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.

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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

Do you read books in this genre? If so, who do like to read?

Yes, I do indeed read many faith-based books. Many are non-fiction such as the book I’m now reading entitled Twelve Ordinary Men by John MacArthur. Others include the celebrated British author C.S. Lewis and his classic novel, The Screwtape Letters. You will never look at the ongoing battle of good vs. evil the same way again after reading anything by C.S. Lewis. Wild at Heart by John Eldredge is an insightful look at men rediscovering their faith. Last but not least is Mitch Albom. A wonderful and prolific novelist who never preaches but there is an undeniable spiritual thread running through all his stories such as Tuesdays with Morrie, The Stranger in the Boat and The Little Liar, to name a few.

If a reader were to ask what author you are most like, what would you answer?

I have been asked this question on several occasions and I simply don’t have a great answer. In The Young Samaritan I found it very natural to write this story with deep emotion through the eyes of a young boy on the run. I also found that my characters grew more real to me each day as I wrote. So I feel my writing style contains raw emotion and characters you can really see. I also place a great deal of emphasis on placing the reader in the midst of the story. With historical fiction the reader must feel transported to that time for your writing to work. With these characteristics in mind, I gladly leave it to others to say what author I am most like.

If you can travel back in time, what time period would you go?

Given that I wrote a book that takes place in the time of Christ, it should come as no surprise that this is the time and place I would most want to experience. To witness Jesus of Nazareth’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey before throngs of adoring followers and only days later hearing calls to crucify Him as He stood before Pontius Pilate in an overflowing arena would be a riveting experience to say the least.

What inspired you to write this book?

For the longest time I pondered the idea of writing a historical fiction account of Jesus’ journey to the cross. But it wasn’t until I seriously considered the biblical passage found only in the Gospel of Mark where an “unknown young man” tries to intervene in Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, that I had found my protagonist. I knew then that I had a story to tell.

What is the one question you would like readers to ask you? What would your answer be?

What little seemingly insignificant thing is the Lord asking you to embrace?

To step out of my comfort zone and break the imaginary barriers I’ve placed before me. I am conscious of this challenge each day of my life.