THURSDAY 11/17

The Assassin's Gate: America in Iraq
George Packer's new 400-page book tackles our little problem of Iraq on three fronts: a historical analysis of the global history that led to the current conflict; the political situation which led to our invasion; and firsthand accounts of the situation happening now. Borders (Downtown), 708 SW 3rd, 221-9814, 7 pm, free

Graphic Novel Reading Club
We promise not to call this a comic book lover support group because that would be way too easy, wouldn't it? Sponsored by the swanky North Portland Bridge City Comics, the group meets monthly to discuss graphic novels; this month it's Warren Ellis' Global Frequency Vol. 1, but all comics fans are encouraged to attend (but only if you're 21, because it's in a bar. Duh). Crow Bar, 3954 N Mississippi, 280-7099, 7 pm

Michelangelo's Mountain
First the Da Vinci Code made hausfraus across America instant Leonardo experts, then last week, Jonathan Harr swept through town with an investigative tale about Caravaggio. This week, it's Michelangelo's turn, as Eric Scigliano pokes his fingers into the late artist's life. Leonardo, Michelangelo—we're about to run out of Ninja Turtles pretty soon here, folks. Powell's City of Books, 1005 W Burnside, 228-4651, 7:30 pm, free

SUNDAY 11/20

Soapstone's Annual Holiday Bookfest
Soapstone, a nonprofit women's writer retreat on the Oregon coast, comes to Portland tonight with a gaggle of former writers-in-residence. 20% of all sales made during the two-hour event will be donated to the retreat center. Broadway Books, 1714 NE Broadway, 284-1726, 5-7 pm, free

MONDAY 11/21

Meeting Faith: An Inward Odyssey
A black Buddhist nun from Thailand walks into a bookstore... No, it's not a joke, sicko—its what's going to happen tonight when Faith Adiele reads from her new memoir that traces her path from Harvard to Southeast Asia. Powell's Books on Hawthorne, 3723 SE Hawthorne, 238-1668, 7:30 pm, free

TUESDAY 11/22

Iron Maidens: The Celebration of the Most Awesome Female Muscle in the World
There's not much in this world more interesting than enormous, hyper-muscular female bodybuilders. What—you don't believe me? Then you've obviously never seen one of these chiseled broads burst a football with their thighs. I couldn't make that up. Head out tonight, learn more for yourself, and feel like the runt that you are. Broadway Books, 1714 NE Broadway, 284-1726, 7 pm, free