A hoot.
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I had been getting a little tired of these supposedly humorous reports - I find them often quite juvenile, and very unfunny (see my review of 'Rock On', by Ed Kennedy).
But this one really pulls it off. It is a gloriously funny book - I laughed out loud a few times, in public. Very refreshing.
AJ, as he calls himself, plunges into the Bible (starting with the Old Testament, and moving on to the New for the last three months). He takes this seriously, but never loses his sense of humour. He interviews rabbis, ministers of various churches, and professors of theology; he wants to understand how the Bible works. Should it be taken literally? Or should it be interpreted. Of course, he can never decide, but for practical reasons has to be reasonable - he can go along with not shaving and with sacrificing a chicken in New York but can't quite bring himself to stoning an adulterer (he does try to 'pebble' one, but is nearly punched in return).
And it helps that his wife is understanding. And she's funny too - she deliberately sits in all the chairs at home during her period, and so forces him to sit on his son's baby chair and to buy a portable stool for everyday use.
Even though it is fun, it is never cheaply insulting - that would have been too easy.
AJ: Bravo. You've done an excellent job.
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Excellent
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I really enjoyed this book.
For a start, I found it both interesting and funny. Jacob's has a style that makes you want to read more...and just a bit more...until you end up finishing the book all too soon.
There are some great 'stupid project' books about...but Jacobs seems to pick subjects that dwarf the others by comparasion.
'Know it all' - his quest to read the Encyclopedia Brittanica was amazing, and now he has even topped that with his year of living Biblically.
Fascinating and witty. I have no hesitation in giving this 5 stars - I just wonder what he will tackle next!
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Pure pleasure
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I loved this book from beginning to end.
A.J.'s year-long experiment to live Biblically is hilarious. He grows his beard, avoids wearing mixed fibers and carries a walking stick. At one point he remarks that he now looks like the sort of person he'd cross the street to avoid. In the New York subway he will suddenly turn his head to see how many people are staring at him. He usually catches at least two or three.
But his quest is also informative, humble, educational, honest and ultimately moving. Oh and did I mention funny?
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Very Entertaining
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Well A.J Jacobs I know you are reading this review LOL!!!!
I received your book in the post Monday 26th Feb 08 evening on my return from work, I got stuck in straight away and couldn't put it down. I am well into the book on day 122, thus far I have really enjoyed it.
Being Jewish myself (and a practising one at that), I found your insight and views into the Jewish/Hebrew world interesting, often very funny.
I myself try and adhere to the 613 Mitzvots sometimes with ease but most times with a struggle (in a positive way that is) LOLOLOL.
But yeah.......people on the tube in London must think I am BARMY as I am constantly laughing with joy when reading your book especially about the bit of the dancing Hasidic Jews and the bit on Kaparot.
Well I shall keep you posted and when I finish the rest of the book I'll give you and others a broader opinion.
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Somemore please A.J.
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Mr A.J. I thank God for your uncle Gi who inspired this book. No one could have made this up. Very witty book could not put it down. The honesty throughout the book on how he went though some encounters whilst following the laws of the bible was very evident and absolutely brilliant but as he mentioned that he is jewish i felt the book dwelt more on the old testament or torah that he did with the new testament. Well you cannot blame the writer as Judiasm is his background, therfore the making the expectations of the his book title feel like one has been short changed for not being Jewish. However A.J Jacobs did make a considerable amount of effort to include those other than the Jewish. It felt as if as he was nearing his last couple of months A.J Jacobs had lost the passion for his project that he started with. However it is definately must buy, hilarious in all aspects and a refreshing read from the more predictable literature that is out there.
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