The Sololist

What message and/or theme is The Soloist conveying? Through out the book i constantly think of this question and try to figure out what Steve Lopez is trying to tell us, meaning the readers of his book? One theme i began to think of was "Don't judge a book by its cover." This came to me as a theme as Nathaniel's character is revealed to us as readers. At first I'm sure we thought Nathaniel was just a bum who just so happened to own a violin and played a random selection of notes, but as i read on i came to realize Nathaniel is a great person who posses a great talent. I had already pictured Nathaniel as some run down beat up smelly bum but after progressing through the book my picture of him changed. This theme illustrates clearly the potential that lies within each and every one of us. This beautiful theme remind us not to move to judgment quickly, but rather to seek potential even in those many others have given up on just as Lopez did with Nathaniel. By using this as one of the themes i've gotten from the book i am trying to get people to be more open and look into things before they make an assumption about a thing or a person. Another message/theme i got from The Soloist is the idea that all people are capable of doing something great! A great example is one of our main characters in the story Nathaniel Ayers. Nathaniel has a horrible disorder and this prevents him from acting and performing as other humans would, but when it comes to music it is the total opposite Nathaniel is a wonderful and amazing musician who is capable of performing wonderful works of music from a variety of composers. It helps me to appreciate those with disorders because i now know that deep down inside they are all capable of something great. I know a person who i went to Church with and he suffers from a similar disorder but he is a wonderful singer. He has perfect pitch and can sing his can off. From reading The Soloist it helps me to appreciate the wonders of music!! My overall opinion for those reading this book is don't condemn a person in a bad way until you have got to know them just as i was able to do with Nathaniel!

I would like you guys to comment on my approach at this particular assignment was it unique or different? Why or why not?