91 years old (Born on July 21, 1933)
Happy Birthday, John Gardner! May your day be filled with fewer monsters than Grendel's cave and more joy than Nickel Mountain has pastoral charm. Your brilliant twist on Beowulf from the monster’s perspective still makes readers chuckle—and sympathize—decades later.Your literary adventures continue to inspire us all; October Light shines brightly in every season thanks to you. Here's hoping this birthday brings as much delight as your novels have brought insight (and perhaps a little mischief). Keep turning myths upside down—we can't wait for what you'll surprise us with next. Cheers to another year of storytelling magic!