wednesday
november 19
Sebastian Junger Man Against Nature makes terrific fodder for literary ventures -- just ask Homer, Hemingway or Robert Stone. Sebastian Junger is one of the latest writers to take on the troubles we puny little people get into when we encounter the unforgiving majesty of nature. His best-selling book The Perfect Storm re-creates the last days of six men who disappeared at sea. Hear him read from this page-turning tale tonight. 7 p.m., Brazos Bookstore, 2421 Bissonnet, 523-0701. Free.
Meeting God: Elements of Hindu Devotion Though there are over 500,000,000 Hindus in the world, the religion remains a mystery to most Americans. But not to Dr. Stephen Huyler, who's lived and worked in Indian communities for 25 years. He's the guy behind this summer's exhibit "Painted Prayers: The Creative Identity of Women in Village India" at the Museum of Natural Science, and is co-curator of the "Pooja" exhibit currently at the Smithsonian. Tonight, he explains all to the Asia Society. Miss it, and you risk atoning for your ignorance in your next incarnation. 7 p.m. Compass BankRiver Oaks, 2001 Kirby, 439-0051. $10.