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The Soloist

a Lost Dream, An Unlikely Friendship, and the Redemptive Power of Music
Nov 29, 2010derekwolfgram rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Fascinating to read this right on the heels of Outliers... Nathaniel Ayers was nothing if not a naturally gifted individual who took advantage of unusual opportunities to work with amazing teachers and attend an amazing school. Turns out sometimes the world is a bit random, and severe mental illness throws a curveball into a situation where success seems otherwise inevitable. But enough about Outliers... The story of the Soloist is pretty well known by now: newspaper columnist observes interesting and talented homeless musician, gets caught up in his story, and finds his life changed as a result. The book interweaves several interesting social themes: the appalling treatment of the homeless in America, the complexities of helping an individual with a mental illness, and the redemptive power of music to enrich the soul. The story is compelling, inspiring, and easy to get caught up in - I read the book in one sitting, which I haven't done with any other book in years (although to be fair I was on a four hour flight.) Lopez has the spare, punchy style of really effective newspaper columnists. Short sentences comprising short chapters. An ear for compelling dialogue. An ability to paint a complex picture in just one paragraph. The ability to read people and provide insight into their personalities and their actions. My only criticism of the book has to do with a couple of unanswered questions. Of course, I'm dying to know what happens next, as the story ends with the opening of a new music studio where Ayers will serve as Artist-in-residence (circa 2006). But my greater questions have to do with the author. Lopez alludes many times to the ways that being involved with Ayers changed his life. Throughout the book, he also raises interesting questions about journalistic ethics, what it means to get so personally involved with a subject he's writing about. However, he never fully answers the questions he raises, and I'd be curious to know more about the lasting impacts of Ayers on Lopez's life and his future work. However, this is a minor criticism. The story is terrific, the characters are thoroughly compelling, the treatment of sensitive issues is simultaneously informative and caring, and the book packs a real emotional punch. Ayers' emotional outburst late in the book after he feels his trust has been violated was one of the most gripping passages I've read in a while. And I'll certainly see the film - the story is custom made for an Oscar-worthy picture and individual performances, and I'd like to spend more time with Lopez and Ayers.