Bonus Feature: Book

Every now and then, something comes along that really sticks with you. It's the movie that becomes an obsession. It's the book that you read year after year. It's the song that brings the memory. The quote that becomes tattooed on your brain.

The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible by A. J. Jacobs isn't it. No, it's not My Name is Asher Lev, but it is memorable. Jacobs' intentions I think were humorous, but I found the book to be quite insightful and downright engaging. I wonder... would it be that way if I were still walking in faith?

The author is quick to label himself Agnostic {a person who holds that the existence of the ultimate cause, as God, and the essential nature of things are unknown and unknowable, or that human knowledge is limited to experience}. But confesses to being intrigued by the relevance of faith in today's world. Jacobs' decides full immersion is the best option. He vows to obey the Bible as literally as possible for a full year. Surrounding himself with spiritual advisers of all denominations (Baptists, Church of Christ, snake-handlers, Jews, Red-Letters, etc) he quickly realizes there's more to the Bible than the Ten Commandments.

Surprisingly respectfully and funny, the author's journey is complex from the start. Which Bible to choose? A shopping trip later and Jacobs has, by his own admission, "a stack of Bibles, almost waist high." Jacobs journey is humorous (gird yourself in white) and perplexing (no wearing of mixed-fibers), but ultimately eye-opening. The book is supplemented with Jacobs B&W beard evolution. He explores tellfin, circumcision, ten-string harps, stoning adulterers, sacrifice... he leaves no verse unquestioned. What the author seems to find most surprising is how freeing the exploration is.

The Year of Living Biblically is quite the read. Inevitably, A.J. Jacobs comes to terms with what he calls 'cafeteria religion' and finds his truth. As for this reader, Jacobs' refreshing honesty continues to implore further reading--weeks later.