The Soloist(pg.186-286)

Summary
In the denouement of the novel Mr. Lopez finally opens his eyes to what the true story behind Nathaniel is. Throughout the entire novel Mr.Lopez tried to diagnose Nathaniel because he believed he understood what his problems was. It was true that Nathaniel was a schizophrenic and he allowed that to throw his life away. But the true problem with Nathaniel was he was his own person and he was not trying to have someone else run his life. With Mr. Lopez he put himself in a position almost as a father figure; he wanted to bath him, cloth him, protect him and teach him. Mr.Lopez wanted to do it all but during this process he forgot the main aspect which was being his friend not a father but just a friends someone who looks out for another person but also don't get in the way of how they make their decisions. Mr.Lopez was in the correct state of mind but at the same time he was not listening to what Nathaniel had to say. It seemed as if every month Mr. Lopez would write about how he wanted Nathaniel to do certain things and Nathaniel would refuse such as go to Lamp and receive a good meal, go to Skid Row and get help and live in AN apartment in order to be safe. Mr. Lopez seemed a little demanding in a way because Nathaniel refused to do such things but in some way Nathaniel gave in almost like a son. Even though a child might not want to do something they figure they must and at the same time they are not happy which relates to Nathaniel because he felt guilty almost as if he didn't do it then he would disappoint Mr.Lopez after all he did for him. For Mr. Lopez he soon figures out what the real problem is with Nathaniel ad that is his sense of freedom. Throughout the novel Nathaniel is approached with challenges given by people who just enter his life with no sensibility to who he is. Nathaniel is a person who does appreciate the help he receives but wants to be the person he knows he is. Nathaniel understands that he has problems but he would like to fix him him self without anyone pushing him into something he is not comfortable with.

Quote
"I don't want the concert to ever end" (Lopez 286).

Reaction
This quote amazes me because its almost as if Nathaniel is saying her never wants his life to end so he would be able to listen to the concert play forever. The irony of that is his life will end but he will be able to here it from above. I feel like after reading the novel i was able to see what someone less fortunate goes through and their struggles to over come it all. This novel tough me that no matter who you are never say you can not do something because it is possible and if your willing then it will happen as long as you put in 100 percent you get 100 percent out. This novel is very inspirational to all.