Curiosities and (Un)common Sense from the Bible: 60 Devotions

by Anthony Russo

The Bible. You've heard of it, yes? Maybe something about David and Goliath or Noah’s ark, or a baby in a manger? What if I told you there was tons of stuff in the Bible that you’ve never heard about? Things like talking donkeys, self-conscious magicians, and kings who think they’re cows. The Bible is a curious book full of deeply flawed people and a God who refuses to give up on them. Don’t believe me? Look for yourself. In these 60 devotions, we examine these unique stories, the circumstances and biblical truth around them, and what they reveal about the heart of God.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Religion

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 9, 2021

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a nutshell, this read is a true delight.

***

I have to admit that unfortunately... I did choose this book by its cover. I know it is a terrible thing to do, BUT I am overjoyed that I did. Russo's writing style is the epitome of a "Dad Joke". I chuckled my way right into my Bible to fact check and yes, the accuracy took a deep-dive on me. I love the take this read presents on long-known facts. It's somehow universal in that its a simple read but there is also an element of interesting vocabulary. I found myself reading aloud more and getting really in-tune with the book as a whole.

If I had to choose a "favorite" part, I would have to say the Get Curious portion of the read had me. The interactivity of the prompts gets your gears going. I can imagine one being stuck onto a prompt for days at a time, full of perspective. Although, each devotion technically can be a full day course. Meaning that this book is perfect for a daily task/activity or a weekly or straight through. The possibilities are endless.

Lastly, the quality of the book itself is note worthy. I love the sturdiness of the cover. One thing about me, I am super clumsy. So the fact that I dropped this book numerous times, in the strangest of places and it has simply a minimal corner scratch - Just wow. Also, did I mention, it has a BOOKMARK!

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full disclosure, I am not the target audience for this book because I am not Christian and not religious (but for context went to religious schools so I'm quite familiar with Christianity and the Bible). I picked up this audiobook from the library because of the interesting title - I'm all for uncommon readings of the Bible! I didn't really expect this to veer in the self-help direction but I think for the intended audience of religious readers this could be pretty helpful. I did feel like Anthony Russo does have to stretch to find 60 devotions (don't know why he picked this number) and some of the self-help questions at the end of each section felt a bit surface level and didn't lend themselves to deeper introspection. I did enjoy the tidbits Russo selects for examination and his dad-joke humor. Not a book targeted at me, but I got some enjoyment nonetheless. Seems like this might be a good book for youth groups to use.

[Timothy Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for family devotions with three middle schoolers!

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from a giveaway. I always enjoy reading other people’s interpretation of Bible verses. I enjoyed the humor of this and the real life comparisons.