This weeks readings really helped my understanding and getting to know of Steve Lopez. It showed me what kind of writer he is. In the one article Lopez took an interest in a young woman who played basketball, nicknamed "Sweets." Lopez got so in depth in this story with loads of background information and other important details to help connect to his readers. I think this is relevant because it shows that Nathaniel Ayers was not the only person who he got in depth with for a story. However, he did take a greater interest in Ayers considering the fact that they are still close friends, a book on his story has been released, and a movie as well. The point is that it shows that he is a good journalist who takes a great interest in what he is writing about and always finds the "story beneath the story" and that to me is the mark of a not only a great writer but a great journalist.
In chapters 7-12 this is where it seems that Lopez and others take a greater and in depth look at Ayers mental illness, paranoid schizophrenia. It is in these chapters that I think Lopez starts to see Ayers as more of a friend rather than just some random bum on the street giving him some creative writing to put in his column. A bond is forming between them and it shows. Lopez takes a bigger interest in Ayers. He begins to care about Ayers and Ayers begins to trust and believe in Lopez. Ayers really didn't have any friends, anyone to talk to, or anyone to really care for him or about him. Lopez takes the role of that person in Ayers' life and in my opinion is someone that Ayers greatly needed. An example of this friendships growth is when Lopez spends a night with Ayers. Here we learn a little more about Ayers present life. He shows a side that not even Lopez knew. Lopez is shocked to see how Ayers lives every single day. He knew how to make a fit camp, he knew who to make his camp around, he knew how to hide his possessions so that they would not get stolen, and he knew how to defend himself against predators.
The relationship between these two unlikely is growing with every chapter so far. I keep learning new things about both of them. Examples include Ayers' somewhat bipolar like behavior like when Lopez wants to take him to Disney Hall. Also, how Ayers actually survives his sometimes seemingly scary life. As for Lopez I keep learning what it means to be a good journalist and how far you actually can go into stories as well as what type of influence you can be to someone who has had a rough couple years and needs a break. Part one was excited and I am looking forward to reading part two, hopefully it is full of more Disney Hall trips and overnighters with Ayers.
Focus: Any thoughts you have for this post, positive/negative so I can use for future posts.
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Anthony, I think you do an excellent job in this post of examining Lopez as a writer. You found an interesting way to connect his writing for the L.A. Times with that of The Soloist on the basis of his desire to establish personal and professional connections with those whose stories he tells. You seem to show a particularly strong interest in journalism with this post, and I wonder whether this is a career that you've thought about pursuing in the future.
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