THis is the version you want to read
920082
This is the translator and version you want to read of Faust.  It was created as a radio play, and so cut back to the action and reflection that fit into the possibility of listening to it.  The original is badly set up for production, although written as a play, something that Goethe ruefully acknowledged about Part 2 of his work.  Result: this allows you to feel the drama and watch it develop, and keeps you interested as you explore.

Excellent.  Buy it.  Read it.  Keep it around.
4520840
Unlike other translations I've read, this version doesn't seem stilted or precious. It's clear, digestible while preserving poetic grace and style. The introduction is well worth reading before you get to the guts of the book. I keep buying copies because I seem to give this one away a lot.
3880606
I waited months for the release of this version and it was well worth it. I've already read through it a few times and it is amazing. Very well written, has 3 different translations, and is extremely easy to read through. Great job!
2799839
Whenever I meet someone who's new to the Bible or to Christianity as a whole, this is the translation I recommend to them.  It's extremely accessible while remaining loyal to the original text.

For example, in the New King James Version of the Bible, Proverbs 30:32-33 reads, "If you have been foolish in exalting yourself, or if you have devised evil, put your hand on your mouth. For as the churning of milk produces butter, and wringing the nose produces blood, so the forcing of wrath produces strife."

Here in The Message Bible, the same verses read, "If you're dumb enough to call attention to yourself by offending people and making rude gestures, don't be surprised if someone bloodies your nose.  Churned milk turns into butter; riled emotions turn into fist fights."

To me, it's much easier to read and grasp the translation provided by The Message.  And that's saying something.  I've read the Bible from cover-to-cover and have studied theology, but this Bible really helps drive the message home in a personally meaningful way.  If you want to feel like your Bible is speaking to you, this could very well be the translation for you.

I should also point out that Eugene Peterson, the main person behind this, did a great job writing introductions to the Biblical books.  He explains the significance the book can have in our lives while also giving a little historical context.  Plus, there are a few articles about reading the Bible and what the overall scope of the Bible is, which can be particularly helpful to newcomers.

My only caveat would be that this is not the translation to use in a theology class.  There are no footnotes explaining other possible translations, and verses are numbered only at the beginning of each paragraph or stanza.  These measures make the book easier to read, but could limit "scholarly" analysis.  This translation may help you understand the Bible better and thus help you in these classes, but don't work right from this Bible if you're in academia.

Make sure you're getting the version you want.  Some copies of this Bible have only the New Testament.  Also, I've read some reviews complaining about the Kindle edition being disorganized, so be careful.

Overall, this translation shows how the Bible can be surprisingly accessible.  You don't need a minister or a professor telling you how to read it: you can sit down and read it yourself.  This translation flows and speaks in such a way that it brought the text to life for me once again, even after years of study.  It allows you to internalize and personalize the text in a way that other translation cannot, making this one of the best Bibles out there.
987352
Yes, this will probably (and should) become the standard translation for schools and anyone wanting to read this classic.  I do think there are plenty of other interesting and more poetic versions, but I read this one as if it were a modern day novel!  A page-turner rather than lingering over the language as I have with others.  The story is clear and engaging and the language is straight-forward and flowing.
74179
I bought this Bible to check out the Modern English Version. Simply put, I really enjoy the MEV. It is faithful to the original writings while being easy-to-read. This particular copy is put together well with quality material. Be aware that the print is small, but otherwise I recommend this Bible wholeheartedly.
165606
Please. Just buy this book. There is a newer version of the book, but this version is the best. Yes, I have both copies. The new version has a great overhaul of the grammar and clean-up of the story line, but there is something magical about this original title. Check it out, you won't be disappointed.
133304
If you have a choice and the time, get his one!  I've already read the drastically edited version, and honestly, I admit that I was moved.  But this version, with some previously omitted text, is by far a superior read.  One of the best out there.
3096846
This version of the bible is hard to put down! It's just amazing the difference an easy to understand version is a delight to read. At my church a gentleman read the book of Hebrew for us from the NLT. Everyone went home searching for the NLT. It's uncomplicated wording just makes it so easy to read and so hard to put down.
2336936
I prefer my current Bible's format and language, but if you are certain this is the version for you this book itself is absolutely beautiful!  I love the size and feel of it.  The leather is wonderful.  The print size is adequate for standard size.  I wish I liked this version more because it's absolutely beautiful.
2714586
Many versions of Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol" are actually abridgements (done more or less smoothly) but this version is complete and unabridged. Even if you think you are familiar with the book you may find upon reading this one that you previously had read a shortened version!  The completeness of this volume would be reason enough to add it to your library, but the quality of the pages, typeface, and above all the lovely illustrations scattered throughout further commend it. I have bought copies for all 3 of my grown children--because every family deserves to own a complete version of this classic story and this one is the best I have ever seen.
3022916
I have used the Contemporary English version for 16 years.  I received it as a gift with the suggestion to read aloud.  I do as often as I can but it is used more as a cross-reference when studying.  It is easily read and understood.  I highly recommend this version.  This particular copy was purchased as a gift and came well-packaged and was easy to wrap.  I have since checked with the recipient and they confirm my thoughts as well.
It is so easy to buy through Amazon.  Merchandise always arrives in a timely manner and condition and quality is as advertised.
Thank you.
2884640
This is my favorite version.  In modern English, yet completely carries over the essence of the Living Word.  Crossway had done a great job with this edition.  I've had my Bible now for a year and it is always nearby, a comfortable respite from the world.  The print is clear and large even for over 60 eyes.
2917769
This is a version of the Tao Te Ching written by a modern Taoist master.  It is the only version of the Tao Te Ching that I find at all understandable.  While it is "fictionalized" in a sense, the fictionalization is very thoughtful and probably necessary to convey the true meaning as it was originally intended.  The exact text of the Tao Te Ching, both in the original and in a tight and linguistically correct translation is included at the end of the book.  This is an extremely good study edition for those interested in the document and it is very informative for those who are just trying to read the classic itself.  I am not sure how it could be improved.
4529919
For those who have longed to read Pilgrim's Progress but have put it off this is the version to start with. Many have wanted to read this Christian Classic but did not want to start with trying to understand the 17th Century English of the original. To those this book is a blessing. It is very easy to read but amazingly true to the original. It is great as a stand alone reading, but even better when used as a prelude to the original text.
I would advise reading the Moody version and then immediately reading the old text.
814053
This edition of the Elements is not a new translation -- it's Heath's classic translation that has stood as the authoritative English version for almost a century. Rather, it's a repackaging of Euclid so that all the books are in a single volume (unlike the Dover edition) and with some marked improvements in typesetting and binding. Unlike most repackaging efforts, which provide little to no value added to the work, the folks at Green Lion Press have made simple changes that provide great improvement.

First, the front matter of the book is extremely helpful for first-time readers. There are detailed descriptions of the idioms used by Euclid in his proofs, especially some of the more esoteric terms such as "same ratio" (which Euclid uses but never really clarifies). The explanations draw upon classical and contemporary scholarship in Greek mathematics, and they elucidate the text greatly.

Second, the binding is outstanding and sure to stand up to robust reading and annotating (which is what books are for, right?). The paper is not glued to the binding, so you can open it flat without tearing the pages from the spine. I found it a little hard to open the book flat due to the sheer size of it, especially in the first few pages. But that's why God made paperweights.

Third, the figures in the text -- which are obviously crucial to any text on geometry -- are reproduced whenever they are referred to, to minimize having to flip back and forth to view the same diagram and thus saving wear and tear on the book. Again, this is not high-tech here, just a simple change that makes the book a lot more usable.

I am reading through this book right now and it's like being a kid in a toy shop. I'm looking forward greatly to sharing the book with my geometry students next year. I think any person studying geometry or just interested in digesting some of the greatest intellectual works of all time, as this book is, would do well to reinvest and purchase this volume.
1507911
First of all let me say that this is my very favorite translation.  Though not the most literal on a word-for-word basis (for that I would recommend the NASB), it is highly readable and faithful to the Hebrew text presenting the meaning in a beautiful and literary style that is unparalleled in my opinion.  The JPS version is an absolute pleasure to read.

Another thing I have always appreciated about the Jewish Publication Society is the attention to detail and aesthetics in their publications regarding the appearance on the page: Typeface, layout, etc.  This edition is no exception.  It is compact, printed beautifully on high quality paper and with a durable paper/leather look binding.  The Hebrew and English are in parallel columns, line by line, and the type is pleasing to the eye, clear, and easy to read despite its necessarily small point size.

I hope this review has been helpful - I have recommended this translation for years now and was pleased to still find it in various editions today.