This year's One Book, One Community focuses on "The Soloist," a New York Times best seller, written by Steve Lopez, award-winning journalist and Los Angeles columnist.  The book was also made into a recently released, feature film starring Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey, Jr.

"The Soloist" is the true story of Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez's fascination with Nathaniel Anthony Ayers, a Julliard trained musician who is homeless and playing Beethoven on a two-string violin in a noisy traffic tunnel.

In fluid prose and with a reporter's persistence, Lopez tells of his determination to understand Ayers' illness, to convince him to come in off the street to safety and to reconnect him to his music.  It's not an easy journey for either man, with bitter disappointments punctuated by hard-fought triumphs.  It is a test of wills and friendship as Lopez refuses to lose Ayers to the street and Ayers struggles to overcome his fears and demons.

A whole series of events centered on the book will take place August 30 through September 25.  The kickoff is Lopez addressing the community at 7 p.m. on Sunday, August 30, in the East Lansing High School auditorium.  Admission to the kickoff is free and attendees will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis.  Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

The kickoff will be recorded and rerun on East Lansing’s government channel, Channel 22 (WELG). Air times will be Sundays and Mondays at noon and 8 p.m. from Sept. 6-28.

A recording will also be made available to borrow at the East Lansing Public Library beginning Friday, Sept. 4.

To learn more about this ever-popular community program and its many events, click here or visit the OBOC website.

With your library card, reserve a copy of "The Soloist."