Lauren Carbone

English III

Mr. Fiorini

The Soloist, Chapters 13-22

 

            In reading The Soloist, I was greatly interested in Lopez’s overall presentation and narration of the story. Along with the intriguing story line of a unique friendship, the presentation of the story is what allowed me to continue reading. It was written in a different point of view than I as a reader am use to, which made me more anxious to experience a new style of writing. Now that I have come to a more compelling point in the story where the plot thickens, I have found a new area of interest and discussion that dwells much deeper than the relationship between two completely different people.

            After meeting the character of Nathanial Ayers, a man who once attended Julliard but ended up living on the streets as a result from schizophrenia, Steve Lopez spent an abundant amount of time learning and understanding his life style and the reason he lives as he does. As he studied and developed a friendship with Ayers, he would write about this man and his living conditions. After reading the descriptive writings of Lopez, the mayor of Los Angeles had decided to take a tour of skid house row where Nathanial was residing. The shock of what he was witnessing, the terrible conditioning and living arrangements, inspired him to dedicate $50 million to housing facilities like that of skid row.

            This point has left the greatest impact and created the most important message for me in the story thus far. It left me with the belief that it is possible to make a change regardless of how large the project or task is you are faced with. Steve Lopez never gave up on the story of Nathanial Ayers, which resulted in $50 million being provided to housing. A simple article on a talented man with no home now has capability of changing the lives of many unfortunate people. Lopez’s article bringing upon change led me to believe he was creating a greater message to all readers that change is possible. This area of The Soloist created a deeper meaning to the story, which makes me excited to see what else Lopez’s article is capable of doing.