I found myself engrossed in the pictures that tell a story related to certain passages that are highlighted in the text. Here is an example:
The books of the New Testament are told in completion without seperation into chapters and verse which makes the story flow together. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts and Revelation are all told in seperation sections along with their own unique title page and photo. The letters are grouped together, Romans through Jude, in one section. There are very graphic photos throughout the book and some may not be appropriate for young children. Revelations has the most graphic photos of the book and are very powerful.
At the end of the book there is a message from The American Bible Society whose Good News Translation was used in The Bible Illuminated New Testament. I believe that this is a unique version of the Bible that may appeal to many but not all. It will most likely draw the younger teen and young adults to the Bible through the media approach and style. This can be a positive thing as some conservative versions may be less attractive to them. This truly is a beautiful version that takes into account modern day times and how it relates to the teaching of the Bible. The beauty of the photos and artwork will definitely draw you in and with an open mind and heart you will definitely appreciate this version of the Bible. I know that I did and plan to spend more time looking at in more detail. I was not a fan of the style of the book. It is an oversized, glossy, thin book that looks like a magazine. I found it a bit flimsy and am concerned that it will wear in time as a magazine would. I would prefer a hardback version so that it felt stronger in my hands. Some may disagree that this magazine style is unique and less daunting than a hardback book, it certainly is. That is for the reader to decide! I am honored to have had the opportunity to review this exciting new version of the New Testament. I want to thank Lisa Roe, at Online Publicist who assisted in sending me this copy. I look forward to seeing what the Old Testament version looks like in 2009!!
The photographs are amazing aren't they? I agree with you. I think this will appeal to the younger set but the format makes it more readable for anyone really. Thanks for the great review.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard of this. Interesting concept!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your thoughtful review. I agree that a hardcover would be better. When I received my copy in the mail, it was already torn, and then the print was smudged with my fingerprints when I started reading. I though the magazine format was unique, but there's no way it's going to survive in my house. That Revelation photo certainly does make a statement!
ReplyDelete--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
I really wish I had gotten a copy of this one to preview. I'll be picking up a copy soon so I can see it for myself.
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised this ISN'T in hardcover format. I can see the glam allure of the magazine-like format, but I think durability would be an issue.
ReplyDeleteShana
Literarily
Hi Bonnie, Thanks for dropping by my place....
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the review on this version of the Bible. If I'd seen it in the bookstore, I would not have been drawn to it, but your comments invite me to a closer look.
Great review, Bonnie! I love the expressiveness of the pictures and find it a very unique book. However, I completely agree with you on the magazine format. I don't care for it either and don't think it will stand up to a lot of handling.
ReplyDelete