably. Many wanted to help. Steve Lopez found himself advocating for the homeless and his new friend, Nathaniel Ayers.

In reading The Soloist you will learn much about homelessness and mental illness. Your eyes will be opened to life on the streets. You may be surprised to know that many homeless choose that life style as they do not want the day-to-day responsibilities that we take for granted. You will be moved by this story and appreciate your life, no matter the hardships you may think you endure.

Soon, The Soloist will open as a major motion picture starring Jamie Foxx as Mr. Nathaniel Ayers and Robert Downey, Jr. as Mr. Steve Lopez. Read the book first as there is ALWAYS something more to know from a book than a movie. I will certainly be watching the movie too!

The Juilliard School has also covered this story. You may enjoy reading The Long Road: Nathaniel Ayers' Journey From Juilliard to Skid Row to Disney Hall by Louise Lee for The Juilliard Journal.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm