Theo and Sprout: A Journey of Growth by Joseph Gergen | Book Review ~ $25 Gift Card | #YA #Literary Fiction @GoddessFish
A book blog tour from Goddess Fish Promotions.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Marianne & Judy at Goddess Fish for providing me with the information for this tour.
Book Details
Theo and Sprout: A Journey of Growth by Joseph Gergen Published by Independent on May 20. 2022
Genres: Fiction, Young Adult
Format: Audiobook, eBook, Hardcover, Paperback
Pages: 169
Source: Goddess Fish PromotionsSprout says she’s there to help him, to guide him. Theo, an introverted, teenage boy from a large family, is not so sure about that. He’s not sure about much of anything at the moment. You see, Theo is thrown into absolute uncertainty one morning after he has showered for school when Sprout suddenly manifests herself physically in his body.
Is she a dream? A hallucination? That is what Theo grapples with as he not only sees Sprout in the mirror, then validates what he’s seen by looking down at his body, now her body, but also begins a conversation with her about what the hell is going on.
While Theo longs for some guidance through the perils of adolescence, the guidance he knew his family wouldn’t give him, he isn’t prepared for Sprout to present herself and offer it to him. In fact, he doesn’t appear to have a choice since Sprout, sassy and confident about her presence, won’t go away.
Thus begin the adventures of Theo and Sprout. Sprout comes and goes as she pleases, forcing Theo to come to grips with her existence, the fear of being caught, the guidance she offers and the choices she asks hm to make. Together Theo and Sprout must navigate the uneasy situations Sprout creates by appearing at inopportune times, whether in school, at church, or at a family gathering.
Sprout just wants Theo to grow. Theo just wants to survive.
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Excerpt from Theo and Sprout
When you grow up in a large family in a small house, you are never alone, you are never free. As an introvert, I could have just as well been in prison. Never free from prying eyes and perpetual observation, real or imagined. Those heavy shackles kept me from liberation.
“What is this?” I said. I’d lost my fetters, not even concerned she was there. “This isn’t normal.”
“This isn’t your normal. This is my normal, my way of looking at life. This is what your normal could be. Don’t you want this to be real? Isn’t it wonderful?”
Yes, it was wonderful. I noticed the park as I hadn’t noticed it since swinging beneath the trees as a child, flying up into the gigantic green trees and the endless blue sky. The colors, the shades of gray, the smells, the sounds of the birds. A lost world I was too busy to see anymore.
Excerpt provided by the author/publisher for use in this post.
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Purchase Links for Theo and Sprout
Amazon – OneLink for every country
Theo and Sprout: A Journey ...Shop on Amazon
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My thoughts on Theo and Sprout
In Joseph Gergen’s Young Adult Literary Fiction, “Theo & Sprout: A Journey of Growth,” readers are taken on a thought-provoking and deeply introspective journey through the complexities of adolescence and self-discovery. The story revolves around Theo, an introverted and socially anxious teenage boy, who finds himself thrown into a world of uncertainty when Sprout, his alter ego manifesting as a lively and spirited young girl, suddenly appears and takes residence in his body.
Theo’s life takes an unexpected turn as he grapples with the reality of Sprout’s presence. Uncertain about whether she is a dream, a hallucination, or something else entirely, he embarks on a captivating and sometimes comical quest to understand the enigmatic Sprout. While Theo yearns for guidance and support in navigating the challenges of adolescence, he is initially hesitant about accepting it from an unexpected alter ego.
Full of vivacity and a zest for life, Sprout brings a new perspective to Theo’s introverted existence. She encourages him to embrace growth, seize opportunities, and face his fears head-on. Despite his reluctance, Theo finds himself unable to rid himself of Sprout, and as their journey unfolds, they develop a unique and profound bond.
The heart of the narrative lies in the dynamic between Theo and Sprout as they explore the intricacies of identity, belonging, and self-acceptance. As Sprout pops in and out of Theo’s life at the most inopportune times, the duo must navigate the challenges she presents, including the fear of being discovered and the choices she asks him to make.
Joseph Gergen skillfully crafts a story that seamlessly weaves between the real and the surreal, capturing the essence of the teenage struggle with authenticity. As readers follow Theo’s internal and external conflicts, they are drawn into his world, empathizing with his anxiety and the pressures of growing up. The character of Sprout serves as both a source of comic relief and a symbol of hope, inspiring Theo to confront his fears and embrace his journey of growth.
“Theo & Sprout” is a coming-of-age tale that stands out for its emotional depth and engaging narrative. It resonates with readers of all ages, especially young adults who can relate to the challenges of adolescence. Through Theo’s experiences, the story encourages introspection and contemplation of the human condition, making it a profoundly rewarding read.
In Conclusion
Joseph Gergen’s “Theo & Sprout: A Journey of Growth” is a masterfully crafted tale that takes readers on an enthralling and introspective adventure. With its relatable characters and poignant themes, this coming-of-age novel is a must-read for teenagers and beyond, offering valuable insights into self-discovery, courage, and the transformative power of human connections.
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
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I love my Amazon Kindle Unlimited Subscription. So many books, so little time!
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About Joseph Gergen
Meet Joseph Gergen
I'm mostly just another human from Minneapolis, but I enjoy painting, furniture making and writing I’ve taken the circular path to authorship. I left college thinking I would be a writer, decided I didn’t know enough to write anything, and now have come back to writing years later knowing even more about how much I don’t know, but not caring so much about that. I finally found a writing voice, so now I let that voice tell the story and wash my hands of the results. Thanks for visiting.
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Easy Amazon Info Link
Amazon – OneLink for every country
If the above link does not take you to your country, here are a few more:
Please send me a note if your country isn’t listed and you would like to purchase using my links. Using my link does not change the price you pay. Amazon pays me a minimal amount out of their share.
Shop all of Joseph Gergen’s books.
Theo and Sprout: A Journey ...Shop on Amazon 
Methane Wars: A FableShop on Amazon 
Without a PangShop on Amazon
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Giveaway!
One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $25 Amazon/BN.com gift card.
Visit more stops on this Goddess Fish tour for extra chances to win!
Official Tour Page for Theo and Sprout
Full Tour Schedule:
May 30: Kenyan Poet
June 1: Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read
June 6: Literary Gold
June 8: The Avid Reader
June 13: Archaeolibrarian – I Dig Good Books!
June 15: Westveil Publishing
June 20: Sandra’s Book Club
June 22: Author C.A.Milson
June 27: Fabulous and Brunette
July 11: Andi’s Young Adult Books
July 11: Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews
July 13: Hope. Dreams. Life… Love
July 18: Gold Dust Editing & Book Editing
July 20: The Faerie Review
July 25: Gina Rae Mitchell
July 27: Splashes of Joy
August 1: fundinmental
August 3: Books in the Hall
August 8: Coffee and Wander Book Reviews
August 10: Country Mamas With Kids
August 15: It’s Raining Books
August 17: Inkspired
August 22: The Pen and Muse Book Reviews
August 24: The Obsessed Reader
August 29: Let me tell you a story
August 31: Sapphyria’s Books
September 5: Our Town Book Reviews
September 7: Long and Short Reviews
September 12: Straight From the Library
September 14: Travel the Ages
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The book sounds very intriguing. Love the cover.
This sounds like an interesting book.
Love the cover art! Looks great. Sounds like a good story.
This sounds like an informative and helpful book.
Thank you for a wonderful review. I am excited for people to learn about Theo and Sprout. If anyone has questions, please let me know.
You are most welcome, Joe. Good luck on the tour.
Thank you for the review.
Thank you for hosting!