About the Book
Book: The Young Samaritan
Author: J. Schuyler Sprowles
Genre: : Faith Based/ Inspirational
Release Date: January 20, 2024
Is survival enough when faith is tested?
“The Young Samaritan” is a gripping coming-of-age story set in a tumultuous time, where faith, identity, and survival intersect on an extraordinary journey.
Joshua, a young Samaritan boy, is forced to flee his home, thrust into a world that is as dangerous as it is unfamiliar.
Along the way, he encounters a mysterious woman who delivers a haunting vision, a wild dog that stays loyally by his side, and a reclusive uncle whose life is shrouded in secrets. Amidst the chaos of his flight, Joshua discovers uncommon love in a forsaken land.
As Joshua’s journey leads him to a band of sojourners—led by a man called Rabbi—he becomes entwined with a group that many believe to be the Messiah’s followers.
Despite their hesitations, Joshua’s determination to stay with them leads him to a transformative path, one that will ultimately take him to the cross and beyond.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
A Chicago native, Schuyler as a teenager always dreamed of becoming a radio and TV talent. His aspirations led him to Hollywood where he trained as a broadcaster. He began his career as a country music DJ and news reporter in the Southwest. Ultimately he became a TV news anchor in Dallas. In time, Schuyler moved to Los Angeles, where he worked as a television news correspondent. This eventually led to a decades long high-profile career in crisis management, political consulting and speech writing. Most recently, Schuyler turned to publishing, founding a family-oriented magazine in Southern California. A lifelong Christian, Schuyler admits to walking away from his faith in the past, only to discover the light of Jesus piercing the darkness to guide him back where he belongs. Inspired by the Gospels, “The Young Samaritan” is his debut novel. He currently lives in Pasadena, California with his wife Maureen.
More from J. Schuyler
The Young Samaritan was inspired by two verses from the New Testament in the Gospel of Mark (14:51 – 52). These brief verses describe an unidentified young man who attempts to intervene in the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. He is quickly seized by the temple guards but manages to escape their grip, leaving his garment in their hands, as he flees naked into the night. Nothing further about him is ever mentioned in the Bible.
The Young Samaritan is my vision of the backstory for this strange and provocative episode in Jesus’ journey to the cross. The Young Samaritan creates a compelling and transformational epic tale where a fictional literary character (Joshua) collides with biblical history.
Interview with the Author
What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?
Plainsong by Kent Haruf
Although the novel and author may not be well known any longer, Plainsong captures your heart against the hard scrabble landscape of Eastern Colorado. Two brothers who never married spend the better part of their lives working the only ranch they have ever known. In time a pregnant teen comes into their world. She is painfully alone. How these two brothers eventually respond to the girl’s desperate plight will steal your heart and redefine what it means to be family.
What was your hardest scene to write?
Joshua being told in the middle of the night by his mother that he must leave home immediately. I spent days pondering how this fragile boy and loving mother would deal with this heartbreaking scene. Joshua’s mother knows that his drunken step-father is intent on killing the boy that night. How mother and son tearfully address this moment which could be the last time they are ever together was crucial to me. But after much thought, the words I wrote felt very true to me.
What was your favorite childhood book?
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
I am fully aware that this novel has not stood the test of time regarding racial identities and I agree. However, as a young boy who was assigned in school to read this book, I must confess that I was completely captured by this emotional and moral tale. Yes, the language portraying Jim was terribly unfortunate. But the emotional bond that Jim and Huck formed on the river and the adventures they faced together were unforgettable to me as a child.
If you had to do anything differently as a child or teenager to be a better writer as an adult, what would you do?
Become a writer for the high school newspaper.
What comes first, the plot or characters?
That actually is a tough question, but I’m going to go with plot. As a writer I needed to have a draft outline of where I was going with the story. For me the plot served as a roadmap, but what was fascinating was how the characters came alive and steered me down many side roads along the way.
Blogs Stops
Simple Harvest Reads, December 18 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 19
Artistic Nobody, December 20 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, December 21
Guild Master, December 22 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, December 22
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 23
Fiction Book Lover, December 24 (Author Interview)
Vicky Sluiter, December 25 (Author Interview)
For the Love of Literature, December 26 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 27
Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 28 (Author Interview)
Cover Lover Book Review, December 29
The Bookish Pilgrim, December 29
Blossoms and Blessings, December 30 (Author Interview)
Lots of Helpers, December 31
Giveaway
To celebrate his tour, J. Schuyler is giving away the grand prize of a $75 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/3f277/the-young-samaritan-celebration-tour-giveaway