Elliott Bay Book Company is hosting two readings tonight, but we're going to focus on one of them: Comic book artist Seth Tobocman presents Understanding the Crash, a comic book about the current economic crisis. Even if you think you understand the crisis, you'll learn something from this book: It's clear, concise, and it's good cartooning, too. It's rare to see all of those elements together in a non-fiction educational comic. I really recommend this one; you should check it out.

But also: The Fantagraphics Bookstore is hosting an author, a huge book sale, and a free, old-fashioned weenie roast! Here's the information, straight from Fantagraphics' own Eric Reynolds:

Commemorate the holiday with a bang at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery on Monday, July 5. Lovely Los Angeles-based UNLOVABLE artist Esther Pearl Watson will appear with her husband and collaborator Mark Todd from 1:00 to 4:00 PM and we’ll be hosting a festive urban barbeque. Best of all, everything in the store is on sale 20% to 50% off for one-day-only! All day long!

What better way to conclude a holiday weekend than with complimentary hot dogs, baked beans, cold beverages, and cheap comic books! Don’t miss this opportunity to meet these accomplished young artists and stock up on essential summer reading at bargain prices.

Sounds like a good day for funnybooks, if you ask me.

The full readings calendar, including the next week or so, is here. And if you're planning on staying in and you're looking for personalized book recommendations, feel free to tell me the books you like and ask me what to read next over at Questionland.