The Soloist, chapters 1-6

So far, I really like this book!!! It's really captivating -- it just makes me want to read more. First of all, The Soloist is an easy read; the plot progresses neatly, its paced well. Because I have a relative who suffers from schizophrenia, I really appreciate that the disease is being brought into the public eye. Nathanial’s story is amazing to me; so far, my favorite part is when Lopez describes Nathanial’s joy when he gets the new instruments. I find that to be a beautiful image. Nathanial’s paranoia is a very real, very frightening thing. Having experienced someone’s schizophrenic-paranoia first-hand, I understand Lopez’s struggles, and this link to how Lopez feels throughout the book so far really connects me to the story, and just makes me want to read it more. I think it’s rather amazing that someone who was a veritable prodigy, a student at Julliard, would end up on the streets. Its unfair, and yet, it’s also very poetic, in a tragic way. I think someone should help him, I feel for him, throughout the book. He must be so troubled, and reading this makes me feel thankful that Nathanial Ayers found someone as special as Steve Lopez to help him in the only way he knows how: through his writing, and getting the attention of others so that he may get the help he needs.