If you are a Christian, or want to understand Christianity, then I would recommend starting with the New Testament, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and then Acts as it chronicles the life of Jesus and his followers. Another opinion - Genesis, I believe should be the first. Because it lays out the theme of the Bible--Gods sovereignty and righteous mankinds integrity towards him. It contains the first prophecy at Gen3:15 that there would be a promised seed (The Messiah--Jesus Christ) that would battle Satan and save mankind. Very importantly, it provides the basis for understanding the later Bible books. And includes the basic stories of some faithful men of old, their trial and integrity towards Almighty God.
the gospels and acts the gospels teach of Jesus life and his relationship with the disciples and his sacrifice and acts teach of the churches foundation the acts of the apostles and their greatest gift and weapon against Satan the holy Ghost
Genesis chapter1...
Answer
Actually Genesis Chapter 1 is notoriously difficult if one is to interpret it correctly and not read it as simply a story.
Better, start with one of the gospel accounts. Luke's gospel is probably the most readable as it tells the story of Jesus in a systematic, matter-of-fact way. Also, for a real beginner, use a translation or paraphrase that is very easy to read, in modern English, such as 'The Message'. This can be bought, or found online, free, at Biblegateway.com. Afterwards, when you have got into The Bible a little, you can then swap this for a more reliable translation such as the New International Version (NIV) or the New Revisied Standard Version (NRSV) both of which are excellent translations and can be found online, free.
Genesis, if you are going to read the lot. Or Luke if you want a short story of Jesus
Additionally:
If it's the first time... absolutely, just start with Genesis and read it through, quickly. Get the whole thing "under your belt" [the achievement; the experience of it].
Once that's done, you'll have, both, a feeling of accomplishment, as well as a general knowledge of its overall layout... and shall have even retained a few things here and there that struck you as you went [whether you remember where it was or not].
Just, don't stop to study the first time through. It will probably bog you down and you'll be overwhelmed and quit early if you try to study without some kind of plan. The initial plan is to get through it, quickly.
From that point... if you wish "to continue in the Word" [John 8:31] and want to "study" it... there are many, many approaches and systems and programs that can be employed. Churches, people, friends, and the internet are innumerable sources for study plans.
But, in any event... in order to achieve the most from the Bible [in order to get anything out of it] -- the "book" you start with isn't what's important. What's MOST important is "starting with a prayer."
It doesn't have to be complicated. Just a simple, humble plea to the Author of the Bible, to -- if He would -- help you understand what He inspired to be written down for His servants to know. A humble plea that He might open your heart and mind, that you:
"...might understand the scriptures..." (Luke 24:45).
The Bible is best read with a certain amount of humble "trepidation"... fear!
"...This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at My Word." (Isa.66:2 NIV)
Reading and continuing in the Bible begins, continues and ends with a "right attitude" toward its "Spirit-nourishing, Living Words." This is really the "proper starting point."
Your attitude... not which book.
You should start reading the bible if you are a christian , from Genises, or if you are a new believer , then you must read from the book of Matthew.
Geneses.
Geneses is a good book to read first. But it does not matter which book to read first. you choose any book of the bible and read it,
The beginning.
The beginning
Hebrews Chapter 11
Read Isaiah chapter 53.
The Faith Chapter of the Bible is found in Hebrews 11. Enjoy the read :)
You can read about Esther in the book of Esther in the Bible. It is my favorite book.
Judges Chapter 4, verse 19.
It is best to start at the beginning of the bible
In the Bible, Cleopatra was the daughter of Ptolemy Philomater. You can read about her in 1 Machabees, Chapter 10, verse 57.
Read Matthew Chapter 27 and 28
The beautiful LOVE chapter in the Bible was written by St. Paul. You can read it in 1st Corinthians chapter 13, verses 1-13. The greatest gift is LOVE.
There is no book in the Bible bearing his name. His story can be read in Genesis 17.
The Bible does say about people going to Church (Temples). Read Matthew Chapter 6.
For this you must begin at Genesis and read the entire Bible 1 chapter a day and the Lord will reward you with great wisdom....