Annelise, Great Question! I think you came across one of the best things about the Book of Mormon. On the title page of the Book of Mormon it states: \"Which is to show unto the remnant of the House of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers; and that they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever—And also to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that JESUS is the CHRIST, the ETERNAL God, manifesting himself unto all nations.\" And from the Introduction: \"The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains, as does the Bible, the fulness of the everlasting gospel.\" 
 
In today\'s world there are so many people out there that are questioning the Validity of the Bible, if the miracles really did happen (i.e. Dividing of the Red Sea...etc), and even worse, \"Was Jesus Christ Really the Son of God?\" How refreshing it is to show them another wittness! 2nd Cor 13:1: \"This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.\"  
 
To say to them...Yes! Those things really are true! Not only does the Bible testify of it, but here is another book, more revelations from our Heavenly Father who loves us to his children here upon the earth. That he truly is \"no respecter of persons.\" (Acts 10:34) That he is the same today, yesterday and forever! (Hebrews 13:8) That as he revealed his truth and plan to those near Jerusalem, that he revealed the same truths to those who were living in the Americas!  
 
Now that may not be a huge issue, or deal for someone who has unwavering faith in God, and His Son Jesus Christ, So from there, what the Book of Mormon does, is not only provide this additional witness, but also shows that part of God\'s plan is to continually reveal truth to his children. That if it happened over such a long time frame in the Old Testament, and the New Testament, and through the timeframe that the Book of Mormon covers. Then if he is the same today, yesterday and forever, then shouldn\'t he be continuing to reveal truth today! And the answer to that is YES! He is even today! And there are prophets today recieving revelation from our Father, and telling us what his instructions and commandments are! That there was a famine: (Amos 8:11) 11 \"¶ Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD\" That started at the time the apostles were killed, and the church disbanded. And lasted until the heavens were opened to Joseph Smith and his vision that he had.  
 
You\'re right, there is quite a bit that is the same as the Bible, and that helps to support that truth that is contained therein. There is also clarification of some of the Bible verses, which by themselves people can interpret to whatever they may want it to mean, but with the additional support of the Book of Mormon, cannot dispute what the person meant, whomever it may have been that said it, or wrote it.  
 
There is also so much that is contained in the Book of Mormon that isn\'t in the Bible! Additional Parables, things about the Return of the House of Israel (Jacob 5), Principles about Baptism and the correct way to perform it (3rd Nephi Chapters 11 & 19) (Moroni 8), things to expect in the Millenium, and so much more! 
 
Keep Reading Annelise! You will find a treasure trove of additional things if you look for them. And so many things that will keep your testimony of our Savior growing!

Annelise, a great reference for what I was talking about is 2nd Nephi, chapter 29. The language the Lord uses is really straight forward there, but it hits the nail right on the head!