Book Proposal Snapshot: “Grow Up” by Clifton Bartholomew¶
Working Title¶
Grow Up
How to Wake Up, Face Yourself, and Live Spiritually Awake in a Numb World
Author¶
Clifton Bartholomew is a teacher, preacher, and developer with a deep interest in theology, culture, and human transformation. He writes from lived experience and spiritual recovery.
Premise¶
We live in a generation of extended adolescence and spiritual numbness. We weren’t given the tools to grow up—and it shows. This book is both diagnosis and roadmap. Drawing from ancient spiritual wisdom and the 12-step journey, Grow Up guides readers from denial to depth, from numbness to maturity.
Target Audience¶
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Millennials & Gen Z adults (20s–40s) asking, “Why do I feel so stuck?”
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Readers of John Mark Comer, Richard Rohr, Johann Hari, and 12-step spirituality
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Spiritually curious, disillusioned Christians
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People burned out on hustle, consumerism, and shallow faith
Structure¶
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Part 1: The Numbness We Inherit – Culture, systems, and beliefs that suppress maturity
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Part 2: The Path of Maturity – A spiritual framework rooted in the 12 Steps for becoming a whole, awake person
Unique Selling Point¶
Grow Up speaks directly to the root of modern malaise. It’s not just about tech addiction or anxiety. It’s about the loss of soul-deep maturity—and how to reclaim it. This is Rohr meets 12-step recovery meets Gen Z deconstruction, wrapped in language both sacred and relatable.
Goal¶
To offer a spiritual framework for becoming emotionally and spiritually mature—so we can show up, speak truth, and live with integrity in a fragmented world.