ESCAPE FROM TOPAZ — WHAT A RIDICULOUS NOTION!

Ever since the beginning of World War II on that fateful Sunday on December 7, 1941, trials and tribulations have been Ben Okura’s constant companion. He is currently accused of being a traitor, saboteur, or any other thing they can pin on him, but that pales in comparison to what he now faces. Having only recently arrived at the prisoner of war camp known as Topaz, Ben is suddenly being forced, by tragic circumstances, to escape. Things in his life are changing even faster. It is imperative that he escape from Topaz in the next few minutes! His stomach is churning at the very thought of leaving his mama behind, but he must! His mama and the Tanaka family are making hurried plans which will be implemented momentarily. Leaving Topaz is fraught with danger; but, at the forefront of his mind, is that failure to succeed isn’t an option! Never in his wildest dreams could he have imagined a more interesting cast of characters than he will meet on his escape route into the future. Ben will learn in spades that Faith Does Precede The Miracle!

Charles Ray Brady was born and raised in Utah. He, along with his father and mother, called the town of Santaquin their home. The small-town atmosphere always allowed him the opportunity to explore and use his imagination, often to the dismay of his parents. Ray graduated in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University because he enjoys working with children which led him to become a professional teacher for thirty years. He is a self-taught oil painter and has taught landscape painting both during and after his teaching career. He finds it fun to share this talent with local children. In addition to this series of books, he authored a book for each of his children when they were in elementary school. He now reads those stories to his grandchildren. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force where he served as an accountant and administrative assistant. He and his wife, Carolyn Seals Brady, met while attending Brigham Young University and were married shortly after they both graduated. They are the parents of five children and eighteen grandchildren. Ray believes life is a grand tour of opportunities when you use your imagination to explore them.