It is hard for me to have an overall opinion about the novel The Soloist considering the fact that I didn’t read a great amount of the book yet. Based on where I am so far (6 chapters in) I can say that I have mixed opinions about it. The topic of the book can be described with four “E’s “: entertaining, educational, emotional, and excellent. But on the other hand the pace of the book and the dull descriptions and details seem to bring my views of the book down a little. Unlike the last book we read, The Catcher in the Rye, this book isn’t just one big set of details, but there doesn’t seem to be a balance in between the two. I feel as if this book just gets to the point and does it in a cut and dry manner.
First, I like that I can relate both of the topics of the book to my life and my interests. I currently take a Psychology class which deals with mental diseases .One of the major charters of the book, Nathaniel, lost a lot of his success to schizophrenia. Also, his success and passion was in the field of music which clearly be directly related to all of us who attend GAMP.
Next, the way the book is written in first person appeals to me. Not just because it is in that form, but because the speaker of the book seems to have a kind, open heart while at the same time is determined and knows what he has to do to get things done. Reading Lopez’s thoughts and point of views can actually count as an inspiration since the way he goes about telling us the story is so positive considering the situation. The idea that a sophisticated journalist like Lopez set out to simply do a report on Nathaniel, but ended up actually caring about him and trying his best to look further into his life really touched my emotions. Also, I have great pity for Nathanael because he is a very talented person who had everything set out perfect for him. He went to Julliard and actually had the chance to pursue his passion for music, but that all got taken from him because of something that he couldn’t help. It makes you wonder, if there is a reason why the people who are out to do good and succeed, have these hardships.
In addition, I also not only admire the characteristics of Lopez so far, but I also think Nathanial is amazing as well. After all he has been through at such a young age such as losing his fiancée, his musical career, and becoming disconnected with his family, he still didn’t let his hopes down .He continued to pursue his love for music even if it meant playing a two string violin. I was extremely happy for him when he received the violin and the cello because the effects of this were a given; His heart was lifted.
The advice that was given throughout these few chapters to Lopez from the people he went to in order to inquire some help about how to handle Nathanial was 1 )for him to get Nathaniel to trust him and 2 ) to not treat the disease , but to treat the individual. This to me seemed to be very helpful advice especially because it was given to someone who was originally out to find more information on schizophrenia.
In brief, the first six chapters of the book weren’t bad. I am not as into it yet as I think I will be as I continue to read. This is a pattern that usually follows me when I read so I am not surprised. I can’t wait to find out more about Nathanial and how Lopez will help him!
When grading this we can focus on
- Clarity
- Explanations of my opinions
- Organization
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I had a similar reaction to starting this book s you did when you describe how "the pace of the book and the dull descriptions and details seem to bring my views of the book down a little. Unlike the last book we read, The Catcher in the Rye, this book isn’t just one big set of details, but there doesn’t seem to be a balance in between the two. I feel as if this book just gets to the point and does it in a cut and dry manner." I think that having read so many pieces of literary fiction full of rich description, when I first approached The Soloist I was a bit let down. I think that Lopez's style is directly linked to his journalistic writing and that readers who are looking for a different kind of telling of Ayers' story just need to adapt to Lopez's voice as a writer.
ReplyDeleteOne note: You say, "The topic of the book can be described with four “E’s “: entertaining, educational, emotional, and excellent." I think you're probably describing tone or mood here, but definitely not topic.