I have read some of the apocryphal books, but not the ones in this particular book, that is, until now. I intend to read as many as possible because I want to have a better understanding of why these books were not included in the bible as we know it today. Many of these books are considered to be of historical value, however they are deemed to not be divinely inspired, or may have questionable origins. I have read the ones which are included in the Catholic bible (but are not part of the King James and other versions) because of the historical/poetic significance and contribution to understanding the times in which these were written. I find these very interesting and full of important detail that helps me understand better other non-apocryphal books. A good example is the books of Maccabees.

I am enjoying reading this book so far and can really see why these particular gospels have not been included; however, I find these are rich in historical details and have filled some gaps in my understanding of some biblical events. I find the Gospel of Mary Magdalene questionable for sure. I enjoyed the Gospel of Peter, very rich in detail. The writing style seems simple compared to the books of Peter included in the bible. The Birth of Mary was very interesting as well, and mostly refers to her background, her parents, and her life before her marriage to Joseph. The Acts of Pontious Pilate, also known as the Gospel of Nicodemus, is also very rich in details concerning the time when Jesus was arrested and brought to him. The Gospel of Thomas is presented as a list of things that Jesus said. I found some parts a bit questionable or not clear enough; however, these are translations of old manuscripts that were unearthed much later, and in modern times. Many of these have pages/fragments missing, so these are not a complete account. Overall, these books have enriched my knowledge by offering historical perspective.