The word on the street

Rob Lacey's "dangerously real" retelling of Scripture vividly demonstrates that the Bible is packed full of stories/poems/images that resonate with the big issues of today.

This fresh paraphrase with running commentary brings the text alive: Bible stories are retold as mini-blockbusters; psalms as song lyrics; epistles as emails; Revelation as a virtual reality.

Out with stale religious terms, here's a "Bible" that talks today's language - gritty, earthy, witty.

Enough of starting at Genesis with good intentions but getting lost in Leviticus.

Lacey succeeds in revitalizing a classic work by focusing on the big picture: fast-forwards through the "slow-moving" bits with pace, passion and energy to make the Bible a page-turner again.

What's more, Lacey's award-winning tour de force was created during a remarkable personal journey through terminal cancer: the stuff the Bible stories are made of.

This life-experience injects Lacey's take on Scripture with authenticity and authority - resonating with Bible characters who also wrestled with the big questions.

Purist alert; This is not The Bible (capital B)...but it might just get you reaching for one.