As a former writer for Arrested Development and Beverly Hills, 90210, author Maria Semple is no stranger to class anxiety. In Today Will Be Different, her third novel, Semple puts her keen sense of character to good use. The story follows self-conscious middle-aged Eleanor Flood through a single, hectic day spent racing around her upper-class Seattle neighborhood. Though it’s funny throughout, the emotional core of the book comes in a wholly unexpected form—a 16-page graphic-novel-style insert “created” by Eleanor, narrating a childhood story that’s shaped her. Read more >>> Maria Semple speaks at 7 p.m. at Politics & Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. Free. (202) 364-1919. politics-prose.com. (Noa Rosinplotz)
EAT THIS
Anyone wearing an “I voted” or “I voted early” sticker in Duke’s Grocery or Duke’s Counter from now through Nov. 8 will receive a glass of wine, any beer up to 12 oz., or a mixed well drink for a dollar. Limit one per customer with a valid D.C. ID. Duke’s Grocery, 1513 17th St. NW, (202) 733-5623, dukesgrocery.com. (Laura Hayes)
OH AND ALSO
British indie rock act Foals performs at Echostage with Bear Hands and Kiev. 7 p.m. at 2135 Queens Chapel Road NE. $35.
Folk duo Mandolin Orange plays an intimate show at The Hamilton alongside opening act My Bubba. 7:30 p.m. at 600 14th St. NW. $18–$35.
Mike Mills, best known as a member of R.E.M., presents his concerto for violin, rock band, and string orchestra at the Music Center at Strathmore, featuring performers Robert McDuffie and David Mallamud. 8 p.m. at 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. $25–$55.
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