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The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible
Have you ever closed your Bible and thought, What did I just read? Or maybe you have tried to read through the Bible in a year, but quit when it felt confusing or impersonal. The Bible Recap is here to help. Tara-Leigh Cobble, host of the popular podcast The Bible Recap, walks readers through a one-year chronological Bible reading plan and explains each day's passage in an easy-to-understand way.
Emphasizing how God's character can be seen throughout Scripture, the recaps are simple and short yet deep enough to help you understand the hard parts and press into knowing God better. As Cobble says, The primary role of Scripture is to show me who God is, and if I behold God, my life will naturally conform around what I learn about him. The Bible Recap will not only help you grasp the entire narrative of the Bible, it will fortify your faith.
Emphasizing how God's character can be seen throughout Scripture, the recaps are simple and short yet deep enough to help you understand the hard parts and press into knowing God better. As Cobble says, The primary role of Scripture is to show me who God is, and if I behold God, my life will naturally conform around what I learn about him. The Bible Recap will not only help you grasp the entire narrative of the Bible, it will fortify your faith.
752 pages, Hardcover
Published November 3, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 348 reviews
September 25, 2020
The Bible Recap is a fantastic year=long reading plan with a unique twist. After you read the selected chapters in the Bible, the entire thing is recapped in easy to understand language. And it is done chronologically, which is a big help. This is the Bible communicated to you in today's language.
Of course, it is meant to be read after reading the actual scripture, which will enable you to decide whether or not you agree or disagree with the author's interpretation.
I highly recommend this to those of you, like myself, who sometimes get confused with some of the language, which can get quite complicated.
I recommend this to everyone who reads the Bible. I received a free digital copy of this book from Bethany House via Netgalley. However, I will be purchasing a hard copy after it is released to add to my personal library.
Of course, it is meant to be read after reading the actual scripture, which will enable you to decide whether or not you agree or disagree with the author's interpretation.
I highly recommend this to those of you, like myself, who sometimes get confused with some of the language, which can get quite complicated.
I recommend this to everyone who reads the Bible. I received a free digital copy of this book from Bethany House via Netgalley. However, I will be purchasing a hard copy after it is released to add to my personal library.
October 12, 2020
I was on the lookout for a devotional that focuses on God and not on life application. So glad I found this one!
I like so many things about The Bible Recap:
1. The fact that it focuses on telling us what we can learn about God from the daily Bible readings so that we can know Him better and love Him more!
2. The Bible readings go chronologically.
3. Tara-Leigh is an excellent writer. Very clear and sometimes even humorous
4. She recaps the day's readings so well..we understand and remember what we just read
5. She explains some of the issues and problems that people commonly find in the day's readings. She has obviously done a lot of research on that! Sometimes being stumped by certain things discourages me from reading the Bible so this is really helpful
6. The God-Shot passages tell us what we can know about God from the day's passages. Love how she always tie things up by saying that God is where the joy is
7. She has a podcast that presents much of what is written in the book – the 365 daily readings and more! But if you are a visual person or like to make notes or other marks, a physical book is better! Plus, having a hardcopy that you can see on your table makes it harder to forget about it. I hope to get it for my collection.
8. The Bible Recap can be found in the popular Bible App that every Christian seems to be using. There, you can tick off each day's Bible readings and think about the questions asked in there (the devotional part is not included.)
9. She has various other programs that you can subscribe to in order to ask questions and discuss with other people as part of the devotional.
All in all, an excellent publication, with lots of useful resources!
This is my honest opinion based on the review copy I received from the publisher.
I like so many things about The Bible Recap:
1. The fact that it focuses on telling us what we can learn about God from the daily Bible readings so that we can know Him better and love Him more!
2. The Bible readings go chronologically.
3. Tara-Leigh is an excellent writer. Very clear and sometimes even humorous
4. She recaps the day's readings so well..we understand and remember what we just read
5. She explains some of the issues and problems that people commonly find in the day's readings. She has obviously done a lot of research on that! Sometimes being stumped by certain things discourages me from reading the Bible so this is really helpful
6. The God-Shot passages tell us what we can know about God from the day's passages. Love how she always tie things up by saying that God is where the joy is
7. She has a podcast that presents much of what is written in the book – the 365 daily readings and more! But if you are a visual person or like to make notes or other marks, a physical book is better! Plus, having a hardcopy that you can see on your table makes it harder to forget about it. I hope to get it for my collection.
8. The Bible Recap can be found in the popular Bible App that every Christian seems to be using. There, you can tick off each day's Bible readings and think about the questions asked in there (the devotional part is not included.)
9. She has various other programs that you can subscribe to in order to ask questions and discuss with other people as part of the devotional.
All in all, an excellent publication, with lots of useful resources!
This is my honest opinion based on the review copy I received from the publisher.
October 6, 2020
I've been listening to Tara-Leigh (TLC) and The Bible Recap daily podcast since it released in late 2018 (with prep episodes that lead to the launch of the bible in a year plan on January 1, 2019). Reading the entire bible (Genesis to Revelation) in chronological order in 2019 for the first time in my life (46 years old) impacted me greatly!
(Still amazed and so grateful that I had that entire year of daily bible reading under my belt with the WHOLE picture as we headed into 2020 - a year that could have shaken me to my core!)
TLC's commentary and daily breakdowns made the bible come alive! Thematic bible studies and in-depth studies of one book of the bible are incredible. But, to read the entire book Genesis-Revelation and get that big picture view of God's plan and His unchanging character is an absolute must!
This new book is so exciting! I'm almost through year 2 with The Bible Recap podcast and to have those episodes neatly stored in a bound book to reference is priceless! I know it will enhance my personal bible study!
God's Word will change your life with or without TLC's book. But, I appreciate the wisdom, context, scene setting and cultural background that she gives and how every single episode - even those from the book of Numbers, Lamentations, Joel ... point to the fact that HE'S WHERE THE JOY IS!
(Still amazed and so grateful that I had that entire year of daily bible reading under my belt with the WHOLE picture as we headed into 2020 - a year that could have shaken me to my core!)
TLC's commentary and daily breakdowns made the bible come alive! Thematic bible studies and in-depth studies of one book of the bible are incredible. But, to read the entire book Genesis-Revelation and get that big picture view of God's plan and His unchanging character is an absolute must!
This new book is so exciting! I'm almost through year 2 with The Bible Recap podcast and to have those episodes neatly stored in a bound book to reference is priceless! I know it will enhance my personal bible study!
God's Word will change your life with or without TLC's book. But, I appreciate the wisdom, context, scene setting and cultural background that she gives and how every single episode - even those from the book of Numbers, Lamentations, Joel ... point to the fact that HE'S WHERE THE JOY IS!
December 31, 2024
I didn’t track this on here throughout the year, but I started bible recap on january 2nd and I really think it changed my life
what is bible recap?
it’s a plan of the Bible that puts chapters in roughly chronological order, so you get to read some chapters of Genesis and then Job, you go back and forth between the gospels and other places where narrative and prophecy overlap, etc. and then there’s a podcast/book/youtube video series that unpacks the meaning of the scripture and points to Jesus constantly. this is the most wholistic and meaningful way I’ve ever read the Bible, and I just really saw God’s character on every page this time. how could I not love Him😭 the Bible is truly the best book ever written. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come. He’s where the joy is 💕🩷
what is bible recap?
it’s a plan of the Bible that puts chapters in roughly chronological order, so you get to read some chapters of Genesis and then Job, you go back and forth between the gospels and other places where narrative and prophecy overlap, etc. and then there’s a podcast/book/youtube video series that unpacks the meaning of the scripture and points to Jesus constantly. this is the most wholistic and meaningful way I’ve ever read the Bible, and I just really saw God’s character on every page this time. how could I not love Him😭 the Bible is truly the best book ever written. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come. He’s where the joy is 💕🩷
December 27, 2024
Loved this as a supplemental text to reading through the Bible in a year. Many times I’ve tried (without this book) and always ended up quitting my reading plan somewhere in Leviticus or Numbers because it made no sense to me. I loved that this book helped explained the text in its cultural context and the author points back to prophecy being fulfilled and reminds us of what we’ve read before. Additionally, her podcast (so I could listen to each day, if need be) and her links in the show notes were helpful. Highly, HIGHLY recommend to anyone who desires to read through the Bible in its entirety!
April 5, 2022
It was just ok. Nothing majorly wrong with it, but nothing outstanding either besides the patience it must have taken to write it.
If they ever publish another edition, I hope the author will consider removing all the annoying nicknames she gave people. It’s really unnecessary to call John the Baptist “JTB,” Jeroboam “Jerry,” the Philistines “Phillies,” or any of the other nicknames she thought would be helpful. Just call them what the Bible calls them!
If they ever publish another edition, I hope the author will consider removing all the annoying nicknames she gave people. It’s really unnecessary to call John the Baptist “JTB,” Jeroboam “Jerry,” the Philistines “Phillies,” or any of the other nicknames she thought would be helpful. Just call them what the Bible calls them!
July 11, 2021
The Bible Recap is a guide & podcast to go along with a 1 year chronological reading plan of the Bible. Wrapped up Day 365 today! WHOOP!
December 18, 2024
The best Bible reading plan I’ve done & first time I’ve read through the whole Bible! Gods character on display for us in every chapter. We can’t escape His love for us & I’m so thankful for His word, truths & promises.
August 30, 2023
I was concerned when I discovered that Tara-Leigh Cobble had no formal biblical training/education. Especially considering that her journey reading the Bible in its entirety after she had already been scheduling Christian speaking engagements and was told by a pastor that she should read the entire Bible before she continued. Those concerns did play out in the content of her pages. I made it exactly 14 days before I decided that it was more damaging than helpful to continue reading. Multiple times through her writings and the accompanying study guide, I felt that she misunderstood the passages or was taking them out of context. Most critical was when she referred to Job 39:9 as a potential prophecy of Jesus simply because it mentions a manger.
I can’t find a single solid piece of scholarly article that suggests that Job 39:9 is prophecy. With that in hand - I’ve determined that her book is not trustworthy and I am better off returning it than continuing to use it to help with my Bible study.
I can’t find a single solid piece of scholarly article that suggests that Job 39:9 is prophecy. With that in hand - I’ve determined that her book is not trustworthy and I am better off returning it than continuing to use it to help with my Bible study.
January 28, 2021
Do you have trouble keeping on track with your bible reading? This is a wonderful resource that you will use time and time again in your year long bible reading. This is a chronological One Year Guide that starts with the the bible reading for the day. It is important to read what is assigned before you read the commentary. The commentary is short but it is powerful. It gives context and is God focused. This is important as the bible is not a get rich, get better, or get powerful but it is to know God better, deeper and his redemptive plan. I am purchasing the book to go with my bible reading and I am actually excited to do this plan. To be transparent, I did read thru this book rather quickly without reading the assigned scripture. I was only given a short time to read as the book becomes unavailable to me after 50 days after download. With that being said, I can confidently say that there is value in this book that will last a life time.
A special thank you to Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
A special thank you to Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
July 20, 2023
Started out very solid, as I went along I was kinda disappointed. Felt like it became more of a summary of what I just read instead of adding any analysis that was prevalent at the beginning. I would probably still recommend this plan to a friend just because the chronological read was so helpful to me; however, I would understand if people solely read the Bible in the order the book recommends rather than the book itself.
December 31, 2023
Definitely recommend this guide to help understand and give encouragement to read the Bible in one year.
December 29, 2024
Reading the entire Bible always seemed overwhelming to me, so I never did. I read lots of sections, did lots of Bible studies, but never was able to convince myself that I could read it from the beginning to the end. This plan has been life changing. I looked forward to reading every day. It was laid out in a way that made sense to me and didn’t feel like too much. TLC’s recap answered any questions I had after my daily readings. She explained things in a way that made it all seem so simple. I love Jesus even more than ever and feel so much closer to Him. He IS where the joy is. ♥️
September 1, 2024
I couldn’t be more grateful for this book! I have always wanted to read through the Bible, and this book helped me do that while showing me how every part of the Bible is applicable to my daily life. I couldn’t recommend this book more if you need help understanding the Bible or help seeing the relevance of it in your life!
December 31, 2024
I’m not sure exactly how many times I’ve read through the Bible. But what I’m absolutely certain of is that this year’s Bible reading was the most impactful of my life. And that’s in large part due to the author of this book. Tara-Leigh Cobble takes her readers/viewers/listeners through the Bible chronologically over the course of a single calendar year. At the end of each day’s reading, she gives you a 7-10 minute recap of the chapters covered that day, including her “God Shot,” or where she saw God in that day’s Scripture. These recaps can be found in this book, as well as in video form on YouTube and the free YouVersion Bible app, or through her podcast of the same name.
I love how accessible The Bible Recap has made reading through the Bible in a year for so many people, as it’s a prospect that can seem daunting. I love the conversations that have been sparked in my own life with my mom, my husband, and my church, as we’re all reading the same Scripture each day. This is the most communal Bible reading has ever been in my own life, and it’s made a profound difference in my approach to it. Instead of being a checklist item, reading Scripture has become a source of joy, and a part of my day to which I truly look forward. I’ve also never read the Bible chronologically before instead of just in the order in which the books are laid out. That also made a marked difference in my understanding of and engagement in what I was reading.
I’ve been reading the Bible daily for decades, but The Bible Recap has forever changed the way I ingest and engage with Scripture. I just finished reading through this and my Bible yesterday, and I’ll be started both back at page one tomorrow. I’m so thankful to have found The Bible Recap, and I’ve loved seeing the impact reading through Scripture daily has had on so many people across the world this year. I pray that trend continues and expands in 2025!
I love how accessible The Bible Recap has made reading through the Bible in a year for so many people, as it’s a prospect that can seem daunting. I love the conversations that have been sparked in my own life with my mom, my husband, and my church, as we’re all reading the same Scripture each day. This is the most communal Bible reading has ever been in my own life, and it’s made a profound difference in my approach to it. Instead of being a checklist item, reading Scripture has become a source of joy, and a part of my day to which I truly look forward. I’ve also never read the Bible chronologically before instead of just in the order in which the books are laid out. That also made a marked difference in my understanding of and engagement in what I was reading.
I’ve been reading the Bible daily for decades, but The Bible Recap has forever changed the way I ingest and engage with Scripture. I just finished reading through this and my Bible yesterday, and I’ll be started both back at page one tomorrow. I’m so thankful to have found The Bible Recap, and I’ve loved seeing the impact reading through Scripture daily has had on so many people across the world this year. I pray that trend continues and expands in 2025!
December 31, 2024
2024: TBR has become such an important habit in my morning! I typically listen to the podcast, but I still follow along and reference the physical book. Love TBR!! Highly recommend.
2023: 2nd year through! Still loving this plan. I mainly listened to the recap podcast, but I enjoy having the book to follow along. If you haven’t read through the Bible in a year yet, I highly recommend TBR!
2022: An incredibly helpful companion to reading the Bible in a year! The Bible Recap takes you through a yearly chronological reading plan of the Bible and recaps the daily reading in 2 pages, or about 8 min on the podcast. I used the book interchangeably with the podcast — some days I just listened, some I followed along in the book. Tara-Leigh’s recap is very similar in both.
I recommend to anyone who desires to read through the Bible in a year. A very relatable, digestible approach! The recap isn’t super deep or overly theological, but a summary of key themes that points you to the greater redemptive metanarrative. Only a few times did I disagree with Tara-Leigh’s commentary, but she prefaces all applications with humility and an understanding that several different views exist. I plan to follow this same plan in 2023!
2023: 2nd year through! Still loving this plan. I mainly listened to the recap podcast, but I enjoy having the book to follow along. If you haven’t read through the Bible in a year yet, I highly recommend TBR!
2022: An incredibly helpful companion to reading the Bible in a year! The Bible Recap takes you through a yearly chronological reading plan of the Bible and recaps the daily reading in 2 pages, or about 8 min on the podcast. I used the book interchangeably with the podcast — some days I just listened, some I followed along in the book. Tara-Leigh’s recap is very similar in both.
I recommend to anyone who desires to read through the Bible in a year. A very relatable, digestible approach! The recap isn’t super deep or overly theological, but a summary of key themes that points you to the greater redemptive metanarrative. Only a few times did I disagree with Tara-Leigh’s commentary, but she prefaces all applications with humility and an understanding that several different views exist. I plan to follow this same plan in 2023!
October 27, 2020
I was expecting this book to be set up as a manual/textbook, but it was a welcomed treat sort of like a devotional.
The book is laid out as a daily plan, you get the reading for the day. Unlike a Genesis to Revelation reading this one is chronological. (as it happened in Scripture) I LOVED this.
Cobble suggest that you read Scripture from your Bible then return to this book to get a highlight or summary of what you read, to help with clarity.
Being able to return to this book was a blessing to me, a bonus for me was "Today's God Shot" this is where you will have the opportunity to SEE God's character in that Scripture you read for the day.
Every Bible student or Bible reader should have a copy of this book on hand when reading and studying.
A copy of this book was provider by Netgalley in exchange for my honest review
@TheBibleRecap
The book is laid out as a daily plan, you get the reading for the day. Unlike a Genesis to Revelation reading this one is chronological. (as it happened in Scripture) I LOVED this.
Cobble suggest that you read Scripture from your Bible then return to this book to get a highlight or summary of what you read, to help with clarity.
Being able to return to this book was a blessing to me, a bonus for me was "Today's God Shot" this is where you will have the opportunity to SEE God's character in that Scripture you read for the day.
Every Bible student or Bible reader should have a copy of this book on hand when reading and studying.
A copy of this book was provider by Netgalley in exchange for my honest review
@TheBibleRecap
June 9, 2024
DNF. I'm finally putting this down. I wanted to like it, and some of the summaries and context provided are helpful. But the tone feels infantilizing. Abraham is Abe and we are all "God's kids!" and ugh. I finally put it down after it summarized one of the Psalms as: the psalmist is in agony and we don't know why. But if we assume this, then we can assume this, which means we can assume this. Therefore [this logical leap] is what's going on here. Ugh! Once I realized I didn't necessarily trust the theology, in addition to the tone being annoying, I decided to quit.
January 1, 2023
Heck yeah female theologians!
This was a great recommendation to me 2? 3 years ago? that I never managed to commit to until this year. I really wanted a full Bible in a year plan led by a woman, and this one delivered. Tara-Leigh's recaps were always informative, pointing every verse back towards the character of God (instead of a focus on personal application), and I appreciated the perspective of someone who "wouldn't scream where Scripture whispers" — and was confident to link to many, many resources, articles, and videos for further study. This chronological Bible plan and recap was so accessible and it made for a marvelous, life-giving year of study. Cannot wait to start again tomorrow!
This was a great recommendation to me 2? 3 years ago? that I never managed to commit to until this year. I really wanted a full Bible in a year plan led by a woman, and this one delivered. Tara-Leigh's recaps were always informative, pointing every verse back towards the character of God (instead of a focus on personal application), and I appreciated the perspective of someone who "wouldn't scream where Scripture whispers" — and was confident to link to many, many resources, articles, and videos for further study. This chronological Bible plan and recap was so accessible and it made for a marvelous, life-giving year of study. Cannot wait to start again tomorrow!
December 30, 2024
I used this plan to read through the Bible chronologically this year and I loved it. I have read the Bible through several times and in different ways, but the approach to reading taught in this plan plus the denominationally neutral—but very informative—wrap-ups and discussion at the end of each day’s reading taught me so much, gave me more historical context, deeper understanding (of the Word and even of how others interpret it), and helped me look for who God is and how He is at work in every part of scripture. I highly recommend it and will be using it again, along with the study guide that includes daily questions, for the new year!
December 30, 2024
This is the only “book” I’ve experienced as a daily podcast. I appreciated the built in discipline and continuity of the plan. Tara-Leigh Cobble often has good insights in her recaps without getting bogged down in difficult or controversial passages. I wish she wouldn’t try to be cutesy so often—giving nicknames to Biblical characters and throwing in anachronistic pop culture references. Other than that and the annoying bump music at the beginning of each podcast, I’d recommend this plan, particularly to new those reading through the Bible for the first time.
August 20, 2024
Doing this plan has probably been one of the best things I have done in the first few years of being a Christian. I would highly recommend this for anyone that doesn't really understand the storyline of the Bible. You need to be committed enough to not quit when your in the midst of the boring books, but is definitely for a beginner that doesn't really understand the redemptive narrative that the bible shows. I will probably recommend this book to people for the rest of my life.
September 5, 2024
Wow! This was such a journey, and took me longer than anticipated, but reading the whole Bible is something I am so so proud of, and cannot wait to do again (after a lil hiatus to learn books more in depth)!!
December 31, 2021
I really enjoy doing this podcast along with reading through the Bible chronologically.
December 31, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this plan this year! Having something physical to instruct my reading was really helpful (vs just an app telling me which chapters to read). I really loved the order of the texts and how things tied together to help me gain more understanding. Solid 4.5 for me. I can see myself revisiting it in a different year. I’ll be doing slow Bible study in 2024. :)
December 17, 2024
I really enjoyed this study! The daily readings were realistic, so I actually stayed with it and finished! I also really enjoyed the videos that went along with each day.
January 5, 2025
This was a great motivation for reading the Bible in a year. It provided a good summary of the chapters read each day. I highly recommend if you’re wanting a year-long reading plan. Also, seek out a group to read with you to help provide additional accountability.
January 5, 2025
Finished this in a year and a couple days and man the best book ever written!
December 31, 2024
What an amazing guide to reading the Bible in a year!
January 6, 2022
This is the book version of the podcast I've been listening to all year. It was issued later than the beginning of 2020, but I love the podcast and this book form! The Bible Recap is a guide that helps you read through the entire Bible in one year, chronologically. There've been so many passages that I've missed, skipped, ignored or plain didn't like or understand over the years I've read the Bible. Tara-Leigh Cobble does a great job of recapping each passage, so you get an understanding and appreciation of each book as it fits into the whole story. There are also links (in the podcast) to help you get more information if you want. I'm going to start this plan again tomorrow ! Looking forward to reading/listening to the recap throughout the coming year!
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