In 2005, the only thing hurting Los Angeles Times columnist and recent bike accident victim Steve Lopez more than his banged-up face, was his pressing need for story ideas. He soon discovers Nathaniel Ayers, a skid row schizophrenic street musician, who possesses extraordinary talent - even though he only has half-broken instruments to play. Inspired by Nathaniel's story, Lopez writes an acclaimed series of articles about him and attempts to do more...

Blind violinist Deirdre Thompson is vying for top honors in a musical competition, but the concert hall is the focus of a criminal conspiracyand Deirde is the first to sense trouble and face danger.