The Soloist. Chapters One to Five (Summary)

From the very beginning when Steve Lopez, a writer for the Los Angeles Times, met Nathaniel Ayers, he knew there was something different about him. The way he played the violin was intriguing to Steve and thats when he knew he was good story. Steve thought that his story would make a great column for the Los Angeles Times and it was a must that he needed to get to know him. From the first day they met Steve continued to make short visits to Nathaniel, until he was comfortable with him. However, Nathaniel is not mentally stable, he has schizophrenia and over the years has gradually lost his ability to function. Steve then talked to people that knew a little about Nathaniel and later found out that he was a classical bass student at Juilliard. Steve wrote a column in the paper about Nathaniel and soon got a response from Al Rich, the CEO of Peal River Piano Group America, who says he is sending a student- model cello and violin. Steve knew that Nathaniel would love these instruments, but also knew that they had potential to get stolen. He made a deal with Nathaniel stating that he will only let him have the instruments if they are stored at Lamp. Nathaniel agreed and eventually warmed up to the idea and played at Lamp.