Here's a Bible that talks today's language - gritty, earthy, and witty.

Enough of starting at Genesis with good intentions but getting lost in Leviticus - Rob Lacey succeeds in revitalising a classic work by focusing on the big picture.

The Word On The Street includes fresh paraphrase with running commentary that brings the text alive: Bible stories are retold as mini-blockbusters; psalms as song lyrics; epistles as emails; Revelation as a virtual reality. Out with stale religious terms.

Lacey succeeds in revitalising a classic work by focusing on the big picture: fast-forwards through the 'slow-moving' bits with pace, passion and energy to make the Bible a page-turner again. What's more, Lacey's award-winning* tour de force was created during a remarkable personal journey through terminal cancer: the stuff the Bible stories are made of.

This life-experience injects Lacey's take on Scripture with authenticity and authority, resonating with Bible characters who also wrestled with the big questions.

Purist alert: This is not THE Bible (capital B), but it might just get you reaching for one.