Literary heavyweights and an anniversary celebration for one of Washington’s most respected institutions are the highlights this week in your area bookstores.

TUESDAY
>>Rick Moody, author of The Ice Storm, has recently published his first proper novel in eight years. It’s called The Diviners, a expansive character study set against the backdrop of the end of the Clinton era that’s being described as his most ambitious work. Moody drops by Politics and Prose for a reading and signing. Fun fact: An organization called the Underground Literary Alliance, whose membership includes the author of the single worst piece of prose ever penned, are historical antagonists of Moody, and have been known to disrupt signings. Stay on your toes! 5015 Connecticut Avenue NW, 7 p.m.

>>Also this Tuesday, Khaled Hosseini will be in the area to discuss and sign his debut novel The Kite Runner, which brings present-day Afghanistan to life in a vivid novel that reads like a memoir. Don’t forget to pack plenty of snacks and drinking water for that long ride out to Fairfax County. Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY
>>The M Street Barnes and Noble features an appearance by Pedro Sanjuan, author of The UN Gang : A Memoir of Incompetence, Corruption, Espionage, Anti-Semitism and Islamic Extremism at the UN Secretariat. Whatever’s not been left to the imagination shall be discussed, with a signing to follow. No word on whether he’s as wordy as the title of his book. Be warned: This is not the time or place to show off your John Bolton impression. 3040 M Street, NW, 7:30 p.m.