NPR SUNDAY PUZZLES

Will Shortz, crossword editor of the NEW YORK TIMES and puzzle master extraordinaire, and Liane Hansen, the likable news commentator, offer up a sampling of on-air puzzles culled from NPR's “Weekend Edition Sunday.” The audio program features some very clever listeners, plus participation by special guests, notably Tom Hanks, John Lithgow, and Harry Shearer (in character as Mr. Burns and Smithers from “The Simpsons”). As puzzle facilitators, Shortz and Hansen are radio pros. Both are supportive, fun, and down-to-earth. They read and play puzzles with intelligence and charm, and seem to truly enjoy their partnership. The program seems short, at only one hour, but the puzzles don't get old, even on a second (or third) listening. R.M. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2009]