Improve Your Memory & Keep Your Brain Fit - 450 Puzzles to Sharpen Your Mind

Admittedly, the title is a bit misleading. There is some evidence that working puzzles like these in a progressively graduated manner will help to prolong brain function. But, as the author freely admits, that connection has not been proven. Still, the author -- a Ph.D. who specializes in puzzles -- created this collection of puzzles with this hypothesis in mind. So the puzzles are organized from easier to more difficult.

The selection of puzzles themselves is excellent. Furthermore, the book provides fascinating information about the different kinds of puzzles. In this way, the book really goes beyond your usual puzzle book. Not only is it full of puzzles, it is highly informative, as well.

Another powerful aspect of this book is the obvious personal involvement of the author. He makes frequent mention of his own life; this stands out from the more common puzzles-in-a-vacuum approach. It makes for friendlier, more personal reading and solving. Recommended for any fans of puzzles.

Also check out THE Book of Word Games: Parlett's Guide to 150 Great and Quick-to-Learn Word Games. It's written by a scholar of word games. And there's also the excellent sequel to this book, Extreme Brain Workout: 500 Fun and Challenging Puzzles to Boost Your Brain Power.

This is certainly good for mental exercise! It's just that not all the puzzles are as fun as my Sudoku book. It's interesting to change up every now and then, and I'll work through the book for sure, but it's not my favorite. Still, it was a good gift, and I am glad I got it!