Every book event isn't a workout for the cerebral cortex. Sometimes it simply entertains by bringing friends together for a laugh, says Marcia Evers Levy, director of the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival.

"So much out there is causing people to stress. If they can come to the festival and have a good time, we're thrilled."

So for the 31st annual celebration, the biggest Jewish book festival in the country, Levy took the time to note that not all events focus on somber history or forecast a dire future for civilization.

On the lighter side, this year's events include

— Helen Hunt, film actress and director whose résumé includes the popular TV sitcom "Mad About You";

— Susie Essman, the take-no-prisoners comedian and actress on "Curb Your Enthusiasm";

— A.J. Jacobs, an author who conducts his own lifestyle experiments in "The Guinea Pig Diaries";

— Hank Rosenfeld, a "folk journalist" who recounts Irving Brecher's tales of convincing Judy Garland to star in "Meet Me in St. Louis" and of working with Groucho Marx, Jack Benny and others in the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Brecher told Rosenfeld about his radio show "Life of Riley":

"If you'll notice, so far this is basically sad. It's a sad situation. That's why it's funny."

Levy says she looks for "books that not only help the audience think and relax, but also have a laugh."

She says a previous keynote speaker, actor Paul Reiser, had such a good time at the St. Louis festival that he convinced his former co-star Helen Hunt to appear.

"We're thrilled," Levy said. "She does not tend to do these kinds of speaking engagements."

The festival ticket price remains $60 for all events, but costs of individual events have gone up (they range from $12-$20).

Although only the keynote speaker receives a speaking fee, the festival pays authors' expenses and must account for the rising costs of airfare, Levy says. But the series ticket still is "the best bargain in town," she says.

In addition to the witty authors of things like "How to Shop for a Husband," "The Baseball Talmud" and "When You Lie About Your Age the Terrorists Win," famous actors and authors will discuss everything from global warming to Yiddish Yoga.