it just pulls you in.

I'm in the middle of reading 'The Soloist' and I'm having a hard time pulling myself away from it. 

It's the story of Nathaniel.  He received a scholarship to Julliard because of his musical genius on the bass.  However, almost any instrument he picks up he can play effortlessly.  He has a promising future.  His peers and professors alike respect him and know that he has a beautiful life ahead of him.

Unfortunately,  Nathaniel begins to have some agressive and abnormal behavior and eventually a mental breakdown.  A short time later he is diagnosed with schizophrenia and his life takes a turn that no one would have ever expected of someone with so much talent and potential...he lives on the street fighting off rats while trying to sleep.

A writer from the L.A. Times discovers him, decides he may be able to write a column about him and before he realizes it Nathaniel has become a major part of  his life.  He's torn between wanting a better mental health care system, helping Nathaniel in some way, his wife and daughter, and keeping his job.

It's a heartbreaking story so far but one I'm so glad that I'm reading.  You will not regret picking it up yourself.  It's a view into a world that is hard to imagine and one that we rarely consider.  It will change your Christmas...for the better.

beautiful. LIFE.