I am a long time believer with many versions at my fingertips. However I purchased one as a gift for family member who is a new Christian and not familiar with all the biblical stories and traditional "format" of the ones presently owned. I sat down to read to "be sure it was on track" with the scriptures and fell in love myself. It really makes the bible come alive as "the greatest story ever told" and am buying 2 more to give and 1 to keep. It will not replace my traditional bible, but is a great additional way to see Gods story all woven together through the ages and can encourage you to seek more. finding these stories in the scriptures yourself. Wonderful for young adults and to we old folks!

This book is wonderful! It's a great way to get a Bible overview in a way that's easy to read. It's not exactly the Bible, and it doesn't claim to be (to address the review concerned about "taking words away" from the Bible). But the words of this story are taken directly from the Bible, with the author adding brief connecting comments between Bible sections. If you want to read the Bible but find it difficult, read The Story first! It puts major events in chronological order. Once you read this, go back and read the Bible: it will be easier to understand, and easier to put events in context because of what you know after reading The Story.

This is more of a beginners look at the general history of the Bible events. I was looking for a chronological Bible for my daily Bible reading and this is more of a historical over-view. The Bible is simplified into one interesting story from creation to Paul's final days with a brief over view of the end of time. For me it just lacked the personal insight and wisdom I need for leading my own life. If you like reading about history you will like this book, but it is not a Bible study in itself, if you are looking for encouragement and admonition choose another type of book. If you are wanting God's Word read the Bible.

This book is made up of excerpts from the Bible. It's basically an abridged version of the Bible. What does God have to say about taking words away from His Word? The very end of the Bible, the very end of the book of Revelation says this -

"I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll." Rev. 22:18-19 (NIV)

I love how this reads like a novel so to speak. Hightly recommend it.