The Soloist

Season 1 (2011)

The Soloist: A Lost Dream, An Unlikely Friendship, and the Redemptive Power of Music by Steve Lopez

When Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez meets Nathaniel Ayers playing his heart out on a two-string violin on the streets of Skid Row, he knows he has the makings of an interesting column. He learns that the homeless man is a brilliant musician who had dropped out of Julliard Conservatory School due to his mental illness. The book is a true story of a lost dream, an unlikely friendship, and the redemptive power of music.

2011 Companion Books

Money Hungry by Sandra Flake

How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O’Connor

Mole Music by David McPhail

The Teddy Bear by David McPhail

2011 Program Highlights

Highlights of our first year were a Panel Discussion on “Hunger, Homelessness and Mental Illness” with leaders of local nonprofits, a “Stone Soup” community service event, our first Opening Celebration featuring a performance by local blind pianist, a “Community Performance” featuring a variety of performances that addressed the various themes, and our first film series.

Click here for a printable brochure giving highlights of the 2011 Malden Reads season.

Check out the Malden Reads video below: