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One Campus, One Book 2015-16

About The Soloist

The Soloist


The New York Times bestselling, "unforgettable tale of hope, heart and humanity" (People


The true story of journalist Steve Lopez's discovery of Nathanial Ayers, a former classical bass student at Julliard, playing his heart out on a two-string violin on Los Angeles' Skid Row. Deeply affected by the beauty of Ayers music, Lopez took it upon himself to change the prodigy's life-only to find that their relationship would have a profound change on his own life.

 


"Lopez is a terrific reporter. The Soloist is poignant, wise, and funny."
     ~ Sylvia Nasar, author of A Beautiful Mind


"A heartbreaking, yet ultimately hopeful, read." 

     ~ Essence


"An utterly compelling tale."

     ~ Pete Earley, author of Crazy: A Father's Search Through
        America's Mental Health Madness

 
 
"With self-effacing humor, fast-paced yet elegant prose, and unsparing honesty, Lopez tells an inspiring story of heartbreak and hope."      ~ Publishers Weekly 


"Compelling and gruffly tender...Lopez deserves congratulations for being the one person who did not avert his eyes and walk past the grubby man with the violin."
     ~ Edward Humes, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist writing for the Los Angeles Times
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