THINKING INSIDE THE BOX Adventures with Crosswords and the Puzzling People Who Can't Live Without Them

Author and narrator Adrienne Raphel's voice is bursting with enthusiasm as she dives into the world of crossword puzzles and cruciverbalists (people who do crossword puzzles). What began in 1913 as a space filler in the NEW YORK WORLD newspaper has become a flourishing hobby, pastime, and passion for a diverse demographic that includes celebrities--real and fictional. Raphel joyfully weaves personal stories into her lively exploration of word-grid puzzles. History lessons are also imparted; for example, she recounts how cruciverbalists were used as code breakers in WWII. Filled with fascinating tidbits, crossword clues, and insights on how to think outside the box, this lively treatise on crosswords makes for an entertaining listen. M.F. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2020]