As many of you know, "Highway 99" is the seminal anthology of Valley poets, essayists, fiction and nonfiction writers. Published by Heyday Books's Great Valley Books imprint (with help from the James Irvine Foundation), it's the first book to anthologize the Valley's many accomplished writers. It was a work that was long overdue, as Central California authors are so often overlooked.

Ten years have passed since Highway 99's first publication, and now Heyday has released a 2nd edition containing some 80 new pages of Valley authors.

Thursday night you can hear four of those new writers speak at the final Respite by the River reading. They include Lee Herrick (http://leeherrick.com/), Ocean Jones, Purva Brown and Claudia MonPere. The book was co-edited by Roosevelt School of the Arts graduate, Patricia Wakida.

http://www.heydaybooks.org/

Here are the details on the reading via KFSR's press release:

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Respite by the River: Stories of California’s Central Valley - A series of author readings at the Coke Hallowell Center for River Studies

Produced by the San Joaquin River Parkway & Conservation Trust

Take a break from the rush of everyday life and experience a Respite by the River. Our fourth season of this popular series of readings and performances related to life in California’s Central Valley promises witty, wistful, touching and tranquil moments.

This year, following the readings, enjoy delectable desserts from Bentley’s Fresh Market. For a completely relaxing evening, order a Bentley's gourmet picnic dinner online and pick it up on the way to the River Center. Unique menu choices have been developed just for Respite goers.

Watch for more details on at www.riverparkway.org. or call 433-3190 x4#.

Bring your own picnic and enjoy dinner music from 6:00 to 7:00;
Readings from 7:00 to 8:00;
book signing and dessert at 8:00.

The Respite by the River takes place at the River Center, 11605 Old Friant Road, just 3 miles northeast of Woodward Park. 90.7 KFSR is the proud media sponsor of the Respite By the River.
This is a FREE event.

--
~C

http://www.cindywathen.com

Co-author of REMEMBERING CESAR: THE LEGACY OF CESAR CHAVEZ
The first book to be endorsed by the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation

Available through Amazon, your local bookseller, or direct from the publisher at Quill Driver Books, 1-800-497-4909. ISBN 1884956114