I saw the movie “The Soloist” with Robert Downey Jr.,and Jamie Foxx. I really enjoyed it. I hope they both get nominated for an Oscar. My book club read the book for our October meeting. Steve Lopez is a journalist, so it is all about details and getting it right. As an author one needs less detail. But the book is a beautiful exploration of friendship between two unlikely men.
Nathaniel Ayers was homeless for many years in Los Angeles. He suffers from schizophrenia. Steve Lopez is a journalist with The Los Angeles Times. Mr. Ayers was a promising musician who went to Julliard. These two connect because one loves music and the other loves writing. Mr.Lopez wants Mr. Ayers to be happy and whole. He is very frustrated about how to help his friend who has a mental illness. Mr.Lopez expresses his frustration to a counselor. The counselor says “You literally have changed his chemistry by being his friend.” (page 210) What a wonderful definition of love.
3 out of 4 Stars
Reviewed by Anne Egger, Library Services
