The Young Samaritan

(Paperback)

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Description

The Young Samaritan is inspired by a single passage from the Gospel of Mark. This coming-of-age adventure tells of Joshua, a Samaritan boy, who fears his life is in danger and is forced to flee home. In this extraodinary journey, Joshua endures a harsh and unexpected world as heartbreaking as it is joyful. From a mysterious woman who delivers a haunting vision, a wild dog that curiously stays by his side and a reclusive uncle who hides from the world, Joshua finds uncommon love in a forsaken land. Late one night he is awakened by an unusual band of sojourners led by a man they call Rabbi. Many say he is the Messiah. Despite their efforts to eventually move on without him, Joshua refuses to be left behind. In time, the men allow this strong-willed boy to join them. Little does Joshua understand that he has embarked on a transformational journey that leads to the cross and beyond.

Reviews

The BookViral Review:
With a delicacy befitting the word of God, Sprowles crafts a fascinating and believable account from just one Bible verse - that of the stranger in the Garden of Gethsemane who flees on the night of Jesus betrayal, leaving his outer garments in the hands of his would-be captors. With close attention to scriptural accounts, he brings us Joshua, a young Samaritan, whose epic journey brings not only trials and tribulations but also inner peace and hope. Set within a time of deep prejudice towards Samaritans, Sprowles frames his story beautifully as we follow Joshua in his quest to find the 'I AM'. Whilst lacking understanding at the beginning of his journey, Joshua is propelled forward by the spirit of God, and that becomes ever clearer, until his meeting with Jesus sparks a deep and lasting connection.

Foreward Clarion Review:
In J. Schuyler Sprowles's historical novel The Young Samaritan, a boy who's forced to leave his family behind finds a new sense of purpose after joining a traveling group led by a peaceful man. Themes of the importance of faith and community dominate the text's forward movement. Its chapters are short and fast-moving; multiple are centered by scriptural references as well. In this way, the book invites reflections on familiar Christian messages--herein, reframed in terms of Joshua's individual experiences of Jesus's story. Indeed, while biblical events like Jesus's crucifixion and assaults on nonbelievers are included in the tale, the book is less about Jesus himself than how those around him changed because of his influence.

The Midwest Book Review:
An engaging and fascinating novel that will have enormous appeal to readers with an interest in stories set in the time of Jesus, "The Young Samaritan" by J. Schuyler Sprowles is unreservedly recommended as a prized pick for personal reading lists and community library Historical Fiction and Christian Fiction collections. A great read from start to finish!

The BookViral Review: With a delicacy befitting the word of God, Sprowles crafts a fascinating and believable account from just one Bible verse - that of the stranger in the Garden of Gethsemane who flees on the night of Jesus betrayal, leaving his outer garments in the hands of his would-be captors. With close attention to scriptural accounts, he brings us Joshua, a young Samaritan, whose epic journey brings not only trials and tribulations but also inner peace and hope.

BlueInk Review: By depicting the disciples and Jesus through the eyes of young Joshua, author J. Schuyler Sprowles provides a fascinating perspective on the Messiah's earthly life. Sprowles presents the hardships of finding food and water while traveling, the delight of listening to Jesus's parables around a fire, and the fear that is sparked in Joshua upon hearing rumors that people want to kill the man he's following.

Foreward Clarion Review: A faithless boy encounters Jesus and opens himself up to new ways of being with others in the heartwarming religious novel The Young Samaritan.
In J. Schuyler Sprowles's historical novel The Young Samaritan, a boy who's forced to leave his family behind finds a new sense of purpose after joining a traveling group led by a peaceful man. Themes of the importance of faith and community dominate the text's forward movement. Its chapters are short and fast-moving; multiple are centered by scriptural references as well. In this way, the book invites reflections on familiar Christian messages--herein, reframed in terms of Joshua's individual experiences of Jesus's story. Indeed, while biblical events like Jesus's crucifixion and assaults on nonbelievers are included in the tale, the book is less about Jesus himself than how those around him changed because of his influence.

Author Bio

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.