READING: Although some may disagree, Marilynne Robinson's is one of the best books put to paper in the last 25, 50, or 100 years. (Don't believe us? Ask former SF Weekly editor Karen Zuercher. Though some of you plot-heavy types out there might not feel it, it really is that good.) And she's in town to talk about the aforementioned Pulitzer Prize winner, Housekeeping, and why on earth she keeps her fans waiting so damn long.

8 p.m. // Herbst Theatre (401 Van Ness)

MUSIC: "Cottony, mellow glitch-pop" Germanic band the Notwist plays over in North Beach tonight. Head over there while you're still allowed to get drunk in the hood.

8 p.m. // Bimbo's (1025 Columbus) // $20

FILM: Wait until next week to see HSM3. Tonight check out SF DocFest 2008 with screenings of Elvis in East Peoria (7:15 p.m.), Spirit of the Marathon (7:15 p.m.), Head Trip (9:30 p.m.), and Here Kitty Kitty (9:30 p.m.). at the Roxie. Or, if you cannot resist watching a closeted homosexual run around, go here to find out where to watch his pretty, pirouetting face.

Gilead