THE YEAR OF LIVING BIBLICALLY

Reverent irreverence might be the best way to describe Jacobs's book and its narration by Jonathan Todd Ross. The author explores the laws of the Bible, both in the Jewish Bible and the Christian New Testament. He brings his characteristic wit and ability to identify odd and funny inconsistencies. He also spices the writing with related, yet esoteric facts learned during his time spent reading the entire ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA (THE KNOW-IT-ALL). Ross’s narration captures the author's wit and growing respect for the Bible. A good example comes when he relays a conversation with an Old Order Amish man who tells an Amish joke. It's quietly funny yet reveals a deep spiritual connection. The only drawback to the production is Ross’s overly long pauses between sections. R.C.G. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2009]