The Soloist (chapters 23-31)

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” – Thomas Edison.
I came across this quote and instantly attached it to The Soloist. After finishing this book I came to find that It was a true story with a good ending based on the ambition of a writer and cooperation of a man who lost his way and suffers from a sickness. It relates to the quote because most people would miss the opportunity of meeting Nathaniel because of the looks of him realizing it would be a handful. Not only his physical appearance, but realizing he was ill, Steve still continued his friendship.
No task in life is easy and a lot of times we work at something and get disappointed. The Soloist was not an example of that. It was an epic story of a man who put his mind to something and was successful to both himself and another man. From chapters 23 through the end Steve grew fond of Nathaniel and developed a great friendship; however, they got into a minor quarrel that stemmed from Nathaniel’s illness. Steve was so disturbed by the cause of the fight and hurtful things Nathaniel said. He could have easily walked away from him and put all his effort and friendship with Nathaniel in jeopardy but he did not. Similar to the quote by Edison, He did not miss his opportunity because of the imperfection caused by Nathaniel’s condition.
Nathaniel and Steve got passed their digression and kept their newfound friendship. They continued spending time together and going to concerts. Nathaniel ran into one of his friends from Julliard, the great Yo-yo Ma. These were all part of the wonderful opportunities he got through meeting Steve, who took him places like the Philharmonic. The studio apartment was Nathaniel’s to live in. He was off the street and had many fun times he shared and will continue to share with Steve. Taking his disease into consideration, Steve still remains great friends with Nathaniel and assisting him in any way that he could.
This all brings me back to the quote I found. Would the average person be able to follow the words of Edison and actions of Steve? It took bravery and patience that made Steve do the things he did. I originally thought it could have been selfishness for him to get ahead of his work, but after finishing the book, I realized it was not just that. He grew fond of him and they built a beautiful friendship to last a lifetime and a story to be admired by others.


Things to Notice:
Focus of point
Subject of writing, was it good?
Writing machanics