Crossword puzzles have been a fixture of New York magazine ever since its first issue published in 1968, in which the puzzle was actually created by legendary composer Stephen Sondheim, of all people.

Over the years, quite a few of those puzzles have been concocted by prolific and pun-happy puzzler Cathy Allis, and in 2019 the magazine’s editors assembled fifty of them (plus the original Sondheim one) into a large, spiral-bound book that opens flat for the most addictive and entertaining (not to mention screen-free) puzzle solving experience.

I like this bit from the book description:

Every year, millions of people attempt to complete a crossword puzzle, whether in print or online. Recent studies have even shown that the actual number is growing, owing to a rising public desire for less screen time and more activities that keep brains active. A number of research trials have found that regular crossword activity is among the most effective ways to preserve memory and cognitive function, and a recent trial from the NIH found that these benefits can last as long as ten years.

Treat your brain to a satisfyingly fun daily workout by picking up this crossword book for $17.