READING: This weekend, 2008 Seattle Reads author Dinaw Mengestu is making the rounds to the city's libraries to read from The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears. This novel about immigrant life in D.C. has gotten so much love from so many corners that we're kind of ashamed we haven't read it already. If you don't want to purchase this book, sign up now on the Holds list at the library: we're currently Hold #424.

7 p.m. Friday // Seattle Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave. // Free

UNCONVENTIONAL CONVENTION: The Emerald City ComiCon is upon us! Wil Wheaton will be there, and for $30 extra, you can get a professional photo taken with him (*swoon*). Apart from the many comics-related panels and booths for your perusal, there is also a PG-13-rated costume contest. Sorry, no pyrotechnics and no live firearms allowed.

10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday // Washington State Convention Center, 800 Convention Pl // Two Day Pass: $30, Saturday Only: $20, Sunday Only: $15

VERY SERIOUS SUNDAY: Right off the bat, let us remind you that Sunday is Mother's Day. Yes, it snuck up on Seattlest too, but that doesn't mean you can't celebrate the Maternal with flair this year! We recommend taking your mother figure to a catered breakfast at Northwest Trek, then on the tram ride through the wildlife park to check out the baby bison, the frogs, and the wild spring blossoms on the 435 acres of reserve. Maybe later you can hit up '90s-drenched Cake at the Paramount, and play the game where you reinterpret all lyrics as mom-related. (Good luck with "Sheep Go To Heaven.")

NWTrek Mother's Day Breakfast // 8:30 a.m. Sunday // Northwest Trek, Eatonville, WA // $33 adults, $15 children
Cake // 7 p.m. Sunday // Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine Street // $32


LIVE MUSIC: Common Market's throwing a release party at the Vera Project tonight for the long-awaited EP, Black Patch War; expect thoughtful lefty lyrics and rich Sabzi-rrific beats, as well as celebratory performances from D. Black (Sportn' Life) and Khingz (remember Abyssianian Creole?). Tomorrow night, Scottish lass/alt rockstar KT Tunstall's doing her acoustic singer/songwriter thing at the Moore; we know it'll be a sweet, swingin' good time. And don't forget Cake, on Mother's Day.

Common Market // 7 p.m. Friday // Vera Project, Seattle Center // $7 // All Ages
KT Tunstall // 8 p.m. Saturday // The Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave. // $32 adv

Photo of Common Market's RA Scion by Mariangela Abeo.