There are many threads on this subject and further advice from Catholic Answers (see the top tabs – look around).
some people can get pretty high handed about this subject. I certainly like certain translations rather than others, but I look at several translations when I’m off and running on some subject.
I am surprised that there are not more explicit recommendations from around the U.S. on this subject. For example, I’d expect to hear somebody from Catholic University of America or Notre Dame University or other Catholic institutions expounding on the merits of one translation or another, in serious academic work. never hear this here.
Perhaps the reason is that we non-academics make too much an issue of it. This is perhaps more of a shopper’s issue than a serious academic one. A serious academic would be studying the original languages.
Personally, I am comfortable with a LIBRARY of Bible texts and study Bibles and commentaries. Depending on your budget, that may be an alternate target for you. I mention for information purposes only, the Jewish Publication Society and its various biblical works, the Jewish Study Bible (<$25, Oxford U. Press), and look around at
Artscroll.com for other Jewish editions and commentaries – for the Jewish perspective.
The Jewish works are very high quality and reading them is not only allowed but endorsed by the Catholic Church.
But, don’t be too distracted; get that Bible and start reading, thinking, praying, worshipping, asking questions, etc.
