What do you think?
Rate this book
CSB Notetaking Bible, Floral Cloth Over Board, Black Letter, Wide Margins, Journaling Space, Single-Column, Reading Plan, Easy-to-Read Bible Serif Type
The CSB Notetaking Bible is designed to enhance personal Bible study as well as preparation for teaching and preaching. This Bible contains a single-column setting, and abundant space is provided with 1.75-inch notetaking space on each page to record personalized notes, prayers, observations, insights, questions, and other reflections about God's Word.
Features include: Single-column text, 1.75-inch margins for notetaking, 8-point type, black-letter text, smyth-sewn binding, presentation page, one-year Bible reading plan, concordance, full-color maps, and more.
The CSB Notetaking Bible features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible (CSB). The CSB stays as literal as possible to the Bible's original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture's life-transforming message and to share it with others.
Features include: Single-column text, 1.75-inch margins for notetaking, 8-point type, black-letter text, smyth-sewn binding, presentation page, one-year Bible reading plan, concordance, full-color maps, and more.
The CSB Notetaking Bible features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible (CSB). The CSB stays as literal as possible to the Bible's original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture's life-transforming message and to share it with others.
1376 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2019
201 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 25, 2024
Don’t normally mark Bible reading on my Goodreads, but marking this pregnancy read! Decided to start on the 1st of the year and complete before baby’s due date. A reader version (verses and chapters aren’t marked) makes ALL the difference on a quicker fly-through! Finished Revelation 22 today - Come, Lord Jesus. And come, lil baby.
September 8, 2023
First time reading cover to cover straight through, so I’m counting it on Goodreads ha! I have been reading the Bible in some capacity personally since college, and I can say that without a doubt I have only grown to love this book more and more. This biggest change for me has been transitioning from reading the Bible for knowledge or to “get” truth out of it, to reading it to hear the voice of God.
If you don’t believe the Bible is the Word of God, that’s fine. I don’t think it’s my job to convince you of that, but I can tell you that to be able to open a book and commune with the living God is the highest privilege and greatest comfort in my life. To be able to read these ancient words and listen to the voice of God through them is my greatest treasure. I will never grow tired of coming back to this book year after year. Because as Eugene Peterson says, “This text is not words to be studied in the quiet preserves of a library, but a voice to be believed and loved and adored in workplace and playground, on the streets and in the kitchen.”
If you don’t believe the Bible is the Word of God, that’s fine. I don’t think it’s my job to convince you of that, but I can tell you that to be able to open a book and commune with the living God is the highest privilege and greatest comfort in my life. To be able to read these ancient words and listen to the voice of God through them is my greatest treasure. I will never grow tired of coming back to this book year after year. Because as Eugene Peterson says, “This text is not words to be studied in the quiet preserves of a library, but a voice to be believed and loved and adored in workplace and playground, on the streets and in the kitchen.”
March 7, 2022
I read the Bible a few times a year (the last finish was in November). Below is my standard "review" that I always cut and past while changing the number. But first, I just want to make a note about the CSB Reader's Bible. The CSB is a decent translation, not my favorite. But one thing I absolutely love about the Reader's Bible is that it completely removes the verse numbers and puts the scripture in paragraph form. This makes for a much better reading experience and does wonders at helping keep scripture in its context. I would like to see a better job of visually denoting different literary forms (poetry, chiasms, etc) but perhaps that is too much to ask from an ebook. If you have the luxury of reading hardcopy books (which as a global nomad I don't), I would strongly recommend getting your hands on Bibliotheca
Now for my real review...
I have now read the Bible, cover to cover, 74 times. That is just one way I hope the value I put on this book can be told. I desperately hope that another, far more important way, is the impact that this book has on my life.
This is supposed to be a "review" of the book, but what right do I or any of us have to do so. What we should instead do is let the Bible "review" us. Is it changing us? Are we living up to the commands and dictates found in these pages? I know that I have a long, long way to go. But hopefully, with each time through, and with each daily reading, I become just a little bit more like him. Day by day, glory to glory, I pray that I am reflecting Him just a little bit better.
Now for my real review...
I have now read the Bible, cover to cover, 74 times. That is just one way I hope the value I put on this book can be told. I desperately hope that another, far more important way, is the impact that this book has on my life.
This is supposed to be a "review" of the book, but what right do I or any of us have to do so. What we should instead do is let the Bible "review" us. Is it changing us? Are we living up to the commands and dictates found in these pages? I know that I have a long, long way to go. But hopefully, with each time through, and with each daily reading, I become just a little bit more like him. Day by day, glory to glory, I pray that I am reflecting Him just a little bit better.
July 25, 2024
Just finished reading through the Bible chronologically and absolutely loved studying parts I’ve never studied before, seeing the full picture of the Bible come together, and learn the beauty of God’s character even deeper ♥️
November 16, 2019
First sentence: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
I began reading the CSB Reader's Bible in October. Despite finding a 2019 publication date for this one on GoodReads, I *know* that I bought it for myself as a birthday present in November 2018. But who am I to argue with GoodReads? Does it matter? Not really. (On a complete side note, why do they have to MERGE all editions of a Bible based on translation. It makes it super tricky to find the RIGHT one to review...if you're the kind of person who keeps up with page numbers. As a book reviewer, I'm not just "reviewing" a translation, but a specific bible with specific features and specific layout.)
The Reader's Bible does NOT feature chapters or verses--just text. The chapter numbers can be found on the bottom of each page. It's relatively easy to find out which chapter(s) you've just read.
I love the format of this bible and other reader's Bibles. I do. I like approaching the book as a whole instead of broken up into chapters and verses. When possible, I did try to read whole books within a day or two or three. (For example, books like Genesis were read over two or three days. Mark was read in one day.)
Was there bleed-through? Were the pages too thin? While I would LOVE to see an edition with even thicker pages published, I didn't have a huge issue with this one. What I did have a little issue with is the SHININESS of the paper. I would love to not have GLARE while I read the bible. A cream colored paper would be perfectly ideal and lovely. Or a white without SHINY, SHIMMERY glare. I don't want glow-in-the-dark paper. (I'm reminded of the Friends' episode where Ross whitens his teeth. There is such a thing as TOO white.)
The size of the font was solidly good. I believe if GoodReads is trustworthy that it is 10 point font. That is definitely better than average these days. (A little on the small size if you remember the GOOD OLD DAYS). Ideally, my perfect size font would be around ten to twelve.
As for the CSB translation, I like it. I definitely like it. This was my second time reading the CSB. I first read it in the CSB Spurgeon Study Bible.
I began reading the CSB Reader's Bible in October. Despite finding a 2019 publication date for this one on GoodReads, I *know* that I bought it for myself as a birthday present in November 2018. But who am I to argue with GoodReads? Does it matter? Not really. (On a complete side note, why do they have to MERGE all editions of a Bible based on translation. It makes it super tricky to find the RIGHT one to review...if you're the kind of person who keeps up with page numbers. As a book reviewer, I'm not just "reviewing" a translation, but a specific bible with specific features and specific layout.)
The Reader's Bible does NOT feature chapters or verses--just text. The chapter numbers can be found on the bottom of each page. It's relatively easy to find out which chapter(s) you've just read.
I love the format of this bible and other reader's Bibles. I do. I like approaching the book as a whole instead of broken up into chapters and verses. When possible, I did try to read whole books within a day or two or three. (For example, books like Genesis were read over two or three days. Mark was read in one day.)
Was there bleed-through? Were the pages too thin? While I would LOVE to see an edition with even thicker pages published, I didn't have a huge issue with this one. What I did have a little issue with is the SHININESS of the paper. I would love to not have GLARE while I read the bible. A cream colored paper would be perfectly ideal and lovely. Or a white without SHINY, SHIMMERY glare. I don't want glow-in-the-dark paper. (I'm reminded of the Friends' episode where Ross whitens his teeth. There is such a thing as TOO white.)
The size of the font was solidly good. I believe if GoodReads is trustworthy that it is 10 point font. That is definitely better than average these days. (A little on the small size if you remember the GOOD OLD DAYS). Ideally, my perfect size font would be around ten to twelve.
As for the CSB translation, I like it. I definitely like it. This was my second time reading the CSB. I first read it in the CSB Spurgeon Study Bible.
December 26, 2022
I’ve spent most of my life reading the Bible regularly, but now after this year I can say that I’ve read every word.
5 stars, would recommend to every single person in the whole world.
5 stars, would recommend to every single person in the whole world.
November 13, 2023
Thank you, Jesus
November 19, 2025
Best book ever.
May 14, 2024
I love the CSB and this particular copy is single column with wide margins with lines to write in. It is a great Bible to use for personal study and I am a huge fan of this purple cover with flowers. It is a large heavy Bible with larger print so I don't recommend hauling it to church on a regular basis. I am using it for personal study each morning and keeping it next to my quiet time space for easy access. If you are looking for a great reading and note taking Bible this is an excellent choice.
November 30, 2020
There are moments in life where we just want to start fresh. I have found myself feeling this way, and I have wanted a new beginning. The CSB Reader’s Bible, Cloth-Over-Board, Five-Volume Collection was a breath of fresh air in my busy life, and it proved to be an excellent way to engage with God’s Word.
Readable and Reliable
The Christian Standard Bible translation is highly readable and highly reliable. It presents the text at a literal level while keeping it clear. This makes it extremely engaging to read. The CSB is the perfect translation to have in a Reader’s Bible.
Beautiful Books
This Reader’s Edition divides the Bible in five sections: The Pentateuch, (Genesis -Deuteronomy), The Historical Books (Joshua - Esther), The Writings/Poetry (Job - Song of Songs, The Prophets (Isaiah - Malachi), and The New Testament (Matthew - Revelation). Being able to keep the entire New Testament in a single beautiful book makes me want to read it more.
Minimal and Clean
From an aesthetic standpoint, these are minimal and clean books. The gray cloth-over-board is attractive and draws your attention. The single-column reader’s text, simplified page design, and 12-point type are easy on the eyes. The paper is thick and opaque, and blue highlights add a sense of boldness and beauty. The gold square designs on the spines and bottom right front covers are a wonderful work of minimal art.
Engage with God’s Word
Beautiful, minimal, and clean – the CSB Reader’s Bible, Cloth-Over-Board, Five-Volume Collection is an excellent way to engage with God’s Word.
I received a media copy of the CSB Reader’s Bible, Cloth-Over-Board, Five-Volume Collection and this is my honest review.
Readable and Reliable
The Christian Standard Bible translation is highly readable and highly reliable. It presents the text at a literal level while keeping it clear. This makes it extremely engaging to read. The CSB is the perfect translation to have in a Reader’s Bible.
Beautiful Books
This Reader’s Edition divides the Bible in five sections: The Pentateuch, (Genesis -Deuteronomy), The Historical Books (Joshua - Esther), The Writings/Poetry (Job - Song of Songs, The Prophets (Isaiah - Malachi), and The New Testament (Matthew - Revelation). Being able to keep the entire New Testament in a single beautiful book makes me want to read it more.
Minimal and Clean
From an aesthetic standpoint, these are minimal and clean books. The gray cloth-over-board is attractive and draws your attention. The single-column reader’s text, simplified page design, and 12-point type are easy on the eyes. The paper is thick and opaque, and blue highlights add a sense of boldness and beauty. The gold square designs on the spines and bottom right front covers are a wonderful work of minimal art.
Engage with God’s Word
Beautiful, minimal, and clean – the CSB Reader’s Bible, Cloth-Over-Board, Five-Volume Collection is an excellent way to engage with God’s Word.
I received a media copy of the CSB Reader’s Bible, Cloth-Over-Board, Five-Volume Collection and this is my honest review.
June 19, 2024
It's been called "the world's most okay Bible." It is okay. It reads very much like the Lexham English Bible or English Standard Version, but in a more simple, direct language. It is claimed to be pretty much in the center between literal and paraphrase translation, and it does seem to be a very good "reader's Bible." I know the main translator is a Calvinist, so if you're a Catholic, Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, Nazarene, or other Wesleyan-Arminian faithful, beware of that. This Bible is condoned by the Southern Baptist Convention, which is generally opposed to Calvinism, so make of that what you will.
July 19, 2025
The Christian Standard Bible translation uses an eclectic translation style. The translators strive for a formal equivalence translation (word-for-word) but when that philosophy yields awkward or wooden results, they change a dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought) translation philosophy. Even with different translation styles, the CSB reads very well. I might quibble with some of their decisions - there are plenty of dynamic equivalence passages where I think a formal equivalence translation would have been perfectly understandable - but this doesn't change the fact that the CSB is a very well done translation of Holy Scripture.
November 28, 2023
Synopsis: Jesus is King!
Translation: The CSB is an update of the HCS. It is a good and faithful translation that is a little more functional than the ESV. Though not my translation of choice, it would be great to hand to someone new to Scripture.
Features: The Reader's edition removes the verse numbers and formats the text more like a novel would. I believe I've found that this makes it easier to read larger chunks at a time. Though not a take-to-church edition, it is great for reading the Bible through.
Translation: The CSB is an update of the HCS. It is a good and faithful translation that is a little more functional than the ESV. Though not my translation of choice, it would be great to hand to someone new to Scripture.
Features: The Reader's edition removes the verse numbers and formats the text more like a novel would. I believe I've found that this makes it easier to read larger chunks at a time. Though not a take-to-church edition, it is great for reading the Bible through.
December 28, 2022
I finally finished the Bible on my Kindle! It took me several years as I was also reading my physical copy and doing various studies during that time. I chose the CSB Reader’s Bible, which was a great experience on Kindle. To make reading easier, this Bible omits the verse markers. I really did enjoy reading it this way and reading in the CSB for the first time was also great. Infinite stars for the Word of God! ❤️
December 4, 2020
I think every believer ought to read the whole Bible regularly. How can we claim to believe it if we’ve never read the whole thing? And how much can we love God if we don’t care enough to read everything he’s written to us?
Doesn’t matter if it takes a year or ten years to read it—just read, read, and never give up. There’s no better way to fellowship with God.
Doesn’t matter if it takes a year or ten years to read it—just read, read, and never give up. There’s no better way to fellowship with God.
November 6, 2023
Probably my 12th or 13th time reading through the Bible in a year. It’s always a helpful exercise to steep myself in God’s word and remind myself of the big story. This year was my first time reading the CSB and it was delightful! Some translation choices stopped me in my tracks in a helpful way, helping me to slow down and consider each phrase afresh.
December 29, 2023
This is my second time in my life to read through the entire Bible but the first time with a reader's edition. I really enjoyed this one. I loved the fact that there were no chapter or verse headings and I could just read it like a narrative. This is how the Bible has been for most of history. It made my reading more focused and less distracting.
December 30, 2024
The Word of God
First of all, this is the word of God. He reveals himself through it and tells the story of the most important person to ever live: Jesus. May we all read, believe, and be saved.
This version, free of verse numbers and headings, offers a readable, clutter-free experience. Read it, ponder it, and meditate on it. It will change your life.
First of all, this is the word of God. He reveals himself through it and tells the story of the most important person to ever live: Jesus. May we all read, believe, and be saved.
This version, free of verse numbers and headings, offers a readable, clutter-free experience. Read it, ponder it, and meditate on it. It will change your life.
May 1, 2025
I used this Bible as I read through the Bible in a month. I loved the reading experience with no headings, no verses, and subtle chapter breaks. It really helped me read the Bible as one cohesive Book, which it is!
October 13, 2020
This is my favorite translation, and format, of the Bible.
The CSB is excellent, and accurate. If I only had one book, I would choose this exact one.
The CSB is excellent, and accurate. If I only had one book, I would choose this exact one.
February 9, 2021
Really enjoyed it
December 16, 2022
First time reading through the CSB. Loved it!
August 31, 2023
I can’t believe I finally read the whole Bible! Been a Christian my whole life and only ever read bits here and there. I feel so refreshed and renewed and happy.
December 1, 2023
Praise God! 🙌🏽 This was the first time I have ever read the Bible from beginning to end. God is so good.
December 16, 2023
Reading through this Bible convinced me to switch to the CSB as my main Bible translation for Bible study and memorization.
December 27, 2023
I actually read the entire book this year!!
December 31, 2023
Still my favorite Bible translation in English!
January 14, 2024
I have read this bible many times through and am reading it again. I love the CSB format, and the layout of this Notetaking bible is perfect for writing thoughts and keeping notes along the side.
December 31, 2024
Took me two years, but I have read through another Bible & learned even more than I could imagine 🤎 I love His Word! Thankful to be in a time & place where I can freely read it in my own language
March 29, 2025
This is the first time reading out of the Christian Standard Bible version, not my favorite but a good version. NLT is my new favorite. I did/am enjoying the notetaking aspect of the bible.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews