Monday Nov. 26

Darfur: A Night of Education and Discussion

Katie Jay, representing the group Stop Genocide Now, will be giving context for and leading a discussion on the catastrophic events still playing out in the Darfur region of Sudan. The talk will focus especially on what individuals can do to help end this tragedy. Dragonfly Coffee Shop, 2387 NW Thurman St., 224-7888. 7 pm. Free.

Barbara Ashmun

Join the Portland Tribune's own gardening columnist as she talks about her experiences in the noble pursuit of writing. The lecture is titled "Hard Work, Lucky Breaks, and Connections." Powell's at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd., 643-3131. Free.

Helen Thayer

In her new book Walking the Gobi, Thayer tells the story of how at 63 she and her husband, 74, successfully crossed the Gobi Desert in Mongolia. Powell's on Hawthorne, 3723 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 235-3802. 7:30 pm. Free.

Fifty Places to Go Birding Before You Die

If you haven't been birding in these exotic locations, both home and abroad, then, my friend, you just haven't been birding. Join Chris Santella, author of Fifty Places to Play Golf Before You Die and Fifty Places to Fly Fish Before You Die, for at least 50 good minutes of talk about birds. Powell's City of Books, 1005 W Burnside St., 228-4651. 7:30 pm. Free.

Tuesday Nov. 27

Molly Gloss

Pony fans, rejoice! Gloss' novel The Hearts of Horses details the uplifting tale of Martha Lessen, who discovers a unique connection with horses. The story takes place in Eastern Oregon in 1917, a simpler time when people relied on horses the way we now rely on SUVs. Broadway Books, 1714 NE Broadway, 284-1726. 7 pm. Free.

Washington County Peak Oil Reading Group

This monthly reading group will be discussing the second half of PowerDown: Options and Actions for a Post-Carbon World by Richard Heinberg. In contrast to Molly Gloss' book, this discussion will focus on life after the SUV. New members always welcome. Powell's at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd., 643-3131. 7 pm. Free.

VoiceCatcher

See review. Powell's City of Books, 1005 W Burnside St., 228-4651. 7:30 pm. Free.