Nelson Books

I loved this book, so much that I'm buying it for gifts! Written with the traditional family in mind, Robert Wolgumuth uses honest,personal examples & stories from his own life to illustrate much needed do's and don't's for successful family relationships. Along with the Biblical references and explanations, this book is a "must own" encouragement for every family. Reading it was like talking with a friend. I was deeply moved.

Raising our children in a Christian home is an important part of our responsibilities as parents. However, sometimes it is difficult to know where to begin, especially when you might not have been raised in a Christian home yourself. Robert Wolgemuth lays out simple definitions, principles and ideas to help you be intentional and successful in creating a healthy, God-centered environment for your family.

One thing I love about Robert's style is that he is not sharing the "10 Principles for creating a Christian Home" or "How to Create a Christian Home in 3 Easy Steps." He shares key values - like the power of words and the importance of laugher - and then he shares practical ideas that have worked for him. He gives you some vital components of a Christian home and a starting point for implementing ideas that work for your family.

As we build our Christian home, we develop not only a ministry to our children, but to everyone who visits our home. As Robert notes, "God is exactly what a Christian home should smell like. The moment folks walk through the front door, there should be something - although completely invisible - that reminds them of the God of the universe. And when your kids show up at work or school, there shodl be a trace of secondhand smell that others can quickly detect."

As parents, we cannot leave the responsibility of the spiritual development of our children to the children's or youth ministry at church. We must begin at home. The Most Important Place on Earth is a great resource in helping us to do just that.

This book is an absolute must for any Christian home. I love it!

An absolutely outstanding read - very uplifting, very challenging. Author of She Calls Me Daddy!, Wolgemuth explores the various unique elements that make a Christian home different than just any other home. While the book has many practical suggestions that Wolgemuth shares from his own experience (good and bad), the primary emphasis of this book is to get the reader to feel, not think, about the importance of the Christian home. Wolgemuth begins with the smell of a Christian home - the aroma that brings back memories of family, food and fellowship within the home. He talks about the words that are used in the home - how they need to be encouraging, loving and tender. And he talks about the home being a safe place, one where children feel like they can be themselves, even if that isn't always perfect.

Wolgemuth probably says in the book a dozen times that he's "old school," and he is. He believes that the family ought to sit down for dinner together, he believes that electronic devices (TV, video games, etc) disrupt family conversation time and result in disconnected children, and he believes that the parents should view themselves as the "priests" of their home. I guess I would have to say that I'm "old school" as well and wish that more people would be!

Wolgemuth is also very honest about his own learning curve as a parent and gives numerous examples of where he blew it as a dad and a husband. The book is an excellent read - slows down a little in the final couple of chapters, but still one of the best books I've read on the importance of the home and the family...especially in our culture today!

I am only halfway through this book, not because it is a tough read, but because everytime I pick it up, I read something that calls me to get up and go do something. This book is so rich (the best word I can use to describe it). The author, Robert Wolgemuth, uses a very casual tone and talks about what works to build a Christian home in everyway. It really is motivating and it gives good reminders and habits to practice everyday. I would recommend this to new parents, old parents, and basically anyone who comes in contact with children who want to be of Christian influence. Wonderful! I will try to read it every year.

This is just what we were looking for for a chile under 9 or 10

Excellent children's Bible. You read a page a night for 5 nights and in 1 year you have cover all the important Bible stories. Includes teaching aid for parents.

I was on a search for a bible that my boys could read. I looked for ones that I had when I was a child. The ones I had were very expensive and read more like a story. This one is so much better. Its so affordable and not indimitating by its size. It even has a glossary of all the names mentioned and who they are. Its beautiful to read and look at. I hope my boys hang on to these to pass down to thier children.

These Bibles were purchased by our Altar Society as a gift for the first and second graders receiving First Reconciliation and First Communion this year. As a Religious Education teacher, I wanted a Bible the children could easily turn to to find the day's Gospel message, so we could discuss it before Mass. I found the Bibles to be easy to read (but not simplistic) and phrased is a way the childred could understand. I have since purchased another for a parishoner who wanted one for her granddaughter.

This is very well done. The story selection is very good and there is a picture on every page. Most kids age 3 and up will remain engaged. The illustrations are very realistic, reverent and not "stylized" which is very important to me as a Catholic who is utterly sick of the cartoonish pictures of Our Lord, the Saints and other Biblical personages.

There's also a Bible-verse memorization program on the bottom of each page. A little bit of each verse is introduced at a time for easier memorization.

The only criticism I offer is for the binding. The book has basically fallen apart, and that's a shame. Of course, that could be due to my kids being extra rough on books, but I doubt it.

I was eight years old. I read the paperback edition of this book every night, cover to cover. The story of the effervescent Plop and the conquering of his fear of the dark is as enduring now as it was when it was first published over 30 years ago.

This version is abridged and illustrated from the one that saw me safely to dreamland as a child. No matter. The spirit is preserved and the illustrations are wonderful. Great for any kid with any phobia. A magical book.

The CD in English IS abridged. We first discovered Plop on cassette, and it ran 1 hour. This CD runs 20 minutes. It remains a delightful, short bedtime story for my 6 year old who has it memorized, but it IS abridged. I still would love to locate a truly unabridged CD that has the detail of the cassette.

I totally loved this book when i was little and still do now (I'm nearly 21!). I've lost the tape so I'm looking to get another one so I can show my boyfriend how good it is too. i would highly recommend that every child should have a copy of this book.

Originally published in 1968, "The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark" is considered a classic in England. Now reissued with a whole new illustrator, we members of the United States finally get a chance to read this rather adorable tale. Though not a cutesy story in and of itself, illustrator Paul Howard has drawn a book that has perhaps set the standard for adorable barn owl tales everywhere.

Plop (an unfortuanate name, but whatcha gonna do?) is a small barn owl. Plop is also afraid of the dark. Though his parents attempt to inform him that there is nothing to be afraid of, he remains unconvinced. Finally, they tell him to ask various people and animals for information about the dark. From a boy the owl learns that the dark is exciting, with fireworks and such. From an astrologer he learns that the dark is wondrous, allowing us to see the many constellations in the sky. And so forth. In the end, Plop is convinced and is able to safely fly in the sky with his mother and father without fear.

If you'd like to read something to your little one that doesn't contain much in the way of tension or drama, this book's your ticket. Though Plop does partake in various escapades, none of these ever become dangerous. I was particularly interested in a section where he asks a black cat about the night. Considering that a cat would undoubtedly view a baby barn owl as a yummy snack, I was a bit amazed that nothing bad happened between the two. Nothing so much as the cat licking his chops or thinking to himself, "Boy could I go for a little fowl right now". Nuthin'. Which is fine. Illustrator Paul Howard has added pictures drawn with pastel pencils. The result is that Plop is the fuzziest, cutest, cuddliest little fluffball of an owl to ever flutter across the pages of a picture book. In addition to being a useful book for children that are afraid of the dark, it is also a good story for convincing children that owls are nothing, in and of themselves, to be afraid of. Just don't pair this story with Avi's "Poppy". All in all, this is a sweet little story with fuzzy-wuzzy pictures. Cuddly and adorable all at once, it is certain to be a child's favorite as the years go by.

I am now 13 years old, and I still listen to this classic tape when I have nightmares at night. When I was little I used to listen to it every single night. I listened to it so much that I almost broke it. If you are a parent looking for a good childhood book for your child I highly recommend it, from firsthand experience of being a child. Thanks

This is a great bible. Having the various translations side by side really helps. The message bible translation is numbered so it is easy to follow the verses with the other translations. The print is small for some but not for me.

I admit it - I'm a Bible Geek. Especially when preparing a lesson or sermon, I love to compare many different translations/paraphrases and different reference materisl and notes. This is a great addition to my collection - so easy to look at 3 different versions & some study notes all right next to each other!

I like the overall selection of versions, with the balance of the more accurate NKJV to balance the readability of the NCV and the "pop" of the Message. Also has good study notes, if not extensive. However, in a parallel I don't necessarily expect in depth study notes - that is what commentaries are for. The only draw back is the small type, but to fit all that into one book with larger type would mean the book would be even larger than it already is, so I can live with the type size.

I was a little nervous when I ordered this Bible, due to some of the reviews and their references to the small type. However, I am happy to report that I love using this Bible! Yes, the type is very small, but it has been worth it to me to purchase a page magnifyer. I am still learning to use it to its full potential, but I must say my favorite feature has been the NKJV study notes. They contain just the right amount of information, plus an offering of little mini-studies every now and then. This study Bible has truly enriched my ability to understand and love more deeply the Word of God.

I find this Study Bible to be very helpful to understanding the language and meaning of the Bible. I like being able to compare the three books simultaneously. Each book moves the reader closer to modern-day language, with The Message being the most relevent in meanng. My only problem is that the print is so small. I assume this is necessary because of the amount of material to be covered. I also appreciate the added commentary on each page. This book is an excellent study guide.

I read the book in an afternoon and enjoyed it. The movie came out the following day and I was very disappointed how much the directors left out of the movie.

This book is incredible. The inner world of this good kid who did a terrible thing is captured so well...I could only wonder how I would have dealt if I had been in that situation, how my friends would have dealt...and whether there is a "right" thing to do. It really makes you think about what secrets you could learn to live with--and what you could not handle. All teenagers (and their parents!) should pick this one up.
(I think it may be too intense for kids under 12 or 13.)
And by the way, I saw that Gus Van Sant is making this into a movie.
Coooool!

PARANOID PARK is a dark and intense psychological thriller of a novel that puts a normal teen in a very difficult situation.

Written as a confessional letter, it starts after a fateful night at a Portland, Oregon skatepark known as "Paranoid Park." Paranoid is "an underground 'street' park, which means there are no rules, nobody owns it, and you don't have to play to skate." But Paranoid is also "kind of a street-kid hangout. There's all these stories, like how a skinhead got stabbed there once. That's why it's called Paranoid Park. It has a dangerous, sketchy vibe to it."

After going to Paranoid Park with his older friend Jared, the narrator (who remains unnamed throughout the book) is enthralled by the experience. Skating at Paranoid meant you were in the "big leagues." The boys planned to return to the skatepark together that weekend, but plans changed when a college girl invited Jared to a party. Still lured by the thrillride of Paranoid, the narrator returns on his own.

At the park, the narrator finds himself hanging out with a "streeter" named Scratch and a bunch of other street-kid types. Scratch tells stories about how he lived up and down the West Coast, hopping trains and living in bus stations. Somehow, our "prep" narrator gets talked into hopping a local train with Scratch and the evening turns into even more of an adventure. The fun stops abruptly when a security guard gets thrown in the mix and a teenage adventure becomes the cause of a crime.

With a dead body and no witnesses, the narrator is paralyzed with fear. What should he do? Who will he tell? Will anyone believe him that this truly was an accident? Trapped by his own paranoia and the possible consequences of one night on the rest of his life, the narrator spends the remainder of the novel in a CRIME AND PUNISHMENT-like dilemma.

Author Blake Nelson, best known for his lighter works like ROCK STAR SUPERSTAR, THE NEW RULES OF HIGH SCHOOL and the seminal GIRL, does a phenomenal job portraying the raw and troubled emotions of a teen in turmoil without casting judgment. It's up to readers to decide how they feel about the character and the moral dilemma he faces. PARANOID PARK is in pre-production with director Gus Van Sant, known for films like Elephant and Good Will Hunting. It will be interesting to see how this haunting novel translates to the big screen.

--- Reviewed by Kristi Olson

I became interested in "Paranoid Park" because I found out that Gus Van Sant made a film version of a book by the same name. I am not a fan of Van Sant, but I love skateboarding and the plot intrigued me, so I decided to pick up the book.

The story revolves arounds a young skater prep who decides to visit an underground skatepark for street kids called "Paranoid Park". It is upon his visit alone that a horrifying accident occurs out of what was meant to be no more than a thrill ride on a freight train. The ride ends up in an accidental death of a security gaurd, and the rest of the book revolves around how he deals with the fact that it was partially his fault that a man was brutally killed. The images play over and over as he tries to cope with everyday life and figure out if he should call the cops or keep quiet. He soon realizes that life is more than sleeping with woman and just coasting through life, and he wants to figure out what that life can be if he isn't imprisoned for the rest of his life.

This book is short, and is a very quick read. What makes it so intriguing is that the main character feels like someone that you might know, and the other characters, even the stereotypical ones come off as real and people that might be in your school. Our lead character struggles with enjoying life and severe trauma. Can you enjoy life knowing that tomorrow you might be senetenced to life in prison? These are questions that kids shouldn't have to deal with, but there are so many children who struggle everyday to live and just enjoy life. This book is not for young children or for squeamish people, it does not spare the gorey details at all.

God Bless ~Amy

If you dare visit Paranoid Park in Portland, Oregon, you will find the Streeters and the Preps. In Blake Nelson's new novel, PARANOID PARK, the reader enters the dark side of the skate park world along with the main character, who happens to be one of the Preps.

Paranoid Park is the nickname for an old skate park being used by the less desirable Streeters. While visiting the park, the main character is dared to jump a train car with one of the Streeters. When they are discovered by a security guard, an unfortunate "accident" causes the horrific death of the guard. The Streeter takes off, leaving the Prep with the guard's remains and the decision of what to do next.

What should he do? Tell the police, tell his parents, tell a friend? He decides to keep the truth to himself, but mixed in with his parents' impending divorce, his girlfriend issues, plus school and grades, he may have more than he can deal with.

Nelson's PARANOID PARK is described as a psychological thriller, and I couldn't agree more. If you are a fan of getting into the mind of the characters, this is just the book for you. With its attention-grabbing title and its cool skateboard cover, it will be flying off young adult shelves.

Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"

I must say I was looking forward to the final book in the series. I didn't feel the same strong attachment with these characters that I felt with the first and second books. Nice ending, but just missed the mark for me.

A refreshing treatise on letting God orchestrate circumstances affecting us. Although a senior who has read Christian books for decades, I found author Whitson in Red Bird uniqueing offering her readers valid outlooks on dealing with the unexpected, especially those things that we would not choose, but that refine our relationship with our Lord, if we choose to let them. My faith has actually increased through access to this book, among the best I've ever read...a book that I stumbled across in our local library. Now Mrs. Whitson ranks among my favorite authors. Her books will be added to my personal home library.

Every book in this series is a must have and a keeper. You will
be moved to your very soul. I love the fact that a white women
and an Indian man with their love brought together such a
wonderful legacy. Don't miss a one.

If it were possible to give this one more than 5 stars, I would. This author actually gets BETTER with each sequel! Carrie Brown, affectionately called "Red Bird" by her old friend Soaring Eagle (that was the second book in the series -- read that one first, or "Red Bird" will lose you), has dreamed for years of marrying Soaring Eagle when she grows up. But is that GOD'S plan for her life? The reader asks that question over and over, as Carrie tries desperately to "maneuver herself" in a position to marry Soaring Eagle, all the while praying that he remains single until she's old enough. But what should she REALLY be praying for?

This one is truly the best in the series.

Number 3 in this series is the best yet... and I thought the other 2 were great! Don't read the end first, but it touches the soul. I have read it over and over. Godlyness (if there is such a word?) makes the romance even better than expected. Must Read!

John Broger's "Self-Confrontation" manual is probably the most exhaustive work available today to help the Christian conform their lives to be more like Christ. Even though the book is titled "Self-Confrontation," Broger accurately refers to the book as one of "self-condemnation." He systematically dissects the worldly philosophy of self-esteem by introducing believers to areas of their lives that may not have yet been exposed to the illuminating and cleansing power of the Word. This manual is not intended to be read simply as you would a typical book, but used instead as a roadmap to completely inventory and restructure a person's life.
Broger's book is broke into three main sections. First, he establishes the biblical foundation for change. The second is an application to specific problem areas that need addressing. The final section is a conclusion consisting of three chapters. He structures each of the twenty-two lessons (chapters) into a minimum of five basic segments. He closes with an open book examination in chapter twenty-three and a lesson on biblical counseling training in chapter twenty-four.
He starts each chapter with a purpose and outline of the lesson. It is followed by a series of biblical principles. This lays out in clear detail with supporting scriptures the background and justification for the topic studied. Third, he gives an in-depth bible study on the topic. In some chapters, he expands the bible study into several sub-sections to further advance his point. Forth, he provides homework which at times will refer the reader to accomplish charts or worksheets located in the appendix. Finally, he provides a study guide for daily devotions which include memory verses.
Broger leads off the book by offering an exhortation on the necessity and the believer's ability to change biblically. He introduces the reader to the first of his 105 principles: "God's plan for you to change in a biblical way centers on His Son, Jesus Christ." This in essence lays the basis for the remainder of the manual.
The second main section examines the nature and solutions to eight specific problem areas that affect and can afflict many Christians. He uses thirteen chapters to address the subjects of dealing with self, anger and bitterness, interpersonal problems, the marriage relationship, parent-child relationships, depression, fear and worry, and life-dominating sins.
The book's conclusion contains three chapters. The first is God standards for life which is designed to re-motivate the reader. This chapter charges the Christian with the importance and necessity of adhering to God's word and plan. The next chapter is the course exam. The exam is intended to be open book and the answers are taken from the material aforementioned studied. The final chapter gives an explanation of biblical counseling training. It briefly teaches the student about the nature of biblical counseling, why we should train believers to counsel biblically, and how to prepare oneself for training in biblical counseling.
Broger's Self-Confrontation Manual can be an extremely effective resource in counseling. It would not be very realistic however, to offer this as a homework assignment to a counselee. Its depth, detail, and amount of work required to complete the assignments would overwhelmed most, if not all counselees. Instead, I found it most useful as a reference manual in correlating topics to key areas of scripture, and as a resource to create homework assignments. In addition to being a helpful reference tool, it confronts the counselor with areas in his or her life that need to be brought under the dominion of Jesus Christ. This will improve the counseling process as counselors are required to remove a plank from their own eye before trying to "remove the speck out" of someone else's eye.

This is what being a Christian is all about. Every single psychoogical and emotional problem relates to many scriptures. This book has pages and pages of them. When you study this book the scriptures become alive in your life.

His delight is in the law of the Lord and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Everything he does prospers. Psalm 1:2,3

God's Word, being our only truth and the only way to grow in spiritual relation, has been captured in this study in more ways than I have seen in other Bible studies or books. I have been through this complete book and will soon be diving into it again. It grabs God's will for our lives and shows how to apply His ways in our earthly selves. This is more than a mere translation and use of the Bible for our growth, it is lessons in changing our human ways to glorify God in everything we do while not mixing up God's words. I recommend this for everyone!

This is a terrific book -- not just for the pastors or counselors who may use it with people seeking advice. It is, as the title suggests, a resource with which to confront *yourself.* Included in the lessons are plans for daily devotions. By using those plans, or perhaps expanding them over a longer period of time than just the week per lesson the book suggests, you could be prepared for devotions for months. It would probably be wise to go through it again and again.

I'm not a counselor, but I've been greatly blessed as a recipient of truly Biblical counsel, the type endorsed by this book. When I look through this book, I realize that the valuable lessons I gained there are all right here (in this book, and, more importantly, in the Bible).

Just like every other member of the human race, I am a sinner. Years ago I used this book for devotional purposes. I'm back, delving into it again, with the desire to grow and to change, to purge my life of some of its shortcomings and failures. The solutions, the keys to change are all found right here. This book simply points you to the Scriptures where the answers are found.

This book shouldn't be hidden in the dark corners of Amazon.com. It should be a top seller. Every Christian should have it and engage in some self confrontation. Perhaps then we would be a better reflection of Christ to the world around us.

This excellent book was the manual for a nine-month discipleship class we had at our church. I have to admit I had some trepidation about using this book; I didn't know if I really wanted to know myself that well- Ignorance can be bliss. Think about it, if I were confronted with sin then I would have to repent of it. Come on now, I am just be honest.

My fears were put to rest as soon as I got into the book. Yes, you will be confronted with God's Word. Yes, you will have to repent. But the growth you experience in your Christian walk will be phenomenal. What makes this book so effective is that it is so repetitive. It takes you back again and again to God's word. When we used this book, we looked up every Scripture, highlighted them in our Bibles and then answered question and completed every exercise. The results were overwhelming. If you are stuck in your Christian walk, if you seen to be on a treadmill going nowhere in your walk with Christ, this book if for you. By the way, if you are a new Christian, don't waste years of your life trying to learn God's Word on your own. Buy this book, spend the next three to six months going through it, and not only will you master the English Bible, you will mature in a few months more than many Christians do in twenty years on their own.

This by far, was an amazing SIDS book. It's been almost a year since we lost Jacob to SIDS, and I still go back and re-read the book. It's so hard to find people that could relate to your SIDS loss, and this book is full of them. I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this book.

I've been through this loss. Chances are, if you're searching for this book, you have just experienced your own loss. READ this book.

If you have lost a child to sids then you must get this. It was recommended to me and it has been a valuable tool. It is fully of case studies, answers to questions you wont have thought of and usefull information on how to try and get through this.

Horchler and Rice give comfort, encouragement, and insight to the issues that surround Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Infant Death. Families who have suffered the devastating loss of a baby will find many questions they may have answered among the pages. The topics covered bring a sense of normalcy and healing to the bereaved as the authors guide the reader down the path of surviving their loss and again finding joy in living.

The SIDS Survival Guide was my beacon of light during the darkest part of my life. My son, Dominic, passed away from SIDS on April 10, 2001, at only 4 1/2 months young. I began to reach out and search for all the information I could find on SIDS, drinking it all in by the bucket. A few months after he died, I found "The SIDS Survival Guide", and am so incredibly thankful. There was so much information, so many stories so like my own. I shed many tears while reading it for the first time, and even now, when I go back to read sections, I still cry. I am now expecting our second child in June 2002, and am scared to death. But knowing that I am informed about SIDS is somewhat of a comfort to me; in a way, I am as prepared as I can ever be. I would recommend this book to anyone expecting a child, who has a young baby, or knows someone who is or does.

My husband and I lost our son to SIDS in September of 2000. Our souls have been torn. The grieving process over his death has been draining. I recall little over the past 4+ months since his death. The one thing I do recall is thinking I was going crazy. I had wished their was another SIDS survivor I could speak with. Someone who could possibly relate to what my husband and I were going through. Someone who could understand our emotions. I searched under the keyword SIDS and found this book. I have not read the book in its entirety. I have read the sections I have needed at the particular times in my grieving. This book has helped me confirm that I am not going crazy. What I am feeling, though very personal, is normal. I feel this book is a neccesity for any parent who has to suffer this terrible tragedy. I have placed an order of these books in my babies memory to send to my state SIDS Coordinator in hopes that other parents may find comfort in its contents. Thank you Joani and Robin.

I thought the book was really good. At the beginning I didn't really understand where I was, but as it went on I caught up. It was really exciting and suspenseful. When I finished I was amazed the author didnt' go on with it because I wanted more!

I thought this book was amazing! You never know what will happen next. You just keep reading and reading! I am reading this book in school, and when I am supposed to be reading two chapter I end up reading 3 or 4. The begining goes a little slow with some old english. In The middle you just can't put the book down. Fourth Grade and older would be the only ones to aprrechiate the book. I am in 4th grade and love to read but I can only read great books. I am very picky. "Spies On The Devil's Belt" was great!

I remember getting this book thru a classroom book order, and now am reading it to my own son. A story about a 14 year old orphan who enlist in the Continental army, only to find out that he is a spy rather than just a minuteman.

This is a story about a boy who longs to be "free and independent...", and finds out what that truly means in the Continental Artillery. I've read it several times over the last 15 years. Contrary to some of the posted reviews, Jonathan is fourteen in the novel, not thirteen.

In the 1700's Jonathon Barlowe is a thirteen-year-old boy with no family. He decides to join the Continental Army. At first, Jonathon thinks the captain is treating him as a baby, but when he finds out he is actually a spy, he runs into dangerous situations along the way. It is a really interesting and exciting, half of the time I was holding my breath!

I have given this to three of my favorite teenagers who were looking for a study bible that was packed full of good, easy-to-find study information, but didn't make them look like they were geeks while carrying it.All three report taking it out in class and using it for free reading time and it slips under the radar. Their youth pastors like it because of the terrific word knowledge and historical information right on the pages with the bible text. I own the adult version, and will continue to give the student version as I see the need.

bigger print would have made it a 5 star, but it is a great study book.

This is a great youth study bible. I brought it for my teenagers and they love it! My son is excited about reading his bible because this bible helps you understand the scriptures more easily. I purchased three bibles in total. The print is a little too small for me but the teenagers don't have a problem with it. You won't regret getting this bible.

My wife loved this bible so much she had me buy four more

I am 31 years old and have been walking with God for 9 years now. I try to read thru the bible 1 time per year. I have the privilege of having 5-10 different tranlations and different study bible's including the grown up version of this one. Not telling you this to brag as you dont know who I am, I am building up to the point that this is my favorite one. The study notes dont get in the way with too much "interpretation". It just states the facts in very simple terms. And will encourage you in your walk with God wether you are a new believer or have been walking with God for many years. Everyone that has had any exposure to this Bible will tell you that it is GREAT!