The book of Genesis is a lively read featuring familiar biblical tales such as the creation of the world, Adam and Eve and the forbidden fruit, Noah and the flood, Abraham and Isaac, Jacob and Joseph, the Tower of Babel, and Sodom and Gomorrah. One could argue that in many aspects it reads like a great novel. Yet while many lay readers may know the facts of these stories, Goldingay's work will instill in them a deeper understanding of the spiritual and theological significance of the events portrayed in Genesis. True to the For Everyone series' goal, Goldingay writes in a thoroughly accessible and engaging style. With chapter titles such as "Friday Lunchtime," "Bigamy, Music, Technology, Murder," "Babylon becomes Babble-on," "The Divisiveness of Stuff," and "Two Guys Who Need Their Heads Banged Together," it's clear that readers are in for a refreshing foray into some familiar tales.

John Goldingay is David Allan Hubbard Professor of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California, and formerly Principal of St John's Theological College, Nottingham, UK.