THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO THE BIBLE

Like most of the Idiot's series, this guide to the Bible is user-friendly. Key terms are defined, and the authors make repeated attempts to illustrate every complex point, down to explanations of literary techniques used. However, they often do so by incorporating cheesy puns and references to ephemeral pop culture, such as cartoons. As a result, this is a dogmatic explanation of the Bible, but one that mostly lacks dignity. John Ratzenberger's narration fits this text perfectly, switching from a joking tone to a judgmental quality when making pronouncements about doctrine. The result is a schizophrenic listening experience. G.T.B. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 05]