New American Bible, Revised Edition, Black, Ultrasoft Imitation Leather

No doubt many people looking for a Catholic Bible are disappointed to find that there are only a handful to pick from, compared with the countless choices for protestant translations like the KJV, NIV, etc.

That being said, I believe Saint Benedict Press makes a quality product and this NABRE is one of the best editions out there, especially at this reasonable price. It is compact, flexible and light. Like all NAB editions, it has the complete NAB footnotes and cross references. And like most SBP products it has a few "bonus" items like prayers and liturgical calendars in the back.

My only complaint would be that the pages were bound a bit too close to the binding, making it hard to see the words in the center at times. However, this is a standard print (8-9) Bible, so I would imagine those who don't struggle with print size will not mind too much. I prefer large print myself. But since this Bible is so light and compact and the text is clear with good spacing, I can live with it.

As for the cover, I think it is one of the better "ultrasoft" or "imitation leather" materials out there. It is flexible and tough, and I have not noticed any of the fingerprint (?) issues noted by another reviewer. It is possible to scratch this material with a fingernail or other object but that's something I have noticed about all imitation leathers, including the great stuff made by Nelson and Zondervan. I hope the pics show the nice appearance and flexible quality of this material.

(the Bible next to it is one of my favorite Cambridge KJV editions, with real leather, which cost more than twice as much...)

Be blessed.

This was given to me by a friend who knew I wanted this translation. Though the cover isn't made of the best quality materials, it's the inside that matters to me. The print size is great and the lay out isn't crowded in so reading is very easy. There are lots of notes to help if you want it or you can just read the text.

One of the greatest features is the list of Sunday Mass readings in the back. I can read just what is being read at Mass each week, and I can read a bit more of each to get a better idea of the setting for each reading.

I could not be happier with it unless it had Scott Hahn's notes in it.

The "ultrasoft" cover ruins this otherwise quality bible. Whatever this plastic material is, your fingerprints cover the surface, leaving it looking greasy and nasty. Hard to clean. And no matter how careful you are, as soon as your fingers come into contact with that cover they leave greasy-looking prints.

Decent sized font (not huge, but not tiny)

Excellent notes, lots of them so this bible is thick

Compact enough to haul around, without being tiny

Beautiful prints, also "births, marriages, deaths" pages, maps, etc on thick glossy "magazine" paper

But the cover! UGH! If there is this same bible from the same publisher available in leather and it costs more, **trust me** you'll be much better off with the leather. Unless you wear gloves while you read the scriptures??

I need it a new Bible and this is great not only for Bible study but for everyday reading. I love the notes it makes it easier to understand.