The Soloist by Steve Lopez
is his memoir of his times with Nathaniel Ayers, a homeless man who has an amazing musical talent. Lopez is a columnist for the LA Times when he meets Ayers playing a broken violin on the streets of LA. Ayers pushes a full shopping cart around LA and practices his violin when he can. After some research, Lopez discovers that Ayers was a student at Juliard before being diagnosed with schizophrenia. Lopez begins a friendship with Ayers which is challenging and difficult most of the time, but very rewarding as well. Read this book if you like memoirs, if you like stories of friendship, or if you're interested in the
film
. I give it an 8 out of 10.
is her memoir about the year following her husband's death. Joan and John were married several years when John died instantly of heart failure. At the same time, their grown daughter, Quintana, lies in a hospital bed with a serious illness. Joan describes this strange time when she must come to terms with her husband's absence. She reflects greatly on their marriage, their daughter, and the mysteries of grief. Read this book if you've lost a loved one, if you like books that follow the stream of consciousness, or if you want something depressing. I give it a 6 out of 10.
is the memoir of a translator for reporters traveling into Darfur. From Darfur himself, and a member of the same people that are being slaughtered in the genocide there, Hari experienced the destruction of his own village. Hari hauntingly describes the way people are being slaughtered simply because of who they are. Being educated and speaking three languages, Hari decided to become a translator and used his skills to help many people spread the story of what continues to happen in our world...the thoughtless slaughtering of innocent human beings. Hari's ultimate plea is to open your heart and do what you can to help, beginning with writing your government officials. Read this book if you're interested in world events, if you enjoy reading memoirs, or if you want to learn more about this horrible atrocity that is taking place right now. I give it a 10 out of 10.
is a memoir written about a year of travelling through Italy, India, and Indonesia. Gilbert was divorced in her thirties and decided to take a trip to "find herself" so to speak. In Italy she studied pleasure. For her, this meant eating fine Italian food and learning to speak Italian...just for fun. In India she studied devotion while staying at an Ashram. Finally, in Indonesia she studied balance. She wanted to learn how to balance pleasure and devotion in her life. I love the way this book is organized and found it much more touching than I originally thought it would be. I'm not spiritual at all, but somehow this book spoke to my heart. Read this book if you're a woman, if you're interested in travel, or even if you just want to read a great story about someone finding out how to live life on her own terms. I give it an 8 out of 10.