About The Author

  1. Schuyler Sprowles is a lifelong communicator whose journey has taken him from the broadcast studios of Hollywood to the anchor desks of Dallas, and later into the high profile worlds of crisis management, political consulting, and speechwriting. A Chicago native, he began his career as a country music DJ and television journalist before founding a successful family-oriented magazine in Southern California.

Through every chapter of his career, Schuyler has been defined by his ability to tell meaningful stories and connect with people across all walks of life. A lifelong Christian, he openly acknowledges a season of stepping away from his faith, only to be drawn back by the enduring light of Jesus Christ. That return to faith became the foundation for his writing. Inspired by the Gospels, The Young Samaritan is his debut novel, blending his love for storytelling with his passion for spiritual discovery. Schuyler currently lives in Pasadena, California, with his wife, Maureen.

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The Young Samaritan

By J. Schuyler Sprowles

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Overview

“For many years, I was intrigued by the brief and mysterious account in Mark 14:51–52, the young man who flees naked in the Garden of Gethsemane after Jesus’ arrest. This single verse lingered with me, raising questions about who he was, why he was there, and what his story might have been.

Over time, that curiosity grew into a vision for a larger narrative, one that could explore faith, fear, and the cost of discipleship through fresh eyes. After much reflection, I finally put pen to paper, and about a year and a half later, The Young Samaritan was born.” — J. Schuyler Sprowles

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Description


A timeless parable reborn for today’s readers.
Fearing for his life, Joshua, a young Samaritan boy, flees his home and steps into a world both harsh and transformative. What begins as a desperate escape soon becomes an extraordinary journey filled with danger, friendship, and the search for truth.Along the way, Joshua encounters an unusual band of sojourners led by a teacher many call Rabbi, others say He is the Messiah. Drawn by curiosity and an unshakable will, Joshua follows, not realizing this path will shape his faith, test his courage, and ultimately lead him to the cross.Through trials of prejudice, exile, and betrayal, Joshua’s story unfolds against the backdrop of the most pivotal days in human history. His relationships, with his mother, his uncle, and even a stray dog named Journey, reveal the depth of love, resilience, and faith that sustain him. Yet it is his encounters with Jesus that transform his understanding of identity, hope, and divine purpose. With vivid detail and heartfelt reverence, The Young Samaritan reimagines the brief, mysterious account found only in the Gospel of Mark (14:51–52), the unnamed young man who fled the Garden of Gethsemane. Author J. Schuyler Sprowles expands this fleeting verse into a rich, believable narrative that bridges scripture and storytelling.Blending historical realism with spiritual insight, this powerful novel invites readers to walk beside Joshua as he discovers that even the most unlikely outsider can be called into God’s story. Inspiring, moving, and deeply faithful, The Young Samaritan offers a fresh perspective on the life, ministry, and sacrifice of Jesus, through the eyes of a boy forever changed by Him.Perfect for fans of Christian historical fiction, biblical retellings, and inspirational coming-of-age novels, The Young Samaritan is not just a book you read:
📖 A story you live.
🌟 A truth you carry.
🙏 An encounter you’ll never forget.

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Book details

  • Genre:fiction
  • Sub-genre:Christian / Historical
  • Language:English
  • Pages:268
  • eBook ISBN:9798350931112
  • Paperback ISBN:9798350931105

Book Reviews

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The Young Samaritan 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. Sprowles manoeuvres his protagonist expertly, creating touching scenes in which his relationships with ‘Mother’, his Uncle, Cyrus, and Journey, the mangy wild dog with whom he became inseparable, are explored on both an emotional and spiritual level as each plays a part in bringing him to his final destination. Throughout his book, Sprowles reveals glimpses of Jesus’ teachings, both in the storyline and in carefully chosen dialogue, supported at all times by scriptural reference. He gifts the reader a deep sense of moving through the biblical time frame, imparting an appreciation of this most important time in humankind’s history, and an alternative and immersive experience of the months, weeks and days leading up to the death of Jesus. Sprowles uses his obvious literary skills to good effect, demonstrating both his aptitude for writing and his deep faith in Jesus, as his words bring his life and ministry to life, encouraging others to be drawn towards the Word of God. A recommended read for those both curious and conversant in Bible knowledge. Read more