In the opening pages readers will find a "Weekly Studies Index" that references the Old and New Testaments with metaphorical themes such as "Uncharted Waters," "Are You a Bush or a Tree?" and "Jars of Clay." It also offers almost 80 full-page "Character Sketches" that profile women from the Bible, such as "Eve, Mother of Discontent," "Jezebel--Bent on Evil," and "Noah's Wife: Along for the Ride or a Partner in Adventure?" (The latter sketch tries to imagine the thoughts and actions of this almost invisible wife: "Perhaps she resented all the extra work Noah's obsession caused.") Other features include a timeline of women in the Bible, a genealogy of Jesus, and a dictionary of biblical terms.
One disappointment is the thin paper stock, limiting its shelf life and making it fragile for a daily reader. Fortunately, the 13-page spread of full-color maps is printed on heavy stock paper. --Gail Hudson