Word: 144 Crossword Puzzles That Prove It's Hip to be Square

by Natan Last

Created by Natan Last, a senior at Brown University, three-time intern with Will Shortz, and in 2008 the youngest person to have a puzzle published in the Sunday New York Times , Word kicks the crossword puzzle squarely into the 21st century for a new generation of puzzle-lovers, replacing fusty crossword-ese with hip cultural references, modern wordplay, and a lively mix of high-and low-brow pop trivia. A Word puzzle begins with the shared knowledge of a literate but not-so-reverent generation, and celebrates the knowingness with a deft touch. Your parents’ crosswords make solvers feel smart. Word puzzles make solvers feel smart and cool, getting the references to The Daily Show , Mario Brothers, the Goo Goo Dolls, and a hefty dose of nostalgia (the name of the motel in Psycho ). But they also know the core Charlotte Bronte’s Jane, Roman generals, Berlioz and von Bismarck, Homer—and not just Homer Simpson.

The puzzles are constructed with all the smarts of a daily Times themes, interconnected clues, titles that unlock the overall puzzle (solve all the clues and the circle letters will spell out a famous name at Hogwarts). Assisting Mr. Last is a group of five more top “under 25” constructors, all of whom have published puzzles in The New York Times .

336 pages, Paperback

First published March 13, 2012

Reviews

[Steven · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you don't know anything about Pokemon, and your rap lyrics aren't up to snuff, forget about this one.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book. Most of the clues actually reference things from this century, and there aren't many, like, 1950's sitcom questions or whatever like so many other crosswords puzzles.

[Mary Narkiewicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this crossword puzzle book. I have to check on many of the answers because I'm not familiar with Pokemon or modern music or video games.. I am learning a lot.. The book is a nice pocket book size..not too small, not too large.
One of my fave crossword books .. been my companion for a few months.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too hip for this square. You have to know all the new stars bands singers etc. That stuff never interested me 40 years ago and it doesn't now.
I'm sure the younger people will really enjoy it.