Gordan Ryan- The Dawning of a Brighter Day

Gordan Ryan , author of Dangerous Legacy, Threads of Honor and others, passed away November 14, 2012.  He served in the United States Marine Corps, as a missionary for the Chruch of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Norway, and with the United States Air Force during Vietnam. 
I enjoyed getting to know him as a member of LDStorymakers.  During his adult life, he lived in Norway, England, Thailand, Taiwan, New Zealand, and Ireland.  He was living in New Zealand at the time of his death.
One memory I have of Gordon, is when a group of Storymakers met at a restaurant in Draper and I brought a little jar of kiwi jam for Gordon.  He got the joke and chuckled.  He was a great person, and I will miss him.

The Hobbit- by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien has been one of my favorite stories for as long as I can remember.  I remember loving the story when I was a little kid, yet I still enjoy it now that I am an adult. 

While I look forward to seeing the book translated into a movie by Peter Jackson, I will always cherish the original story by Tolkien, and the images in my own head of that.

The Hobbit, as many people already know, is the story of Bilbo Baggins, who is reluctantly drawn into the adventure of thirteen Dwarves, assisted here and there by Gandalf, who are on a quest to take back their stolen treasure from the dragon Smaug.  On the way, Bilbo and his companions have run ins with Trolls, Orcs, and Wargs, and are assisted by friendly Elves, and Beorn, a... well, you know who Beorn is if you've read the book.  Suffice it to say that Beorn isn't exactly human.  All the time.

I heartily recommend The Hobbit to all ages of readers who enjoy a good fantasy adventure.