By Marissa Wells
Contributing Writer
“The Young Samaritan,” by J. Schuyler Sprowles, follows the extraordinary adventure of Joshua, a young Samaritan boy, who is forced to flee his home. Along the way, he ventures into a world as heartbreaking as it is joyful.
His path takes a turn when he joins an unusual band of sojourners led by a man they call Rabbi, unknowingly stepping into a journey that will lead him to the cross — and forever change his life.
Sprowles found inspiration for his book from the Bible, more specifically from the Gospel of Mark, where a young man attempts to intervene during Jesus’ arrest and manages to break fee, never to be seen again.
“I’m not a theologian or biblical scholar, but I found that passage fascinating,” Sprowles said. “It is what gave me the inspiration to write a novel about the back story of this young man, starting when he was living in the hills of Samaria.”
Inside the book, readers witness Joshua’s emotional story as he experiences a broken heart, devastation and trying to find his way.
“I have always desired to write a book that brings the historical drama of the Bible to life in a way that has universal appeal,” Sprowles said. “In the process, I wanted to place the reader in the midst of the drama of ancient Israel when Jesus walked the earth, but do this in a manner that is not at all preachy, but rather as an up close and personal eyewitness.”
The book will capture readers’ attention as it explores the relatable journey of a boy searching for meaning and belonging, and Sprowles hopes it also inspires readers to gain renewed confidence in their own lives.
“I hope the reader can see parts of their own life journey in the hardships faced by Joshua and upon finishing ‘The Young Samaritan’ there is a feeling of having lived through a unique adventure that they will ponder for some time to come,” said the author.
In addition to being an author, Sprowles is a retired professional in the broadcast journalism and communications industry. He is based in Pasadena. For more information about the author and his work, visit jssprowles.com.
“The Young Samaritan” is available for $14.99 (print) or $4.99 (digital) via jssprowles.com, Amazon, and other online bookseller platforms.
