Letters to the Valley: A Harvest of Memories (Great Valley Book)

Sparked by an editor’s comment that "creating a good column is like writing a letter to a friend," Mas Masumoto began a column––in the form of letters to friends, to his father, his daughter, and others––that has become a regular feature in the "Fresno Bee." Heyday Books is delighted to present the collected letters here, with their original watercolor illustrations by Doug Hansen.

Masumoto grows organic peaches and grapes on his family farm in California’s Central Valley. Celebrated by chefs and farmers, a proponent of the Slow Food movement, he touches on the themes that have won him a loyal readership––taking the time to savor precious moments and people; the value of honest work; and the importance of protecting a changing landscape and disappearing way of life––Masumoto offers what few other writers can in this day and age: a truly personal touch.