- Start in the gospel of John (not 1 John... just "John"). Let it tell you the story of God and His love for you, and how he sent Jesus into the world so you and I could know that love and live in it. Acts is a great place after you go through the Gospels to understand the call of the church as well.The Psalms and Proverbs of the Old Testament are a great place to continue, or to read alongside the Gospels.

New Living Translation, King James Version, New King James, Amplified Classic for Bible study.
The Passion Translation or the Message Translation is great for reading large portions of scripture.
But overall... the best one is the one you will read and live out :)

The Bible is the most carefully preserved piece of literature of all time. The Hebrews, who wrote and compiled the Old Testament, were the most strict and accomplished record keepers of the ancient world, especially when it came to historical narratives and genealogies like those of the Old Testament. The New Testament is the single most documented collection of ancient writings in the world. We have more (literally tens of thousands more) reliable ancient copies of the New Testament than of any other ancient work.

The Bible may be an old book, but the truths that are spoken within it are timeless. The God who created the universe exists outside of time, and His words are as true today as when they were first written. Times and seasons change, but the truth will stand forever.