Steve Lopez, author of THE SOLOIST

Steve Lopez, columnist for the LOS ANGELES TIMES, formerly with THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, and author of THE SOLOIST, was kind enough to do a breakfast meeting while in Philly this week, meeting with seasoned professionals who are members of Philadelphia Public Relations Association. Lopez talked about how he met Nathaniel, the former Jiulliard scholarship musical student, who bailed out after the initial episode of schizophrenia, and ended up on Skid Row in L.A. The column's initial response led Lopez to return again and again to try to get through to Nathaniel. Lopez also had a serious discussion about the fate of newspapers in America. He graciously posed for photos and autographed copies of his book. Can't wait to see THE SOLOIST, as soon as I finish the fascinating book, which reads like a novel!!