Personal Study Bible Recommendation

I intend to read the Bible this year. Reading it will provide an important foundation for many of the western canon "classics" that I enjoy reading. Is there a good, concise study guide out there? Perhaps something that provides a Book summary and a brief analysis. Any suggestions about how to start would be appreciated. What about versions? I'm looking for something that is "readable". I have an audio copy of a "New International Version."

I'm sure some/all of the suggestions in the above "Academic Study" topic might be relevant. Even after 6 years of higher learning, I guess I'm still a tad intimidated by the term "academic"!

An isolated guide of any quality without unnecessary prejudice is likely hard to find, so I recommend a single volume study Bible.

I stick to my recommendations in the other thread, namely The New Interpreters Study Bible and The New Jerusalem Bible (the study one, the one that the touchstone points to).

I have some recent experience with an Oxford study Bible. It seems authoritative and clear, but it lacks detail that is important to me.

There is a new, I think, performance version of the Bible that I have seen on many store shelves. I picked it up on discount at a brick and mortar Barny Noble's, but, sadly, I haven't played any of it yet.

Robert

Thanks rdurick, I will check them out.