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sebswann's review against another edition
4.0
If you like cruciverbalists; Raphel delightfully explores the world, history, and people of crosswords.
beetific's review against another edition
3.0
This started off really strong and I really loved the first couple of chapters - there’s a lot of discussion of the history of crosswords and the NYT crossword/design. However, I found myself a little bit lost as I kept on reading it because it seemed to straddle the line between being a memoir of sorts and a book *about* crosswords (I had this issue when I reas Flaneuse, a couple of years ago). I think I went into it thinking it would be more of the latter, but there were a lot of tidbits thrown in that didn’t really seem to add anything to the book. I definitely learned a lot of interesting history about crosswords and their place in society over time, but I think I would have appreciated a little bit more research into “modern” crosswords (crosswords other than the NYT, for example) as well as how constructors are changing and the space is becoming more inclusive these days (this is mentioned, but I felt like it was too cursory).
dwcofer's review against another edition
4.0
This was an interesting, but slow read about crossword puzzles and the people who create and solve them. Probably a little dry for non-crossword puzzle addicts.
ktimmers's review against another edition
2.0
Lots of fun facts scattered throughout this book, but waaaaay too much filler to make it worth the slog.
bowman_mars's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
3.0
the parts that were interesting were very interesting but a few chapters lost me due to self indulgence or just subjects I didn't care much for
catherineofalx's review against another edition
the most fun i’ve had reading a book in AGES!
prijks's review against another edition
2.5
This book contains a number of interesting anecdotes and facts about crosswords. It also contains less interesting or barely related material. It also includes baffling and distracting footnotes.
What it lacks is a narrative to pull it all together. It all feels slapped together and incohesive.
What it lacks is a narrative to pull it all together. It all feels slapped together and incohesive.