kmoses87's review against another edition
4.0
I had expected the book to end with a realization that the rules of the Bible are ridiculous to follow literally, so I was surprised when the author ended up really getting into the religion. However, I feel that I agree with his take aways from the experience: that the message overall is the be a better person and that life itself is sacred. I like the analogy to a cafeteria, choosing the right dishes like compassion and loving your neighbor.
claireeastin's review against another edition
5.0
LOVED THIS BOOK! I don't agree with all of the author's opinions, but this was a great read! In his earnest effort to lead his life as the Bible commands he really made me think. I laughed so hard I choked, I teared up, I thought alot about God and what He means in my every day life.
davidpwebber's review against another edition
3.0
Definitely learned a lot more than I expected, though it was overlong and not particularly funny
mjmettle's review against another edition
5.0
Thanks to Bekah for this great recommendation. I don't feel I've ever had the chance to read the Bible "for the first time," having grown up with it, so it was enlightening to read it along with A.J. Jacobs, a self-professed agnostic of Jewish descent. Again and again he earned my respect by not simply passing judgment on something he didn't understand, but instead searching for religious experts of all types and persuasions to explain their interpretations. It's hilarious and also thought-provoking.
rlse's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't really expect this book to be much more than a collection of "har-har, look at all these silly Bible rules." So, I was surprised and intrigued when I found that it was actually pretty insightful. I have to say I do admire his honesty and willingness to experience and comment on the good as well as the bad. It was interesting to see what things resonated (or not) with the author, coming as he was from an agnostic background. My own Catholic background is definitely not usually a bible-literal one, so a lot of the rules/customs were new to me. I enjoyed learning about them.
llkendrick's review against another edition
3.0
I loved A.J. Jacobs Guinea Pig Diaries book so I thought I'd give this one a try. It wasn't as funny but I was still entertained. One thing that surprised me is how much I learned about the Bible from reading this book! I'm giving it 3 out of 5 stars because I liked it a lot, but it lacked the humor I was looking for.
jdsatori's review against another edition
4.0
There are many reasons I 4-starred this book, but the main one is this: like the author, I'm a non-believer who wonders what all the fuss is about. The way he chooses to explore this question is extreme (full immersion), yet his ability to keep an open mind are admirable.
Aside: typically, I avoid all memoirs. By the time I get a few chapters in, I'm already thinking, "Alright, already. I get it. It's all about YOU. Got *anything* interesting to say about *anything* other than yourself?"
Here, though, I did enjoy following Jacobs' learning curve. He didn't go it alone -- he had a team of spiritual advisers to help him interpret the bible, and he interviewed folks from many camps (evangelicals, orthodox, etc.) He never converts -- that was never his goal -- but he does begin to understand why people participate in religion at all (which is a question I've had for most of my life).
Oh, and a lot of this stuff is crying-i'm-laughing-so-hard hysterical...like the time he stoned an adulterer. Loved it!
Aside: typically, I avoid all memoirs. By the time I get a few chapters in, I'm already thinking, "Alright, already. I get it. It's all about YOU. Got *anything* interesting to say about *anything* other than yourself?"
Here, though, I did enjoy following Jacobs' learning curve. He didn't go it alone -- he had a team of spiritual advisers to help him interpret the bible, and he interviewed folks from many camps (evangelicals, orthodox, etc.) He never converts -- that was never his goal -- but he does begin to understand why people participate in religion at all (which is a question I've had for most of my life).
Oh, and a lot of this stuff is crying-i'm-laughing-so-hard hysterical...like the time he stoned an adulterer. Loved it!
ncalv05's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
rlp78's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book. I find the subject facinating, especially these days. Great info and very well written.
trixiebelle's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Pregnancy, Animal death, and Sexism
Minor: Religious bigotry and Death