New American Bible, St. Joseph Medium Size Edition

The words at Catholic Mass (Roman Rite) have recently changed! I wanted to buy a new 2011 Bible ("NABRE") that would more closely reflect the new English translations. I didn't know which NABRE Bible to buy, so I bought multiple ones and will continue to add my reviews/comparisons below. (The Bible you are considering on this post is #2):(Bible #1)The "New American Bible Revised Edition - NABRE Burgundy Hardcover" by Saint Benedict Press has a very beautiful cover/binding. Direct quotations from the Lord Jesus are in Red ink, and I like that. The paper is a bit thin, but this didn't bother me; the "see-through" nature is mild and not distracting to me. The hue of the paper is stark-white, and I prefer a more relaxed hue (much like my preference for incandescent light versus florescent light). The exposed edge of the paper does not have index markings or tabs for the various books of the Bible (this is a feature I enjoy). The reason I went with 4 stars not 5 is because of the glossy nature of the paper - it feels too slippery to me. I found it a bit difficult to flip a single page... and there's no way I'm going to lick my finger to flip pages while reading the Bible!(Bible #2)The "Saint Joseph Bible-NABRE [Hardcover]" by Catholic Book Publishing Co. (says "Medium Sized Edition" on the cover) is excellent - I gave it 5 stars. The cover/binding is a bit plain looking and has a cloth-type texture. The Amazon photo of a large blue cube-shaped Bible is completely false - this one is yellow-orange (or tan) in color, on all faces. Inside, there are no Red text to highlight direct quotes from the Lord Jesus. The paper is thicker than the Saint Benedict Press Bible and does not have the glossy/slippery problem. Also, the paper is white with a nice subtle yellow hue. The exposed edge has handy black marks that indicate the various books. The illustrations are nice but are in black & white. Despite not being a perfect match to what I am looking for, I give this Bible a 5 Star rating and it will serve as my family Bible for years.(Bible #3)The "Prove It! Catholic Teen Bible - Revised Nab" by Amy Welborn is excellent, and I gave it a 5 star rating. I will be buying more of these to spread around, but will keep my eyes open for a version with different cover text & photos. I am a fan of high-quality leather binding hard cover books, so I had to judge this one for what it is: a paperback. The cover makes this book seem to be something other than a Bible. The words "Prove It!" on the cover are confrontational and might instill a defiant attitude before a single page is opened. The text and footnotes of this Bible are the same as the other NABRE Bibles (do not fear - it is not riddled with slang). The best part of this Bible is the use of inserts throughout to explain various internal questions people may have about God, the Bible, Catholic practice, etc. These questions are NOT unique to teenagers and would suit anyone who is new to religion, new to Catholicism, or fallen on tough times and are doubting "the meaning of it all". I think this Bible is well-suited for all ages and would be a wonderful gift for older people. If only there were a few options for the cover! This would be a great Bible for my mother, but it says "Teen" on the cover.(Bible #4)The Catholic Study Bible second edition by Oxford University Press is excellent, and I easily give it a 5 star rating. The cover/binding is glossy and nice looking, the overall size is nice and large, but not too large or heavy. The pages are thin and bright white, but there is no problem with see-through pages or glossy texture. Red text is NOT used in this Bible to highlight direct quotes from the Lord Jesus. The word "Shelah" DOES appear in the Psalms of this Bible (where it did not appear in the other Bibles I've reviewed). Also, the book of Sirach is titled "The Wisdom of Ben Sira (Ecclesiasticus)" in this Bible; however, the edge tab still says "SIR". Perhaps my favorite feature of this Bible is the wonderful edge indented tabs that are labelled for each grouping of three books; this is very handy in locating specific books and opening the Bible to that page. This is a perfect choice for a study Bible.

This bible is plain but built to last. It is the latest edition of the same bible that I used in high school for religion class, and that my daughter used in high school many years later. It is, for all intents and purposes, a text book, which might explain why it is inexpensive, plain, but built to withstand heavy, daily use. Frankly, I would be willing to bet that expensive, leather-bound editions of the Saint Joseph Edition of the NABRE would not outlast this one. I will emphasize, however, that it is indeed a very plain-looking book; it is made for economy and durability, not glitter and glam, but that much is probably obvious from the picture posted here on Amazon. There is a larger edition of this book that has a fancier cover but is every bit as durable for those whose eyes are no longer to able to handle the print of a medium-size bible.As for the biblical text, the NABRE translation is a great improvement over the older NAB. It is more literal, more poetic, and more traditional in diction, without losing any of its readability. The study notes have also been updated, and I am personally impressed with the depth and quality of the scholarship. They are, however, a bit on the "liberal" side, but what many call "liberal," I call "honest." There is no point in altering the notes to reflect traditional views when such views are not in harmony with verifiable facts, after all.All in all, I would recommend this book to those whose eyes are good enough to handle a medium-sized bible, and who are more interested in economy and durability than in glitter and glam. For those with weaker eyesight, the equivalent large-print edition is the better option and would get the same review from me as this one. I fully expect that either one to last two decades with daily, heavy use in the hands of those who take good care of their books, and at least a decade in the hands of those who are a bit rougher in handling them.

I was hurting for this Bible to update my older large print New American Bible. I looked at every single one on Amazon and hugh toob. This one is the 2010 version so you are getting updated language. I like this NAB over the RSV or Douay or Jerusalem Bible for a number of reasons. It is the best compromise between literal translation of the Greek and Hebrew and fluid reading in the most modern US English language. It is useful for Biblical Exegesis, Bible Study, Devotions, alignment with your Missal and Liturgy of the Hours (which I know you are praying daily!) as well as just daily Bible Reading. So the version is proper. Now this actual Bible I purchased is the Green St. Joseph Medium Size number 609/19GN. The cover is not leather, why kill a cow? The size is exquisite. It is fitting for reading in an arm chair, or a pew, or on a desk. It lays open. The font size is medium, which is fine for me a Senior Adult, using my reading glasses. The edges are gilded and there is a green ribbon. I will need to add a ribbon kit to add more ribbons. The bible physical size is great for your every day carry kit such as your back pack or one of those unholy man-purses. The green color is a manly color. They have some in girly colors, but for a strong manly man, this is the best color, believe me. There are fine brightly colored illustrations, maps and the rosary and stations of the cross on thick pages. Lots of footnotes and explanations along the way, if you like that. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. The pages do not bleed, they are thick enough. The Bible has this cool embossed spine, I don't know how to explain it, but it feels great when you are holding it. Also an embossed cross on the font lower right cover. I ordered from Amazon and received same day as usual, in a hard box, brand new, unopened. You can register your bible on their web site for the guarantee. Of course, God guarantees the story part, but the company guarantees the printed/bound bible itself.