| 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. Genre: : Faith Based/ Inspirational Release Date: January 20, 2024 Click here to get your copy! |  |
Interview with J. Schuyler
1. What was the inspiration for 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.
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.
2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
For many months a rough idea of this tale rattled around in my head. Once I finally put pen to paper I would say that I was on this journey for about a year and half before The Young Samaritan was born.
For many months a rough idea of this tale rattled around in my head. Once I finally put pen to paper I would say that I was on this journey for about a year and half before The Young Samaritan was born.
3. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
As a Christian I have always been drawn to the four Gospels of the New Testament. In particular I was attracted to the idea of writing a historical fiction account involving Jesus’ disciples that could deliver them from saintly stained glass figures into ordinary men who walked the same path as Jesus. Most importantly I wanted to sit the reader in a front row seat for this most pivotal time in our history.
As a Christian I have always been drawn to the four Gospels of the New Testament. In particular I was attracted to the idea of writing a historical fiction account involving Jesus’ disciples that could deliver them from saintly stained glass figures into ordinary men who walked the same path as Jesus. Most importantly I wanted to sit the reader in a front row seat for this most pivotal time in our history.
4. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
All the characters in this tale clearly spoke to me. What surprised me was how each of them seemed to direct me throughout the course of The Young Samaritan in ways I never anticipated at the outset. However, if I had to pick a favorite, I would go with Cyrus, the long lost uncle of Joshua (the protagonist). Cyrus was a broken man with a heart of gold who loved his nephew more than life itself and would do whatever he could to guide Joshua to a better life.
All the characters in this tale clearly spoke to me. What surprised me was how each of them seemed to direct me throughout the course of The Young Samaritan in ways I never anticipated at the outset. However, if I had to pick a favorite, I would go with Cyrus, the long lost uncle of Joshua (the protagonist). Cyrus was a broken man with a heart of gold who loved his nephew more than life itself and would do whatever he could to guide Joshua to a better life.
5. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
I hope that readers will be able to reflect on their own life journeys. They may discover that God has been with them all along. By merely inviting Him into their heart and soul their lives can be transformed.
I hope that readers will be able to reflect on their own life journeys. They may discover that God has been with them all along. By merely inviting Him into their heart and soul their lives can be transformed.
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.
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.
 J. Schuyler Sprowles | 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.
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.
It's Time For A 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!!
a $75 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
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