3.30

4

Nov 30, 2009

A thrilling work of science fiction on an epic scale. With a cast of thousands, a storyline that continues down through generations, and a seemingly never ending tapestry of plot twists, this book is sure to delight any reader. One has to admit that the idea of a hero written as a cosmic-Jewish-zombie-telepath seems a bit hokey at first, but somehow the authors pull it off with only a few insults to the reader's intelligence.

This is definitely NOT a book for children however! The many adult A thrilling work of science fiction on an epic scale. With a cast of thousands, a storyline that continues down through generations, and a seemingly never ending tapestry of plot twists, this book is sure to delight any reader. One has to admit that the idea of a hero written as a cosmic-Jewish-zombie-telepath seems a bit hokey at first, but somehow the authors pull it off with only a few insults to the reader's intelligence.

This is definitely NOT a book for children however! The many adult themes include bestiality, incest, BSDM lifestyles, pervasive violence against women, xenophobia, genocide, pervasive profanity, and human wagers made between deities and supreme evil beings.

This book could have earned a five had it been less verbose and better edited for clarity of storyline. ...more

1

Aug 07, 2009

An absurdly confusing generation-spanning saga.

Apart from being generally long-winded, there are too many inconsistencies in the plot to ignore. The pointless digressions and Tolstoyesque cast of thousands makes it very difficult to follow, let alone identify with any of the protagonists.

The ending makes no sense whatsoever.

1

Dec 30, 2009

WARNING: This a work of fiction. Do NOT TAKE it literally.

CONTENT ADVISORY:

Contains verses descriptive or advocating suicide, incest, bestiality, sadomasochism, sexual activity in a violent context, murder, morbid violence, use of drugs or alcohol, homosexuality, voyeurism, revenge, undermining of authority figures, lawlessness and human rights violations and atrocities.


EXPOSURE WARNING: Exposure to contents for extended periods of time or during formative years in children may cause WARNING: This a work of fiction. Do NOT TAKE it literally.

CONTENT ADVISORY:

Contains verses descriptive or advocating suicide, incest, bestiality, sadomasochism, sexual activity in a violent context, murder, morbid violence, use of drugs or alcohol, homosexuality, voyeurism, revenge, undermining of authority figures, lawlessness and human rights violations and atrocities.


EXPOSURE WARNING: Exposure to contents for extended periods of time or during formative years in children may cause delusions, hallucinations, decrease cognitive and objective reasoning abilities, and in extreme cases, pathological disorders, hatred, bigotry, violence including but not limited to fanaticism, murder and genocide.” endanger your mental health and life”.
...more

5

Apr 05, 2013

Out of all the minutes in a day, how many do you devote to God??

NOTE TO FRIENDS: I UPDATE THIS ROUTINELY FOR MY PERSONAL RECORDKEEPING, NOT TO APPEAR AS HOLIER-THAN-THOU!
6/10/17 - I just finished the book of Matthew, and now I'm going to start it right over again since it contains so much, particularly the life and words of my Savior. It's funny when re-reading passages that I have read numerous times, how I find new information that I overlooked in the past. With this reading of Matthew I noted Out of all the minutes in a day, how many do you devote to God??

NOTE TO FRIENDS: I UPDATE THIS ROUTINELY FOR MY PERSONAL RECORDKEEPING, NOT TO APPEAR AS HOLIER-THAN-THOU!
6/10/17 - I just finished the book of Matthew, and now I'm going to start it right over again since it contains so much, particularly the life and words of my Savior. It's funny when re-reading passages that I have read numerous times, how I find new information that I overlooked in the past. With this reading of Matthew I noted especially: (1) James and John (the sons of Zebedee) did not ask to sit at Jesus' right and left hand in heaven, their MOTHER asked that for them; (2) At Jesus' resurrection, when the temple veil was torn and graves opened, many of the dead saints were raised, went into Jerusalem, and appeared to many; (3) It wasn't Roman soldiers - as is so often pictured - who guarded Jesus' tomb after His crucifixion; it was Jewish temple guards!
* * * * *
I have read the "Living Bible" version through twice and for quite a while I have been re-reading the "New King James," one book at a time. The version I am using now is Max Lucado's "Inspirational Study Bible," with notations and readings for each book. This will be a permanent book on my current reading list. I try to read at least one chapter per day, in addition to the daily lesson from my Sunday School book.
* * * * *
Started early in the year, perhaps in January, 2015. I think this is my fourth reading of the Bible all the way through, not third.
So far as of 6/16/19, have read Genesis (2 times), Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua (so exciting and fact-filled that I read it a second time), Judges, Ruth (2 times), I Samuel, II Samuel, I Kings (2 times), I Chronicles (whew!), II Chronicles, Ezra, Habakkuk, Isaiah (2 times), Jeremiah, Esther (2 times), Psalms (2/9/17 - I finally finished reading all 150 of them!), Proverbs, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel (2 times), Hosea, Joel (2 times), Amos, Obadiah, Jonah (3 times), Micah, Job, Nahum (2 times), I John [6/28/15 - Our pastor challenged the congregation to read Luke through Revelation by July 31, about 6-1/2 chapters a day] [Matthew (2 times), Mark, Luke, John (2 times), Acts (2 times), Romans, I Corinthians, II Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians (5 times), Colossians (5 times), I Thessalonians (3 times), II Thessalonians (3 times), I Timothy (2 times), II Timothy (2 times), Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James (2 times), I Peter (2 times), II Peter, I John, II John, III John, Jude, Revelation - Finally finished! It took me just over two months instead of one to complete the New Testament. I had to take my time STUDYING Revelation, rather than just reading it.];[I and II Thessalonians (for a Bible study class, for which we were also required to WRITE OUT both books in their entirety), James, I Peter, II Peter, I John, II John, III John].
6/30/16 - Just finished a study of the book of Daniel. For anyone interested in Bible prophecy, there is a short, FREE correspondence course on the books of Daniel and Revelation, offered by Voice of Prophecy, 4301 Waterleaf Court, Greensboro, NC 27410. I ordered mine from Discover Bible School, P.O. Box 440, Tellico Plains, TN 37385. The lessons are short pamphlets with simple T/F answer sheets that can be returned in the self-addressed and stamped envelopes provided and then the next two lessons will be mailed to you. The study is non-denominational, absolutely biblical, and they haven't asked me for one cent nor for anything in return. Lessons are well-written and very interesting, providing much light on difficult biblical passages and historical facts. I give them five stars! ...more

5

Jan 19, 2011

I started reading the Bible as soon as i could read, which was before kindergarten. My mother started me reading a few verses a day, then a chapter, and the more times i went through it the more i wanted to read it. I've lost count of how many times i've read it cover to cover...it's the living Word of God, relevant to today in a way that many people don't realize because they don't study it - instead, they pick through what they like and don't like. Don't do that...read it and be open to what I started reading the Bible as soon as i could read, which was before kindergarten. My mother started me reading a few verses a day, then a chapter, and the more times i went through it the more i wanted to read it. I've lost count of how many times i've read it cover to cover...it's the living Word of God, relevant to today in a way that many people don't realize because they don't study it - instead, they pick through what they like and don't like. Don't do that...read it and be open to what God is saying to you, even if it feels like it's tearing your heart out. The heart of God is to teach you to have a heart for Him. In order to grow in a relationship with the Creator of the Universe, you need to be reading it, even if u get stuck in Leviticus. :P Keep going! ...more

5

Apr 27, 2010

This is probably still my favorite translation of the Bible it was the first one I read through, cover to cover from front to back that is. Most of the mistranslations of the original KJV have been corrected while the flavor and poetry of the 1611 language are still there. (though sadly there are a couple of places where the "Authorized King James" got it right and the NKJ mistranslated) This is an attempted word for word translation much like the RSV and ASV (also New Revised Standard and New This is probably still my favorite translation of the Bible it was the first one I read through, cover to cover from front to back that is. Most of the mistranslations of the original KJV have been corrected while the flavor and poetry of the 1611 language are still there. (though sadly there are a couple of places where the "Authorized King James" got it right and the NKJ mistranslated) This is an attempted word for word translation much like the RSV and ASV (also New Revised Standard and New American Standard). It suffers slightly from lack of idiom meanings but is still a very accurate translation. ...more

1

Aug 19, 2011

I read this book 1 chapter a day, from Gen. 1 - Rev. 22 & I will NEVER get those 3 years back. What a waste of time...

It's a shame that people worship a childish & jealous, psychopathic murderer.

The psychosis of Abraham is a horrible malfunction of common sense & rational... IT'S PATHETIC. What kind of man would be willing to kill his own son at the request of an invisible being? Is that what is required of you from your god? That's the father of Judaism, Christianity & Islam. I read this book 1 chapter a day, from Gen. 1 - Rev. 22 & I will NEVER get those 3 years back. What a waste of time...

It's a shame that people worship a childish & jealous, psychopathic murderer.

The psychosis of Abraham is a horrible malfunction of common sense & rational... IT'S PATHETIC. What kind of man would be willing to kill his own son at the request of an invisible being? Is that what is required of you from your god? That's the father of Judaism, Christianity & Islam. They are all so proud of this man. But, what would people think of somebody like that today? ...more

5

Feb 09, 2011

If there is only one book you read in your life, make it this one. It contains the actual history of the world, not what modern scientists would have us believe. Man is lost in sin and we will all answer for the sins we commit in this life. However, there is hope for us. God's only begotten son, Jesus Christ, came to earth 2000 years ago, lived the perfect, sinless life, and willingly let himself be crucified by those who opposed him. He gave his life as a perfect sacrifice to atone for the sins If there is only one book you read in your life, make it this one. It contains the actual history of the world, not what modern scientists would have us believe. Man is lost in sin and we will all answer for the sins we commit in this life. However, there is hope for us. God's only begotten son, Jesus Christ, came to earth 2000 years ago, lived the perfect, sinless life, and willingly let himself be crucified by those who opposed him. He gave his life as a perfect sacrifice to atone for the sins of the world so that we need not suffer in eternity for the sins we commit in this life. The Bible tells us how we can find this salvation, gives us God's expectations for how we should live our lives, and tells us how we can spend forever with our God and with our savior Jesus Christ in Heaven and avoid the torment and agony that awaits us in Hell if we fail to follow Him and put Him first in our lives. It is better than any self-help book man has written or will ever write. If you disagree with me, I pray that you will read it for yourself and will change your mind. It can change your life. Please let it. ...more

1

Dec 14, 2009

Holy crap this thing is long! It's not exactly a page turner, but it does have lots of sodomy, rape, incest, people living in the sky and underground in pits of fire, burning bushes, canes that turn into snakes, and a race of giants! Wait a minute, this isn't supposed to be fiction?...

5

May 06, 2011

The Bible is our instruction manual, our way to living a Godly life...there is so much we do not know until we read and study the Bible. It's so important to be opening our Bibles, making sure what we are being taught and/or what we hear is true because there are so many miss teaching it. It's also important to be attending a Bible-believing Church.

Until we choose to follow God, to truly believe and have faith in Him and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior we will always feel empty and The Bible is our instruction manual, our way to living a Godly life...there is so much we do not know until we read and study the Bible. It's so important to be opening our Bibles, making sure what we are being taught and/or what we hear is true because there are so many miss teaching it. It's also important to be attending a Bible-believing Church.

Until we choose to follow God, to truly believe and have faith in Him and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior we will always feel empty and we will always be searching for that one thing to make us happy. There is nothing of this world that will fill that emptiness, only God can do that. If you have been empty and in search I urge you to have faith in God, to open your Bible, to ask God for forgiveness of your sins and for understanding of His Word. You can't go wrong with God, I guarantee it!

Just in case you do not know...the only way to Heaven is through Jesus Christ, not by works (although we will be judged on them). So the question is...If you were to die right now, where would you go? If God were to say, "Why would I let you in?", what would you tell Him?

The Bible Reads: "All have sinned."; Romans 3:23, "The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life."; Romans 6:23, "Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."; Romans 10:13

Have you truly accepted Him into your heart and life? If not NOW is the time...no one is denied!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I believe that Jesus died on the cross for me and rose again. I give you my life. I accept you now as my Savior, my Lord, my God, my friend. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus and set me free from my sin. And, because you are my Savior, "I shall not die, but have everlasting life." Thank you Jesus! AMEN!

...more

4

Feb 15, 2009

As much a discipline and a study as it was a goal for me to read. I was surprised at how often my Sunday school teaching version of a story was vastly different from the original, which was often quite brief. Beautifully written at times and just plain boring and confusing at others. I found that as many questions were raised for me as they were answered. All of the violence and killing in the name of God was very disturbing, as was the general attitude towards women. The basic ethical teachings As much a discipline and a study as it was a goal for me to read. I was surprised at how often my Sunday school teaching version of a story was vastly different from the original, which was often quite brief. Beautifully written at times and just plain boring and confusing at others. I found that as many questions were raised for me as they were answered. All of the violence and killing in the name of God was very disturbing, as was the general attitude towards women. The basic ethical teachings though are as true today as they always were, and certainly the world would be a better place for everyone one if more people fully embraced them. ...more

1

Aug 31, 2013

With possibly one of the strongest opening lines in history, the Holy Bible really starts off swinging. Here we're not only introduced to the main character, named God, but are also informed that he's some sort of magical being (whether that's a vampire or a wizard or something, we don't know yet--we just know he can fly and shoot laser beams). The prose in this section is simply top notch, and you'll find that the action, atmosphere and language of the Holy Bible are carried off with a master's With possibly one of the strongest opening lines in history, the Holy Bible really starts off swinging. Here we're not only introduced to the main character, named God, but are also informed that he's some sort of magical being (whether that's a vampire or a wizard or something, we don't know yet--we just know he can fly and shoot laser beams). The prose in this section is simply top notch, and you'll find that the action, atmosphere and language of the Holy Bible are carried off with a master's touch. But accompanying this impressive show of skill is also one of the book's greatest flaws: Verbosity. One of the first things they teach you in any writer's workshop is that every word in a novel should be integral to the story; never leave anything in that doesn't absolutely need to be there. So, while we as readers start the book all sweeping through demons and darkness like Ronnie James Dio--rocking out and firing lightbeams and building people out of dirt--it all quickly gets bogged down in unnecessary detail.

As readers we're enthralled by the mystic action; wondering exactly what kind of creature this God is, why he has these powers and what on earth he's going to do with them, and then all of a sudden we're pulled out of the action and forced to sit idly while the author describes an entire week (day by day) in God's life. I mean, that's great and all that we're getting some backstory on his character, but honestly, what happened with paragliding through Hell? I don't really care what your Wednesdays are like, or on which days you like to rest--get back to the action! Jesus, if we wanted to hear about your day, we would read your LiveJournal, almighty.

Due to the presence of these tangents, a lot of readers won't stick around for the meat of the story, and that would certainly be a shame because once it gets going, it really is one of the most exciting reads around (just to give you an idea of how good it is, the book has apparently gathered such an intense fanbase that some people give it away for free on the streets!). The first half of the book, called the Old Testament, is really more about getting a feel for the setting than it is advancing the story. During this time we get a glimpse of God's troubled past and are witness to a few key events that really allow the depth of the character to shine through (he's kind of a dark anti-hero; quick tempered and sometimes spiteful--but much like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, he actually has a heart of gold deep down).

The author takes this set-up time to explore the world thoroughly. But while even supporting characters are given their moment to shine, sometimes that gets distracting. For example, during Moses' adventures, we come to relate to him as a troubled sort of everyman. Sure, he was adopted by royalty, but he never really became complacent. He saw the mistreatment and suffering of the people around him, and he was moved into taking action. All good so far, right? It's kind of like Footloose or a Bruce Springsteen song: It's all about the plight of the working man. (And honestly, who exemplifies the working man more than slaves? All they do is work!)

It's a simple little story of class conflict and redemption, and then, almost without warning, everything suddenly gets magical: Oceans are parted, flaming shrubbery starts yelling at dudes and, in what is one of many disturbingly phallic metaphors littered throughout the book, Moses and the Pharaoh's magicians start slinging about their "snakes" and "staffs" to see whose is bigger. It's all quite exciting and imaginative, but it feels kind of like a bait and switch: We came into Moses' story reading The Grapes of Wrath, then wham! Moses finds out he's a Jew and shit goes totally Harry Potter.

After what seems like 400 years, the Holy Bible finally finishes the setup phase and launches us into the main tale, where we meet our central character for the first time... even though it's still God. Sort of. It gets a little confusing, frankly: Our protagonist, God, is somehow also a character named Jesus Christ, who is the son of God and... listen, it's never quite clear what the genealogy is, or how God is his own son or anything (and what's up with the ghost?) but a lot of the set-up just has to be taken on faith. Now, the character of Jesus may not be the most original creation (he's kind of amalgam of three other prominent protagonists: The "awakened man" complex, like Neo from the Matrix; a bit of Superman's down home heroics; and an oddly compelling dash of Timothy Leary's "freaking out the squares" mentality) but he's oddly endearing nonetheless.

Really, there are only a few criticisms I have: The sections where the author obviously forces their own political agenda into the story are rather distracting (at one point the whole story grinds to a halt so the Jesus character can give some sort of "sermon" on this "mount"-like thing that is little more than liberal propaganda extolling the benefits of a welfare state) and at times it seems like it could've used an editor with a heavier hand (1100 pages long?! Who do you think you are, David Foster Wallace?). I must say that overall, the Holy Bible is a story everybody should read at least once. Just keep in mind that though this may seem like your run of the mill fantasy adventure, there are a myriad of vicious maulings, explicit torture scenes, rape and prostitution, so it's definitely not for children!

Oh, and though there are some hints of a sequel (a Second Coming is mentioned a few times), I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you--no official deals have been signed at this time. ...more

1

Jun 04, 2011

Dawkins said it best: "The God of the Old Testament is arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction: jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving control-freak; a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser; a misogynistic, homophobic, racist, infanticidal, genocidal, filicidal, pestilential, megalomaniacal, sadomasochistic, capriciously malevolent bully."

5

Mar 09, 2014

I pray that God gives me revelation so that I can fully understand the book of Revelations

0

May 11, 2017

Currently, I feel like a heavy load has been lifted from me. Review and rating to follow...

5

Oct 22, 2012

The most unfortunate thing about reading the Bible is that it’s nearly impossible to do it without preconceived notions of what it is, what it isn’t, and what it’s actually saying. Many believers seem to read the Bible with the notion that it’s one work, the original language being English, and that despite endless translations and paraphrases, including a continuing debate over whether or not the Apocrypha is scripture, it can contain no fallacies of any kind. Non-believers, though they seem to The most unfortunate thing about reading the Bible is that it’s nearly impossible to do it without preconceived notions of what it is, what it isn’t, and what it’s actually saying. Many believers seem to read the Bible with the notion that it’s one work, the original language being English, and that despite endless translations and paraphrases, including a continuing debate over whether or not the Apocrypha is scripture, it can contain no fallacies of any kind. Non-believers, though they seem to understand that the Bible is not one work, continually miss that much of The Bible is comprised of parables, poems, metaphorical prose, etc. Or in other words: It’s not always meant to be taken literally. Truth can be conveyed in many intricate forms. Despite this, a shocking number of people think it’s acceptable to read the Bible once and then act as though their opinion on it has any value. It's a work that demands to be reread and studied before it's entire message can be grasped.
The “plot” of the Bible is terribly complex, and most of it greatly offends our beliefs about how the world should be, but these are ignorant reasons for not giving a book the attention and observation it deserves. We don’t dismiss Jane Austen as a lunatic simply because she has sixteen year old girls engaging themselves to thirty-five year old men.
The Bible, whether literature or scripture, has influenced the world, for both better and worse, in such profound and unimaginable ways, that there must be something infinitely deeper than just a guide to live a virtuous life, or a collection of fables that don’t really seem related.
...more

1

Feb 13, 2012

Filled with historic and scientific inaccuracies, this book has been cherry-picked and reinterpreted for millennia to support whatever morality its readers chose to draw from it.

Slavery (Leviticus 25:44-46) and Polygamy (all-throughout the first half), background themes of the first half, depicted as a normal part of life are never questioned as immoral. Yet believers in the modern narrative of this book find these things deplorable while lacking any ability to reasonably demonstrate why these Filled with historic and scientific inaccuracies, this book has been cherry-picked and reinterpreted for millennia to support whatever morality its readers chose to draw from it.

Slavery (Leviticus 25:44-46) and Polygamy (all-throughout the first half), background themes of the first half, depicted as a normal part of life are never questioned as immoral. Yet believers in the modern narrative of this book find these things deplorable while lacking any ability to reasonably demonstrate why these things are not okay while things like wearing mixed fabrics are (Deuteronomy 22:11).

The following passage demonstrates the king of deplorable and immoral behavior not just permitted, but directly planned, by the childish and maleficent protagonist "Yahweh."

Leviticus 25:44-46
44 And as for your male and female slaves whom you may have—from the nations that are around you, from them you may buy male and female slaves. 45 Moreover you may buy the children of the strangers who dwell among you, and their families who are with you, which they beget in your land; and they shall become your property. 46 And you may take them as an inheritance for your children after you, to inherit them as a possession; they shall be your permanent slaves. But regarding your brethren, the children of Israel, you shall not rule over one another with rigor.

DISGUSTING! ...more

1

Dec 12, 2009

This book had interesting stories, but it was obviously written and edited by committee: multiple authors within different time periods, some quite talented, others with almost sinister agendas. It was most likely written by nobles for Kings since they were the only ones literate enough to write these many 1000's of years ago.

And considering the language used throughout, Lord, Kingdom, it was obvious the last edition was heavily tainted in Feudalism.

Generally, this book was disjointed and This book had interesting stories, but it was obviously written and edited by committee: multiple authors within different time periods, some quite talented, others with almost sinister agendas. It was most likely written by nobles for Kings since they were the only ones literate enough to write these many 1000's of years ago.

And considering the language used throughout, Lord, Kingdom, it was obvious the last edition was heavily tainted in Feudalism.

Generally, this book was disjointed and obtuse, with some heart-warming suggestions spattered about but mostly incoherent tales of lore, so sporadic and nonsensical that it was nearly impossible to enjoy. ...more

5

Sep 29, 2009

I hesitated to include the Bible (any translation) as it's not just another book it isn't to me...but 5 stars.

5

Sep 24, 2017

Not this edition -

Finished sometime around 2009
Finished in September 2017
Finished in May 2018
Finished the KJV in May 2019.

5

Nov 02, 2019

Now I've officially read through the Bible twice! First NIV, and now NKJV. The Word of God is, indeed, living and active. Thankful for this source of wisdom, truth, and hope.

2

Oct 22, 2010

It was difficult to read, especially as a curious kid.
The stories are interesting, but thinking back to it, I question why people would believe it is 100% true and accurate. From a historical point of view, it is intriguing. However, there are plenty of works that were partially historic and partially fiction with notations about "the gods." The Bible seems no different than any other ancient work, but has withstood the lashes of time. With only parts of it being canonized and recanonized, It was difficult to read, especially as a curious kid.
The stories are interesting, but thinking back to it, I question why people would believe it is 100% true and accurate. From a historical point of view, it is intriguing. However, there are plenty of works that were partially historic and partially fiction with notations about "the gods." The Bible seems no different than any other ancient work, but has withstood the lashes of time. With only parts of it being canonized and recanonized, translated & rewritten multiple times, I really don't understand how anyone can take this obvious masterpiece word for word. ...more

0

Mar 07, 2013

ok well i actually believe in God, but i just couldn't resist this very special gif.

5

Jul 08, 2013

Took a challenge from my mom to read the whole Bible in a week and was able to finish it in five days! It was actually really cool to read it all in a short time and It was cool to see the way everything connects!

5

Sep 12, 2010

WOW! I finally finished my journey through the Bible. It has been fascinating as I have put many things into perspective. I loved listening to this semi-dramatized, modernized language version of the scriptures. It gave me a unique perspective. I am sure I will listen to it over and over again as I work at understanding all that is there for me. Except for "Leviticus." I will never listen to it, or read it, again!! It is the worst book EVER. Not that all the rest of it is wonderful, because WOW! I finally finished my journey through the Bible. It has been fascinating as I have put many things into perspective. I loved listening to this semi-dramatized, modernized language version of the scriptures. It gave me a unique perspective. I am sure I will listen to it over and over again as I work at understanding all that is there for me. Except for "Leviticus." I will never listen to it, or read it, again!! It is the worst book EVER. Not that all the rest of it is wonderful, because there are some really slooooooooww parts! But so much of it is so great, especially the New Testament.

It took almost 98 hours of listening, and some re-listening as it happens with audio books. It took me a long time to complete, but was very much worth it. I highly recommend this experience!

********************* (older posts follow)

I have finished the first five books of the old testament. I loved Genesis, of course, and also Exodus, but Leviticus??? Ugh! it is horrible. I liked a lot of Numbers, and totally loved Deuteronomy.

I have put a temporary halt on the Old Testament while I read a book called "America's Prophet." I thought it would be good to read it now since it is all about Moses and his story as told in the first five books, and how that story is symbolic of the early history of our nation. It is incredibly interesting and I am learning so much!

I am listening to this version of the Bible in audio form (I guess that is obvious). It is semi-dramatized. I wasn't sure if I would like it at first. but I am now a believer. It is fabulous, and makes this rather tough old book come alive. All but Leviticus. It would take a miracle for it to come alive!!!!! I think it should be taken out and given a proper burial.

********* As I continue my journey through the Bible, I am learning a lot about the book. In the Old Testament, there is so much genealogy, recitation of the many, many laws, warfare (out and out brutality) and repetition. I believe it is those aspects that make it so difficult to read. But the good stuff is really good. I am now on Chronicles II, which is a repetition of the story of Solomon and the building of the temple. I am learning that there are a number of stories in the O.T. that don't get discussed on a regular basis. Some are quite interesting, and some not so much. Still I enjoy listening. I love the semi-dramatized nature of this version, complete with some very subtle but appropriate music underlying the text. It has a feeling of longing to it, and sounds like it could be Hebrew. II Chronicles starts on p. 587 of my standard King James version, out of 1184 pages in the Old Testament, so I am really close to half-way through this part.

I am listening to the Psalms - will finish them tomorrow. They are a little tedious to try to follow all at once. It would be nice to hear a few each day. However, they set a fabulous ambiance, especially for the Sabbath.

************* Finished the Old Testament. Let's face it, so much of the Old Testament is downright boring. But the good parts are riveting! I found so much to love in the last books of this Book of Books. I love listening to the poetic quality of parts of Ezekial, Daniel, and of many of the smaller books. Some of the best scriptures ever written make their appearances near the end of the OT in these "lesser prophets." I am loving this experience. ...more