The St. Louis Jewish Book Festival – one of the largest of its kind in the country – is kicking off its 44th year next month.
Each year, the festival attracts more than 10,000 people in celebration of books, authors and ideas ranging from a wide variety of topics.
The festival, held at the Jewish Community Center in Creve Coeur (the J), kicks off Sunday, Nov. 6, with most events taking place at the Arts & Education Building of the J’s Staenberg Family Complex.
A bookend event on Wednesday, Nov. 16, will showcase authors from Missouri, including St. Louis’ own Jessica Radloff.
Radloff, who works as senior editor for Glamour magazine, is a first-time author whose book, “The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series,” is a New York Times bestseller.
Radloff has written more than 150 articles on the series – one of the most popular sitcoms of the last decade – and even had a cameo during the show’s 2019 finale. Her book is a behind-the-scenes treasure trove for fans, giving readers an all-access pass to the show’s producers, writers and cast members.
Gazelle recently caught up with Radloff to talk about the book and preview her visit to St. Louis.
GAZELLE: When it premiered, “The Big Bang Theory” wasn’t an instant success, but as it found its footing the following season, its ratings began to skyrocket. How would you describe the appeal of the show?
RADLOFF: It gave a sense of power to those who have always felt “other” or different. It made it feel OK to be socially awkward or a late bloomer. And it proved that you were never alone – sometimes it might take us longer to find “our people,” but they’re out there.
GAZELLE: There are so many moving parts to discussing a highly successful series like “The Big Bang Theory.” What was most challenging about putting this book together?
RADLOFF: The fact that it went 12 seasons with over 279 episodes. It’s like climbing Mount Everest. Plus, I had so much material (which was a wonderful thing!) and needed to turn it into a coherent narrative. Aside from that, the most challenging thing was dealing with myself! I’m a perfectionist and relentless in my attempt to do so.
GAZELLE: What does it mean for you to be presenting your book in your hometown?
RADLOFF: I went to camp at the J for years, so being able to come back here as an author with my first book is just so crazy to me. And it also means I get to eat my favorite foods while I’m home, and see my family and the pets, so I’m very excited and grateful.
Radloff’s will appear on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m. during a Bookend Event for the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival. For tickets and a complete lineup of authors, visit the festival’s official event page.
