The Soloist 13-22

Chapters 13-22 of "The Soloist" was filled with the things that I was hoping and expecting going into the reading of it. It was enjoyable finding out that I was actually right in guessing what would happen next in a book, even though this one was kind of obvious. It got me excited. Lopez and Ayers' friendship grows stronger and they experience many more encounters with one another. Ayers grows more and more comfortable with Lopez and I believe begins to see him as a real friend and someone who cares for him. However, once in a while Ayers' "condition" will act up from time to time but nothing too serious to destroy or ruin their friendship.

Lopez seeks answers in this section of the book. He looks for answers to see if what he is doing is worth it for Ayers and whether or not it is helping him. He visits many doctors with many different points of view. Some believe he should be on medication, while others believe in the get to know their patients and their point of view, then make a decision. But almost all them seem to agree that Lopez is helping Ayers. Friendship seems to be a key and perhaps, the best medication for Ayers' problem. Lopez is in my opinion helping him whether the doctors agree or not, everyone needs a friend. Someone they can talk to and be there for them in tough times. And Ayers is indeed going through some seriosuly difficult times.

I think in these chapters is where we start to see the meaning of this book and what it is really trying to tell us. How we handle and accept those of mental illnesses in America, also how poverty and race are taken into that effect. It also shows how people can cope with their problems, not so much with medicine or a prescription from a doctor but by doing things they love. It shows how a simple love for music can help someone through tough times in their life. Ayers never gives up playing or listening to the thing he loves most, music. He does not let his schizophrenia hold him down, he is truly a strong person.

Focus: Last paragraph.