NLT Compact Giant Print Zipper Bible, Filament-Enabled Edition (LeatherLike, Woven Cross Gray, Red Letter)

This is my very first Bible, it is very handy and text is very readable.

TL;DR: this is the best everyday-carry Bible I've run across based on its zippered design, handy size, impressive text legibility, Filament capability, and affordable price. Protection -- If you value keeping a Bible in your backpack, purse, glove box, etc. when you are away from home, and don't want to risk the pages getting smashed or your notes falling out, your main options are a case (too bulky and unattractive), a binding with built-in snaps/strap (expensive because they are usually custom leather, and the pages aren't completely protected anyway), or a built-in zipper design like this. The cover seems like it will be very durable against scrapes, rubbing, and moisture but still has a pleasing cloth-like texture and appearance (not leather-like as stated by the description). Size -- The size of this is great for carrying it with you. You can see the overall dimensions in the description. The pages are about 4-5/8" x 7". It disappears into a bag and is a comfortable size to hold while sitting or reclining. Normally a Bible this small would be avoided by folks like me with older eyes, but this one has a surprise... Legibility -- The excellent legibility is the most impressive aspect of this Bible. Usually you have to sacrifice text legibility in order to gain a handy-sized Bible. This Bible strikes an impressive balance here because 1) all the references, footnotes, etc. are moved off the page and into the Filament app which allows for a much larger font; 2) the font design and weight is very legible and comfortable; 3) the paper is surprisingly opaque (the show-though is much less in reality than the attached photos might suggest); and 4) good line-matching on each side of the page. In practice I am never distracted by show-through. In the attached photos, you can see how much easier it is to read the text of this Bible versus a similarly-sized zippered Schuyler PSQ (a very expensive "premium" Bible). Readability -- The NLT translation is the best choice (in my opinion) for an everyday Bible where you will primarily be reading and reflecting. If you occasionally want to do a detailed word study or comparison of various translations, you can use the Filament app (or other resources on your phone) to do that. Study -- A small, take-along Bible is primarily for reading, not necessarily in-depth study. But sometimes you might want to dive deeper into something before you get back home. Nobody wants to haul around a full study Bible (e.g., the excellent ESV Study Bible) all the time; it's just way too big. Most handy-sized Bibles try to squeeze in some modest study resources (mostly cross-references), but those aren't nearly as useful as full notes and commentary, especially for more casual or new students of the Word. And they cause the font to be smaller. Enter the Filament app, which allows you to quickly access a bunch of very detailed resources for whatever page you are currently reading, including audio and videos. You probably are already everyday-carrying your phone, so take advantage of that. And the lack of inline superscript numbers for cross-references and footnotes avoids distraction when you just want to read, not study. If you are easily distracted like me, that is huge. Other features -- This Bible has a single ribbon. No, it doesn't get caught in the zipper. There is plenty of room inside when zipped for papers, pencil, highlighter, etc. Aesthetics -- They did a nice job color-matching the metal and fabric portions of the zipper to the color of the cover. The ribbon also matches. Today they only sell this in a single color, so the choice of a subtle, mid-toned gray color scheme was a smart choice because it will appeal to men, women, young, and old. The heathered coloring and cloth-like texture of the synthetic cover look great. In your hand you can tell it is synthetic, but it is still pleasant. Price -- The price seems good for a standard-quality Bible. It's affordable enough that you won't worry too much about damaging or losing it (a key requirement for an everyday-carry Bible). And if you ever run across somebody who seems like they are at a pivotal moment in their lives where they need a Bible but don't have one, you won't let the price stop you from blessing them by given them yours. Considering that this Bible beats the premium Schuyler on most of the factors required for a good everyday Bible, and the Schuyler costs about two c-notes (gulp), this Bible seems like an amazing deal. Cons -- Limited color selection (only gray as of the time of this review). Limited translations (just NLT). A bit thicker than a Schuyler but still very acceptable and I might not have noticed if I didn't have both in front of me at the same time; and going thinner would have negatively affected the legibility, so they made the right choice here for sure. Conclusion -- If you are too afraid to chuck your Bible into your backpack every day, you won't have it with you, and you will miss countless opportunities for reading or even sharing with others. I have a bunch of Bibles and translations. If I could only keep one, it might just be this one. This is a terrific Bible for everyday carry, and I recommend you do just that.

Handy and compact

I was so excited about this bible and held much hope that it would be suitable for me…..well, let me tell you it has surpassed all my expectations and I am absolutely delighted with it. The cover/case is very tactile, attractive and a lovely colour. The zipper is strong and runs very smoothly around the book and has plenty enough room to park a pen in the gully. The print is the perfect size and makes for very comfortable reading. There are beautiful images with maps and infographics that show key events in a visual form. But, best of all, this beautiful bible is written in an easy to follow style with modern language, such a blessing for me who has always, in the past, given up reading before I’ve even got past Genesis! And….there is even a linked App, marvellous! I love my little bible, I love reading it and I love the fact that I now at 70 years of age, actually understand the Word. I would highly recommend this bible.

For extra large print,as advertised,the text is too small. Readable but would have expected larger print according to description. Very nice quality cover and pages. Hopefully manufacturers can make a version with actual jumbo print for those who need it?!

I'm one of those many lifelong catholics who haven't actually read the Bible back to front, personally, themselves, until now. Sure, I've studied parts of it extensively at school and church, but that's it. And then recently, I felt the need to read it for myself, to make it part of my daily routine. This bible is ideal for my lifestyle. It's light, compact, sturdy and safe to keep without damage, thanks to the zip that runs all along the edge. My toddler son once spread water on it and the pages weren't affected. In terms of reading method, I have a tracker that I've stuck at the front to mark what book I've finished (out of 66). I read supporting notes before, during and after each chapter to help make sense of the text and understand it in context. I highlight verses that touch my soul and will mark the edge of each book with washi tape to find it easier in future (just the edge, tabs are too heavy and can damage the thin pages with their weight).