David Mas Masumoto

Patricia Wakida

MERCED — “David Mas Masumoto and Patricia Wakida: A Central Valley Literary Conversation” will be presented on Thursday, Oct. 25, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Merced Multicultural Arts Center, 645 W. Main St. Admission is free.

The UC Merced Writing Program hosts a conversation between two local authors who will talk about growing up Japanese American in the Central Valley, their literary beginnings and inspiration, and the writing process.

Wakida will discuss her current book project, a biography of City Lights Books co-owner Shigeyoshi Murao. Masumoto will read from his most recent book, Heirlooms: Letters From a Peach Farmer, which he will be signing.

This is a rare opportunity to experience an intimate conversation about writing, community research and exploration into geographical and racial identity.

Masumoto grows organic peaches and grapes on his family farm in Del Rey. In addition to Heirlooms, published by Heyday Books, he is the author of many other books, including Harvest Son, Epitaph for a Peach, Four Seasons in Five Senses, and Letters to the Valley: A Harvest of Memories. An active proponent of organic farming, he has won numerous literary awards. He is also active in foundation work and in the cultural life of California and beyond.

“Masumoto’s books reach for truths that transcend the orchard — the honesty of a really good peach that doesn’t promise more with its looks than it will deliver on that first bite, the value of a 38-year-old tree that doesn’t produce as much anymore but bears the best-tasting fruit,” said Julianna Barbassa of the Associated Press.

“Masumoto stands in the rich American tradition of agrarians who wield their pens as brilliantly as their farm implements,” said Michael Pollan, author of Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals.

Wakida is a bibliophile, writer, and small publisher. Her books include Only What We Could Carry: The Japanese American Internment Experience, co-editor (2000); Unfinished Message: Selected Works of Toshio Mori, editor (2001); Highway 99: A Literary Journey through California’s Central Valley (updated and revised edition), co-editor (2007).

She previously worked as a senior editor and development director at the non-profit publisher Heyday Books, “midwifing” collaborative book projects with partnering organizations, libraries, museums, and other cultural institutions.

Founded in 1974 by Malcolm Margolin, Heyday is dedicated to producing high-quality, accessible books about California. Its highly respected list of titles covers history and culture, natural history, literature, poetry, art, photography, and California Indian life.

In 2004, Heyday Books became Heyday Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For new title information, author events, and more, go on-line to www.heydaybooks.com.

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