The Soloist by Steve Lopez

The Soloist by Steve Lopez is heart wrenching and it is real. As a reader who has had personal and up close experience with mental illness and loved ones, Steve Lopez’ book uncovers the lonely and excruciatingly painful world of the mentally ill, their care givers, care takers, and concerned relatives. It also gives voice to the health care professionals who spend their lives fighting for the rights of their patients and against systems of injustice. “The Soloist” shines a powerful light on the world of the schizophrenic.

Yet, as Steve’s work delivers the tragic world of the mentally ill and specifically the world of the schizophrenic in all of its disintegration and despair, he is able to lift one’s hope for the survival and independence possible for those who suffer from the harsh realities of the illnesses. His writing makes us laugh; it makes us cry; he writes the main character into the reader’s heart and, in doing so, the reader learns his genius and comes to appreciate the man and his talent.

Moreover, and possibly the most vital aspect of the book, is that in telling his story as a journalist, Steve Lopez highlights the humanity of the individual, Nathaniel Ayers. He gives him his individuality and recreates for the reader the incredible strength of the individual to endure, fight, and live with the day to day realities of his world. There is humor; there is love, friendship, and inspiration. It is a human story.

Mental illness is as old as the hills. The various diseases are often ignored; these diseases take the conscious lives of many of our good citizens; they are often seen as shameful. And, the fact that they are viewed as shameful relegates the victims to the world of “weaklings” and devastates the lives of millions.

Suggestions for the classroom

● Research – use the novel to analyze, discuss, and dissect how society deals with mental illness.
● Interviews – interview mental health professionals, the homeless, those who live with mental illnesses, care takers, relatives
● Documentaries as in-class research
● Movies – My Beautiful Mind, The Soloist – both based on true stories that can be researched
● Reading Journals
● Projects – give students the chance to suggest ways to help this population and then allow them to put together a project of their creation.