--- product_id: 1394953 title: "The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible" price: "€ 35.40" currency: EUR in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 url: https://www.desertcart.hr/products/1394953-the-year-of-living-biblically-one-mans-humble-quest-to store_origin: HR region: Croatia --- # The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible **Price:** € 35.40 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible - **How much does it cost?** € 35.40 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.hr](https://www.desertcart.hr/products/1394953-the-year-of-living-biblically-one-mans-humble-quest-to) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description Inspiration for the TV series Living Biblically streaming now! From the New York Times bestselling author of The Know-It-All comes a fascinating and timely exploration of religion and the Bible. A.J. Jacobs chronicles his hilarious and thoughtful year spent obeying?as literally as possible?the tenets of the Bible. Raised in a secular family but increasingly interested in the relevance of faith in our modern world, A.J. Jacobs decides to dive in headfirst and attempt to obey the Bible as literally as possible for one full year. He vows to follow the Ten Commandments. To be fruitful and multiply. To love his neighbor. But also to obey the hundreds of less publicized rules: to avoid wearing clothes made of mixed fibers; to play a ten-string harp; to stone adulterers. The resulting spiritual journey is at once funny and profound, reverent and irreverent, personal and universal and will make you see history’s most influential book with new eyes. Jacobs’s quest transforms his life even more radically than the year spent reading the entire Encyclopedia Britannica for The Know-It-All . His beard grows so unruly that he is regularly mistaken for a member of ZZ Top. He immerses himself in prayer, tends sheep in the Israeli desert, battles idolatry, and tells the absolute truth in all situations—much to his wife’s chagrin. Throughout the book, Jacobs also embeds himself in a cross-section of communities that take the Bible literally. He tours a Kentucky-based creationist museum and sings hymns with Pennsylvania Amish. He dances with Hasidic Jews in Brooklyn and does Scripture study with Jehovah’s Witnesses. He discovers ancient biblical wisdom of startling relevance. And he wrestles with seemingly archaic rules that baffle the twenty-first-century brain. Jacobs’s extraordinary undertaking yields unexpected epiphanies and challenges. A book that will charm readers both secular and religious, The Year of Living Biblically is part Cliff Notes to the Bible , part memoir, and part look into worlds unimaginable. Thou shalt not be able to put it down. Review: A.J. Jacobs is a non-sacrilegious wit. - A man takes a 30 Days episode and stretches it out to a year. Sounds like the start of a plausible documentary, and it is. Recently, I have taken disgust to my generations lack of interest in Philosophy and Religion -- lack of the later or not, you should at least know what you are accepting or rejecting. As well as reading holy texts themselves, I have taken to accounting for other peoples views or experiences on religion. This book served its purpose beautifully in that aspect. But more on that in a moment. A. J. Jacobs is a phenomenal writer, whom I plan on buying more of as soon as I can. His fabulous use of vocabulary, as well as recounting events in the most humorous aspect possible, without offending others, could only be matched by a priest. It is his delightful use of comedy that makes this book bearable, even for the most sacrilegious of persons. Even then, he is brutally honest in his writings, telling his thoughts in truth -- as the Bible so dictates him to do so. It is the combination of me wanting to know more about the Bible, as well as A. J. Jacobs well timed writing that makes this book second to none in terms of retrospects on the Jewish and Christian faith. He follows as many as he can literally, as well as the few obvious philosophically. He accounts for the flaws of atheism, as well as the flaws of faith itself and delves into a world he may have never seen had he not perused the Bible to the letter. He begins his adventure on a rocky start, having to follow -- and break -- so many commandments in his first few days that he drives himself buggy. Should I wear these slippers? I can't have strawberries? Following crosswalk rules in NYC? Having to carry a spare chair with you, even on the subway? Dealing with heavy, aggressive atheists and Christians? All of these are covered in the book and gives great tribute to the pluses and minuses that come from these. He even goes to far as to stone some people -- but I don't want to ruin anything. As well as following the Bible so strictly, he goes out of his way to meet many colourful characters. My favorite was the person whom he met to analyze his clothing, checking for mixed fibers. A. J. had to break a commandment many times with this character. We also get to meet his son, his wife, as well as faithful and unfaithful people who agree and disagree with his project. Some who go out of their way to test how resolved he is in his project -- including his own wife. But nonetheless, A. J. shows his faith (if you'll excuse the bad joke) to his project by every means. Especially for the obscure ones. I would recommend this to both who hail Richard Dawkins and Thomas Aquinas. 9.5/10. Review: Read it Like a Reasonable Person Reads a Bible - By that title I mean for the underlying messages, not the surface words. The aspect of this book I love the most is how well the author questions and second-guesses himself. Even towards the end of the project after the dance floor moment with his son he still questioned the experience. That's very important to me, to constantly question oneself, especially during a project as big as this. The book is an easy read, linguistically, but a difficult read in content for me. I really needed to read this, I've been curious about performing this sort of experiment myself, so I paid a great amount of attention. I went back a few clicks and re-read portions if I zoned out even a little. I focused closely on almost every topic, reading them very slowly and laboriously, ever scrutinizing A.J. and his efforts like a nun holding a ruler. This project was important to me, and the author didn't let me down (at least not often enough to bother noting. Nobody's perfect.). It might be a very easy, very quick read for someone else, someone who didn't really need to read it and just read it for entertainment could probably power through this book in two afternoons. I was actually a little bit relieved when I got to the Notes section at the end because I could start reading casually again without having to focus so much. There are very interesting sociological evaluations that can be done on this book; the power of cognitive dissonance, re-education tactics, and brain-washing methods to name a few. That might sound negative, but once you've read the book you'll realize it isn't. It simply is, there's no need to add a moral connotation. You'll find many commentators simply address the grass without looking at the dirt from which it grows in their reviews of this book, but that's the wrong path to take. Read this from its digital (kindle edition) cover to its digital cover (much like how you should read a bible) before you judge it. The author does an excellent job making it clear that he isn't religious and this is off-putting apparently for some religious readers. They judge A.J. harshly for his efforts which I'm sure he expected. One can't write this sort of book without pouring symbolic lighter fluid all over oneself and passing out matchbooks. The philosophy behind the book, the lessons A.J. picks up from his experience and the changes in his life and outlook he received from this project are what readers should take away from this book, setting nit-picking aside and reading it realistically with reasonable expectations. A.J. builds a strong case for how living by a reasonable moral code, either self-imposed as many atheists do or biblical as many religious people do, can improve one's life. He builds a good argument for "cafeteria religion" in his words. I also especially enjoyed his experiences with charity. Charity really is its own reward, and it knows no religion. Atheists, Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, all walks of life from the very non-religious to the most perform acts of charity without seeking thanks for it. It didn't offend me when he said he never saw any atheist charities (I'm atheist), it made me feel really good. It means we're doing a good job not seeking recognition or reward for our giving. I gave it four stars because while it was an excellent book, A.J. really did run out of time for the project. I loved the in depth way he covered the O.T., but when he got to the N.T. he was obviously being rushed by his calendar, and that's unfortunate. I don't blame him, he had a very tolerant wife a young child and (during the book) a few new ones, but the way he seemed rushed in the New Testament did detract a little bit from the book as a whole for me. I would have very much enjoyed a similar level of attention being paid to the minusia of the New Testament as was to the Old. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | #190,130 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #42 in Religious Humor #1,039 in Fiction Satire #2,289 in Memoirs (Books) | | Customer Reviews | 4.3 out of 5 stars 2,408 Reviews | ## Images ![The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81vzYJUK85L.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A.J. Jacobs is a non-sacrilegious wit. *by A***E on July 23, 2012* A man takes a 30 Days episode and stretches it out to a year. Sounds like the start of a plausible documentary, and it is. Recently, I have taken disgust to my generations lack of interest in Philosophy and Religion -- lack of the later or not, you should at least know what you are accepting or rejecting. As well as reading holy texts themselves, I have taken to accounting for other peoples views or experiences on religion. This book served its purpose beautifully in that aspect. But more on that in a moment. A. J. Jacobs is a phenomenal writer, whom I plan on buying more of as soon as I can. His fabulous use of vocabulary, as well as recounting events in the most humorous aspect possible, without offending others, could only be matched by a priest. It is his delightful use of comedy that makes this book bearable, even for the most sacrilegious of persons. Even then, he is brutally honest in his writings, telling his thoughts in truth -- as the Bible so dictates him to do so. It is the combination of me wanting to know more about the Bible, as well as A. J. Jacobs well timed writing that makes this book second to none in terms of retrospects on the Jewish and Christian faith. He follows as many as he can literally, as well as the few obvious philosophically. He accounts for the flaws of atheism, as well as the flaws of faith itself and delves into a world he may have never seen had he not perused the Bible to the letter. He begins his adventure on a rocky start, having to follow -- and break -- so many commandments in his first few days that he drives himself buggy. Should I wear these slippers? I can't have strawberries? Following crosswalk rules in NYC? Having to carry a spare chair with you, even on the subway? Dealing with heavy, aggressive atheists and Christians? All of these are covered in the book and gives great tribute to the pluses and minuses that come from these. He even goes to far as to stone some people -- but I don't want to ruin anything. As well as following the Bible so strictly, he goes out of his way to meet many colourful characters. My favorite was the person whom he met to analyze his clothing, checking for mixed fibers. A. J. had to break a commandment many times with this character. We also get to meet his son, his wife, as well as faithful and unfaithful people who agree and disagree with his project. Some who go out of their way to test how resolved he is in his project -- including his own wife. But nonetheless, A. J. shows his faith (if you'll excuse the bad joke) to his project by every means. Especially for the obscure ones. I would recommend this to both who hail Richard Dawkins and Thomas Aquinas. 9.5/10. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Read it Like a Reasonable Person Reads a Bible *by J***M on January 2, 2008* By that title I mean for the underlying messages, not the surface words. The aspect of this book I love the most is how well the author questions and second-guesses himself. Even towards the end of the project after the dance floor moment with his son he still questioned the experience. That's very important to me, to constantly question oneself, especially during a project as big as this. The book is an easy read, linguistically, but a difficult read in content for me. I really needed to read this, I've been curious about performing this sort of experiment myself, so I paid a great amount of attention. I went back a few clicks and re-read portions if I zoned out even a little. I focused closely on almost every topic, reading them very slowly and laboriously, ever scrutinizing A.J. and his efforts like a nun holding a ruler. This project was important to me, and the author didn't let me down (at least not often enough to bother noting. Nobody's perfect.). It might be a very easy, very quick read for someone else, someone who didn't really need to read it and just read it for entertainment could probably power through this book in two afternoons. I was actually a little bit relieved when I got to the Notes section at the end because I could start reading casually again without having to focus so much. There are very interesting sociological evaluations that can be done on this book; the power of cognitive dissonance, re-education tactics, and brain-washing methods to name a few. That might sound negative, but once you've read the book you'll realize it isn't. It simply is, there's no need to add a moral connotation. You'll find many commentators simply address the grass without looking at the dirt from which it grows in their reviews of this book, but that's the wrong path to take. Read this from its digital (kindle edition) cover to its digital cover (much like how you should read a bible) before you judge it. The author does an excellent job making it clear that he isn't religious and this is off-putting apparently for some religious readers. They judge A.J. harshly for his efforts which I'm sure he expected. One can't write this sort of book without pouring symbolic lighter fluid all over oneself and passing out matchbooks. The philosophy behind the book, the lessons A.J. picks up from his experience and the changes in his life and outlook he received from this project are what readers should take away from this book, setting nit-picking aside and reading it realistically with reasonable expectations. A.J. builds a strong case for how living by a reasonable moral code, either self-imposed as many atheists do or biblical as many religious people do, can improve one's life. He builds a good argument for "cafeteria religion" in his words. I also especially enjoyed his experiences with charity. Charity really is its own reward, and it knows no religion. Atheists, Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, all walks of life from the very non-religious to the most perform acts of charity without seeking thanks for it. It didn't offend me when he said he never saw any atheist charities (I'm atheist), it made me feel really good. It means we're doing a good job not seeking recognition or reward for our giving. I gave it four stars because while it was an excellent book, A.J. really did run out of time for the project. I loved the in depth way he covered the O.T., but when he got to the N.T. he was obviously being rushed by his calendar, and that's unfortunate. I don't blame him, he had a very tolerant wife a young child and (during the book) a few new ones, but the way he seemed rushed in the New Testament did detract a little bit from the book as a whole for me. I would have very much enjoyed a similar level of attention being paid to the minusia of the New Testament as was to the Old. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Immensely enjoyable read *by E***傑 on January 19, 2017* For a bible aficionado like myself, I love AJ Jacobs genuine agnostic account of his experience to live according the prescriptions of the Bible. Although officially it was planned for a year. But by the end of the book, one gets the impression that his 100% committed immersion in Gods words will have effects on him and the people around him for a lifetime. The core strength of AJ Jacob's book lie in his true life account of his experiences and encounters with quirky characters which made it very engrossing for me. I love his use of biblical verses to begin a new new theme to his chronological collection of stories. Although his coverage of Bible included both old and new testament, it was clear he gave heavier emphasis on the Old testament. He explained his bias by his pride in his Jewish ancestry. He could also achieve greater mileage by humorous take on the ancient laws of Deuteronomy. Although towards the end of his book, I sensed a greater reverence in Mr Jacobs has for Jesus Christ. By extoling the virtues of Jesus near the end of his book, like charity, forgiveness and humility, he as journeyed to a high point and bringing his readers along with him. And I absolutely loved his presentation of supporting verses on the pro life issue, especially the part on John the Baptist as foetus leapt with joy when Mary, pregnant with Jesus drew near to Elizabeth. Foetuses are unborn human beings, not tissue to be discarded when life becomes inconvenient. His journey to the bible belt, the holy land, and encounters with quirky characters like uncle Gil and snake charming pastor provided much humorous entertainment that thrilled me no end. In allowing his beard to grow from day one to the end of his project, his enormous beard aptly symbolised the gradual accumulation of his rich experience of bible living and meetings with a diverse number of religious people. It is heartwarming that when at the end of the project, shaving off his beard cleanly, there will still be an invisible 5 o clock shadow covering his clean shaven face. Jacobs cannot be the same agnostic secular man he was a year before the project started. The experience must have enriched him and the virtues and wisdom become apart of him. Jacobs still has a long way to go given his young age of 38 and still father to baby twins and a toddler. What began a good work in Jacobs by luring him into this Biblical project will continue on no doubt to mould him into a better man. I would love to hear from Jacobs again 20 years from the end of his project to find out more on this life changing year long experience has impacted his life. I am certain he would not consider himself agnostic anymore but a compassionate, charitable and humble man like Jesus, the servant king. ## Frequently Bought Together - The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible - The Year of Living Constitutionally: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Constitution's Original Meaning - The Know-It-All: One Man's Humble Quest to Become the Smartest Person in the World --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.hr/products/1394953-the-year-of-living-biblically-one-mans-humble-quest-to](https://www.desertcart.hr/products/1394953-the-year-of-living-biblically-one-mans-humble-quest-to) --- *Product available on Desertcart Croatia* *Store origin: HR* *Last updated: 2026-08-12*