VALLEY OF SHADOWS AND DREAMS, MASHA'ALLAH AND OTHER STORIES Win California Book Awards

Two Heyday books have garnered California Book Awards from the Commonwealth Club. Ken Light and Melanie Light earned the Gold Medal for Contribution to Publishing for their photographic and literary exploration of California's Central Valley, Valley of Shadows and Dreams. Heyday's James D. Houston Award winner Mariah K. Young earned a Silver Medal for First Fiction for her debut collection set in East Oakland, Masha'allah and Other Stories.

Previous Heyday titles that have won Calfornia Book Awards include A State of Change by Laura Cunningham (2011), The High Sierra of California by Tom Killion and Gary Snyder (2003), and Wherever There's a Fight, by Elaine Elinson and Stan Yogi (2010), among others.

The 82nd Annual California Book Award ceremony takes place at 6:00 p.m.. on Thursday, June 6 at the Commonwealth Club, 595 Market Street, San Francisco. For tickets and more information, visit www.commonwealthclub.org.

Valley of Shadows and Dreams: a journey into a vital but troubled region:
In their photographic and literary exploration of a region known for its agricultural plenty-and the marginalization of its people-Ken and Melanie Light dig deep into the harsh truths of farm workers' daily experience, revealing a deep sense of anger and betrayal toward the destructive legacies of politics, bureaucracy, and control. More...

Masha'allah and Other Stories: emerging author brings us into the unpredictable landscape of East Oakland:
In Masha'allah and Other Stories, Mariah K. Young brings readers deep into the varied lives of remarkable individuals at the fringes of dominant culture. Set in East Oakland, Young's subtly crafted stories and unforgettable characters continually surprise and delight. In each of these nine tales, Young invites us into the worlds of a diverse cast of genuine, hard-working people. More...

Since 1931, the California Book Awards have honored the exceptional literary merit of California writers and publishers. Each year a select jury considers hundreds of books in search of the very best in literary achievement. For more information visit www.commonwealthclub.org.

Heyday is an independent, nonprofit publisher and unique cultural institution that promotes widespread awareness and celebration of California's many cultures, landscapes, and boundary-breaking ideas. Heyday publishes about 25 new books a year, sponsors over 200 events, and participates vigorously in the cultural life of California. For more information visit www.heydaybooks.com.