Games Magazine Presents Will Shortz's Best Brain Busters

Rating:
Summary: Do you know what an NGITIC is?
Review: I just purchased this book, so I can only speak to the 10 puzzles I've done so far. I am enjoying it for the most part, and I believe Mr. Shortz has a great gift for creative and thoughtful word puzzles. I have to say, however, that I'm a little frustrated with the arcane vocabulary some of the puzzles require. One of the reasons I don't do crosswords is because I never learned what "oleo" was - nor do I care. I love thoughtful puzzles that you can do without a dictionary. Unfortunately, the second puzzle in this book drove me to using my grandfather's 1960 unabridged RH dictionary. I had to look up the name for an attic window (dormer). Lugging that thing up onto the couch can undermine the recreation feel of the activity - although at this point I need it so often that I'm simply using it as a writing desk. Then, I'm still on the second puzzle, I discover to my shock and disbelief, that my dictionary doesn't have the word/acronym NGITIC (a type of tank apparently). You get my point. I would love for Mr. Shortz to produce a book of puzzles that require only a strong vocabulary and a decent degree of cultural literacy. I have enjoyed puzzles like these by Pat Battaglia ("Are You Smart, Or What?"). These are very clever and they don't require outside resources to provide creative critical thinking fun.

Rating:
Summary: Do you know what an NGITIC is?
Review: Ok, maybe it wasn't sexy, but seriously, this is an awesome book. It is challenging, but without being too hard. It has many creative puzzles, some that I have never even seen before. There are also some well-known puzzle types, which I thought was a good thing. Think you are good at those newspaper crossword puzzles? You haven't seen anything yet! These puzzles are very fun, and it is a great deal better than sitting around and watching television. It is also a good way to pass the time. I honestly think this is a great book, and, in no way, a waste of money. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone.

Rating:
Summary: Fun! Challenging! Sexy!
Review: Ok, maybe it wasn't sexy, but seriously, this is an awesome book. It is challenging, but without being too hard. It has many creative puzzles, some that I have never even seen before. There are also some well-known puzzle types, which I thought was a good thing. Think you are good at those newspaper crossword puzzles? You haven't seen anything yet! These puzzles are very fun, and it is a great deal better than sitting around and watching television. It is also a good way to pass the time. I honestly think this is a great book, and, in no way, a waste of money. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone.