Well presented, with those enduring illustrations - Rated 
We use this edition of the Good News Bible for our 7-11's. In truth, it's a struggle for some of the 7 year olds, but we persist because it is actually a Bible that could continue to be of use to them for the rest of their lives.
I would recommend this bible for people who don't spend much time reading, or for whom English is a second language. It contains God's word in full, faithfully translated in to simple English,
Top Stuff! - Rated 
The whole story kicks off in the Garden of Eden when man (and wo-man) are expelled by God for having eaten something they were told not to, thus setting in motion a rather fantastical plot. The story develops when people start multiplying and at first the tale reads like the phone book, but later develops into a story about the liberation of slaves from Egypt and goes on, from chapter to chapter, in amazing form, discussing everything from the wisdom of kings, to fidelity and the problem of suffering. The earlier of the two books comprising this volume cleverly underlines the development of God's character from it's infancy and savagery to the point where, after some pause for thought in the story's chronology, God realises the error of his ways and repents for being such a cruel creator. In order to reconcile himself with his alienated people he must amend for his barbarism. This he does by taking on human form in the body of his only son, whose radical pacifism antagonise the authorities to the point where he is put to death cruelly, suffering both as God and man and thus carrying the weight of all sin upon his shoulders. Thereafter, through the divine connection, the dead son rises, overcoming death and leaving behind a legacy for those who wish to follow in his footsteps and be in God's good books come the end of time. The last chapter describes the apocalypse and is somewhat confusing. Overall though, the story is cleverly woven, focusing on the details of individual characters in ancient times whilst maintaining a grander notion of the development of the relationship between "God the husband" and "Isreal the bride" (which the Son eventually ammends to "Everyone else the bride"), whilst implying that with God's growing wisdom his strength and aggression wane.
As a measure of the impact of this book culturally it is worth noting that it has been the pillar of Christianity (an astoundingly popular religious movement) for quite a few hundred years, and thus is an accomplishment in culture far exceeding that of any other work to date. Sadly, it was omitted from the recent compilation of 100 best books of all time (as seen on the BBC), but nonetheless should consider its reputation unshaken. Well worth the money.
My review of the 'New Testiment' - Rated
Beloved son dies tragically as a consequence of delivering vital news. Ironic twist ensures uplifting consequences for all concerned.
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