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813 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
813 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 read this as an Audible book. I was genuinely excited because it was narrated by the author, but his narration is very bland. I think some of the writing would have been more amusing/exciting if I had physically read the book myself.
A great read for anyone, religious, agonistic or atheist.
It's funny and inspiring--I wish I had this kind of commitment...not many Jesus followers I know do. I'm liking it.
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
This was the most interesting book I've read so far this year. A.J. is a compelling writer, and he certainly did his research. My only complaints are he said some insects have four legs and snakes are poisonous, but that's just the biologist in me nitpicking.
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
I really enjoyed reading about the author's experience in trying to live the Bible 100% literally. Even down to stoning an old guy in a park (with tiny rocks, didn't hurt him). It's a funny look at Judaism and Christianity from a secular point of view and how living religiously changes you even if you don't believe.
This is the only book I've ever read where I would tell someone I was reading this book (and it didn't matter if they were religious or not) that they would pause and immediately change the subject. I don't know if they thought the book would mock the Bible (which it doesn't) or make me some hard core religious fanatic (which it didn't). But I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was funny, insightful, heartfelt and absolutely fascinating. I can honestly say that I learned more about religious culture in this book than in any other book I've ever read or class I've taken. It has made me more aware and tolerant of other beliefs, which was something I didn't expect when I picked up this book. I most certainly will be reading A.J.'s other books. Absolutely an awesome book!
3.5 stars, rounded up.
I've long been intrigued by Jacobs' books. An author, taking a theme and embracing it for a year or so, then detailing it in a book. What a way to gain some insight vicariously, and possibly laugh a bit while doing it. Thankfully, this title was finally available through one of my libraries, and it fulfilled my expectations.
Jacobs ably narrates his own title (and I'm hoping he narrates his other audiobooks too). In the beginning (ha!), he describes himself as agnostic, and that's probably pretty close to my religious slant. I'd say that he nailed his quest to literally follow the bible. I learned a number of weird and arcane biblical suggestions/commandments, and am impressed by Jacobs' ability to deal with them all, as well as to admit when he had failed. Also, kudos to his wife, who seemed to put up with a ton of stuff many women would not.
I've long been intrigued by Jacobs' books. An author, taking a theme and embracing it for a year or so, then detailing it in a book. What a way to gain some insight vicariously, and possibly laugh a bit while doing it. Thankfully, this title was finally available through one of my libraries, and it fulfilled my expectations.
Jacobs ably narrates his own title (and I'm hoping he narrates his other audiobooks too). In the beginning (ha!), he describes himself as agnostic, and that's probably pretty close to my religious slant. I'd say that he nailed his quest to literally follow the bible. I learned a number of weird and arcane biblical suggestions/commandments, and am impressed by Jacobs' ability to deal with them all, as well as to admit when he had failed. Also, kudos to his wife, who seemed to put up with a ton of stuff many women would not.