The Soloist 13-22

Once again this book has exceeded my expectations in a good way. The persistency of Lopez really astounds me, but I still don't really understand why he's going through all this trouble. Even though I don't understand Lopez, I definitely respect him for what he is doing. Not many people would take time out of their everyday schedule to help a poor, schizophrenic, violin player, playing violin on the streets. But the impact Lopez has on Nathaniel is incredible. He has almost completely changed Nathaniel's life for the better. I know personally if I was in Lopez's situation when he first met Nathaniel I would not have given him the time of day. Over the short period of time Lopez and Nathaniel have known each other they have become very close friends and more has happened to Nathaniel then expected. I thought that Lopez would write the article and readers would be interested but I didn't they would go as far as to send him equipment and sincerely care for him. Nathaniel has a bright future because of Lopez.

The Soloist 1-6

So far in chapters 1-6, I have really enjoyed this book. Although I am enjoying it I find myself with a lot of questions and no answers. Why is Lopez helping this guy out? How far is Lopez willing to go? How does a poor man from the streets get into Julliard? Although I ask all of these questions I can sympathize with Lopez. I mean if I met a poor, homeless, schizophrenic that could play the violin so well that he got into Julliard, I would make a fuss about it to. So far this book has been one of the most interesting books I have read. The story of Ayers is astounding to me and I can't wait to read more.

The Catcher in the Rye

In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield remembers the days following getting kicked out of Pencey Prep, a private school. After a fight with his roommate, Stradlater, Holden leaves school two days early to explore New York before returning home, interacting with teachers, prostitutes, nuns, an old girlfriend, and his sister along the way. This book was interesting but I'm not quite sure it was my speed. I didn't really feel like J.D. Salinger portrays the "teenager" in a proper way. However J.D. Salinger was very vivid and descriptive in the way he told the story and at some points it was like i was actually there.

The Soloist 7-12

These last chapters have raised a lot more questions then the ones before. One question is whether Steve Lopez was an under-privileged kid because he always writes about those who are less fortunate. Does Lopez ever write about upbeat stories of people who have great success? What is so special Nathaniel that Lopez is going through all this trouble? Is Nathaniel Lopez's favorite story? One of my previous questions had been answered though. My question was whether or not Lopez himself had ever played an instrument but he states that he always wanted to learn an instrument but never had the time or the ambition. I am very interested to see what happens next in the story.