The Soloist(pg.79-186)

Summary
It is fairly easy for many to be able to come back out of a tragic accident but in the novel The Soloist; Nathaniel's has difficulty. For Nathaniel things have been hard for him because it has been hard for him to deal with the sickness that he conceals. Since Steve Lopez has entered Nathaniel's life many people have gained the strength to see beyond the rags that he wears but to actually see the true musician. Mr. Lopez constantly explains that he has a family and it is complicated to take care of a man almost his age and actually take care of the family which he has at home. In a way he sees himself as almost loosing his family but at the same time he sees himself as helping someone less in need. For Mr. Lopez he offers to stay numerous nights with Nathaniel upon the streets of L.A on account he has concerns about the safety of a man he would never imagine to be as close to him. For Nathaniel's he does not hold as much confidence as he once held his self at. Now in his eyes he sees himself as a quitter because he had to leave Julliard. Julliard was Nathaniel's only way into happiness but as problems increased he confidence decreases. With the trust in Mr. Lopez's hand; he set Nathaniel up for a couple of performances at a Club where he will play his Cello. At first things did not seem as they were to go as plans but Nathaniel showed up with a surprise from many. At the peek of his performance the music did not flow out the way most did but once he found his comfort zone and things finished off smoothly. Over the next couple of months with Nathaniel, Mr. Lopez was successful enough to have him perform comfortably only when he goes away things get hectic. Mr. Lopez figured out the idea that Nathaniel needs someone who is willing to stick around to keep him company without that he becomes lost. Each day became harder for Mr. Lopez because he seen the reality of the streets; he noticed that Nathaniel could become really hurt if he continued to stay upon the streets. With so many people noticing his great achievements he has been rewarded many offers such as listening to the Disney Hall Orchestra. Nathaniel's gift brought him very far but not far enough. The streets that Nathaniel lives upon is the only thing that keeps him back from being a hard working musician which also gives others their opinions and cause him to try. Mr. Lopez offered to give Nathaniel an apartment but with the high reality of no one hearing his music then he may never keep himself from danger.

Quote
"Pointing to the window of his room, he says: That is my place"(Lopez 186).

Reaction
This short quote has much meaning behind it. The quote stated when Nathaniel and a man gets into a small confrontation about him giving up on life. In Nathaniel's eyes his place is not an actual apartment but its the entire world. Nathaniel expresses himself through the music that he wants to share with the world and not trap inside. In my eyes I understand Nathaniel's point of view because by him staying inside no one will be able to get the enjoyment of him playing and no one will know of the great Nathaniel. I feel like people must go out and take life as if it and not settle for anything less.