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810 reviews for:
The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible As Literally As Possible
A.J. Jacobs
3.76 AVERAGE
810 reviews for:
The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible As Literally As Possible
A.J. Jacobs
3.76 AVERAGE
I've tried three times to finish this book, and three times I've had to return it to the library before I'm done (stuck around page 238). Interesting quest, yes, but after Day 256 or so I'm a little over it. And "humble" is not a word I'd use to describe AJ Jacobs or his writing style!
I've noticed that some of the more negative reviews criticize Jacobs for being less funny than in his previous book, but I don't think I'd want more Funny in this one. His thoughtful approach to what could be a controversial experiment was what kept me interested, personally. I appreciated his respect for the beliefs of those he interacted with, as well as his efforts at open-mindedness, and I found I was much more invested in the project than if it had just been a wacky recounting of the silly things the Bible says we should do.
A.J. Jacobs: If you are googling yourself and come across this review, you created a thoughtful and thought-provoking book.
Not having read any reviews before picking up The Year of Living Biblically, I half expected Jacobs' book was going to be a comedic memoir similar to references to Leviticus a la the "Open Letter to Dr. Laura" (which is still very entertaining every time it turns up in my e-mail).
What I read instead was an inspiring book for the spiritually struggling, "elite liberal."
In addition to gaining an appreciation for the difficulties of living 365 days per the Old Testament / Hebrew Bible and the further complications of the New Testament, I also respect the research that Jacobs put into this book. From the Lutheran "pastor out to pasture" and a rainbow of rabbis to creationists and snake handlers, Jacobs interviewed a plethora of religious scholars and seekers--and completed a mountain of reading--during his journey.
Anyone on his or her own spiritual journey should read this book. I have found the bibliography at the back very helpful for further reading. I only wish Jacobs had included an appendix with at least the top 25 rules that he tried to follow, for those of us who are curious about trying at least a few ourselves.
Not having read any reviews before picking up The Year of Living Biblically, I half expected Jacobs' book was going to be a comedic memoir similar to references to Leviticus a la the "Open Letter to Dr. Laura" (which is still very entertaining every time it turns up in my e-mail).
What I read instead was an inspiring book for the spiritually struggling, "elite liberal."
In addition to gaining an appreciation for the difficulties of living 365 days per the Old Testament / Hebrew Bible and the further complications of the New Testament, I also respect the research that Jacobs put into this book. From the Lutheran "pastor out to pasture" and a rainbow of rabbis to creationists and snake handlers, Jacobs interviewed a plethora of religious scholars and seekers--and completed a mountain of reading--during his journey.
Anyone on his or her own spiritual journey should read this book. I have found the bibliography at the back very helpful for further reading. I only wish Jacobs had included an appendix with at least the top 25 rules that he tried to follow, for those of us who are curious about trying at least a few ourselves.
Loved it!! Definitely funnier toward the beginning, got more spiritually philosophical toward the end, but a good read, even for someone not spiritually motivated. I think this may be better than his first encyclopedia book. Can't wait to see what A.J. dreams up next.
I grew up in a family that was very strange in a religious sense. Both parents were raised Christian, but my mother really didn't buy into the doctrine. Thanks to my mother basically running the household, I never went to church; but thanks to my father's side being strictly Catholic, I attended several long and tedious weddings (in a church in rural Montana, there is a painting of Jesus in the ecstasy-I assume-that my mother has burned in my memory as looking positively and absolutely stoned off his holy balls), and my only exposure to the Bible was to its fundamentalist intolerance and misogyny. I was banned from family activities because my mother never had me baptized, told I would burn in hell with my Jezebel mother who lured my father away from his first wife. So, for a long while I was adverse to the bible.
However, this book taught me a lot about the beauty of some of the stories in scripture, and allowed me to see those who use the book to their own ends as different from the book itself, and helped me understand those who find comfort in it and its rituals as not so unlike me.
I am glad, and introspective, as a result of reading this, more than I thought I would be.
However, this book taught me a lot about the beauty of some of the stories in scripture, and allowed me to see those who use the book to their own ends as different from the book itself, and helped me understand those who find comfort in it and its rituals as not so unlike me.
I am glad, and introspective, as a result of reading this, more than I thought I would be.
Interesting read. But I found myself wavering in my determination to finish this. I was glad when I/he finally got to the New Testament. It became easier to read.
Very much enjoyed this refreshing approach to a book I try and read daily and live by. Honest and amusing.
Probably my favourite of the (three) Jacobs' books I've read. Great fun, easy to read, and thoughtful, especially as a fellow Jewish skeptic and religious semi-ignoramus.
This book was absolutely hilarious while at the same time very poignant and smart. The author's descriptions of his attempt at "biblical living" will make you laugh out loud while his thoughts on God, faith, religion, spirituality, prayer, and ritual will make you think....hard. A good book for anyone!