The Soloist: Chapter 18-21

These I found to be the most interesting chapters so far, having the most dramatic changes in Nathaniel’s thirty year routine. Since the start of the book he’s been very cautious and ignorant to the idea of people helping him, and also living indoors. The starting of chapter eighteen Steve fly’s to Las Vegas to a retirement home to meet Nathaniel’s Father, Nathaniel Ayers Sr. He interviews him and realizes how his father really never paid attention to his son, and it showed in every question he answered. However when asked what he would like his son to know he said “That I miss him, and I’m proud of him”. Next Nathaniel started to trust people a bit more, and also take small risks instead of being over cautious. He showed this by allowing his cart to be left in his apartment while he went to print off music sheets, something he would have never done when Steve first met him. The thing that was most important in these chapters however was the fact that Nathaniel was finally sleeping in his apartment, and is no longer stuck up in the way that he will never agree to sleep in it. He even signed a lease with no hesitation saying he will sleep in his apartment at least three times a week, which he has.