Nathaniel Ayers was blessed to have people in his life that cared about his well being. But, as I thought about all of the opportunities he received, even on the streets, "would he received as much help if he didn't have a remarkable gift such as that?" Music has always been his savior.
I was touched to see that Snyder (cellist in Philharmonic Orchestra) was truly touched by Nathaniel, and that he made an effort to help Nathaniel. I was especially impressed by Snyder's patience, kindness, understanding and strength even when Ayers became restless, during their lesson. If Nathaniel didn't have his gift of music he wouldn't have been able to be in contact or have a chance to study with that musical genius.
Looking back on Nathaniel Ayers' childhood and all the pressure supplied by society and by himself, I'm not surprised that he eventually became chemically imbalanced.
Earlier in the book I felt that the disease came upon Nathaniel unexpectedly, but I believe that the disease was like a kettle of boiling water. In his early life the water was just getting warmer, but as he came into a very pressure-oriented environment the fire increased and so did the temperature of the water, until finally he became overloaded.
Through this book, I was able to give a entirely different view and opinion towards mental illness. Prior to Part II, I believed that mental illness was only congenital, but Nathaniel's story proved otherwise.
Nathaniel also proves that anyone can improve as long as there are people who love and care for that person. In most cases it takes more than one person to create change, not only in world issues, but in the lives of people. Nathaniel couldn't have improved with only Lopez's help but he needed the assistance from Lamp, Stuart Robinson and the other people who donated their money and time to help Ayers in his journey to recovery- It takes a village...
Reviewing suggestions:
syntax
organization
style
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I'd like you to be more specific about where in Lopez's book he presents conclusions about the source of Ayers' mental illness. You write, "Through this book, I was able to give a entirely different view and opinion towards mental illness. Prior to Part II, I believed that mental illness was only congenital, but Nathaniel's story proved otherwise." How did you arrive at this conclusion? Is this confirmed in the book?
ReplyDeleteAlso, you talk about the benefit that Ayers' musical gifts had for by providing a kind of way towards meeting others who seek to support him. At the same time, you seem to point towards the role that his studies might have had as a negative force that caused his condition to worsen. Did you anticipate discussing this dichotomy through your blog? If so, you might consider how you might have examined this phenomenon more systematically though your writing.
alexis i really liked your writing. you explained yourself very clearly and were straight to the point. Your title is cute also, and i definitely agree with it one person cant create change, especially in someone like Nathaniel.
ReplyDeletealex i really enjoyed your post. you had a very catchy title which is something that cathes attention to readers. i liked your viewpoint on nathanial and how your opinions changed while reading. great job!
ReplyDelete