"There is a growing consciousness," says Steve Costa of Point Reyes Books, "of how good quality food that is sustainably grown and produced is integral to human life, community and world."

In this same spirit, Point Reyes Books has partnered with Marin Organic to create the Food for Thought author series. Through October, native Marin authors will share their work at Point Reyes Books or at Toby's Feed Barn across the street. All are welcome to attend the free readings.

The Food for Thought series offers perspectives that help put food into perspective, asking the important question of what it means to live and eat well. On Saturday, July 11, Nicolette Hahn Niman (above), author of Righteous Porkchop: Finding a Life and Good Food Beyond Factory Farms, will speak to the problems of industrialized livestock production and how to move beyond depending on these farms. On Saturday, July 25, Deeply Rooted: Unconventional Farmers in the Age of Agribusiness author Lisa Hamilton focuses on the stories of agriculture farmers.

On Saturday, Sept. 5, David Mas Masumoto speaks on his Wisdom of the Last Farmer: Harvesting Legacy from the Land, Epitaph for a Peach and others, bringing to the discussion organic farming techniques. Sunday, Oct. 4, brings Edward Espe Brown, accomplished chef, Zen Buddhist priest, and author of The Complete Tassajara Cookbook: Recipes, Techniques and Reflections from the Famed Zen Kitchen. He will share his perspective and will actually cook with guests.

"It is important that these authors educate and challenge peoples' food practices," Costa says. Through this wonderful opportunity to meet up close with the pubic, these authors do just that.

The Food for Thought author series runs through October at Point Reyes Books and Toby's Feed Barn. 11315 State Route 1, Point Reyes. Free. 415.663.1542

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