This book contains lots of puzzles using mathematics, statistics, logic and physics. If you are someone who likes puzzles with these themes, you might enjoy the book. I found it interesting and was able to solve most of the puzzles (I am a retired scientist). Others might find it boring. So, it definitely targets a specific mindset. I also found the explanations were sometimes too verbose--they could have been explained in much simpler terms. The main problem I have with books like this is that once you've done the puzzles, you're likely to never go back to the book again.

Thanks to NetGalley and The Experiment publications for providing an advance review copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

Although this book is geared toward children, I used it to inspire weekly riddles to engage children's' mental health clinicians at my workplace. It gets clinician thinking more creatively, and ultimately better connect to the children they serve. Thank you for sharing these fun, deep thinking puzzles with the world.

This book contains 70 of the author's favourite puzzles. From mathematical calculations to mind-twisters, tricky visuals to logical shapes, each puzzle presents a challenge that more than meets the eye. Each puzzle looks simple. Anyone attempting to solve the puzzle quickly is likely to get it wrong. Those who spend a longer time might err on the side of overthinking the solutions. Whatever it is, the author's intent is to challenge our everyday thinking by hoping that readers will "get the answers wrong to every puzzle" in the book. For example, trying to guess whether a tall teapot contains more tea when full compared to a shorter one can be deceiving. The eyes and the mind can sometimes outplay each other. Another classic puzzle is the "Loopy Lineup" which challenges our investigative skills that involve memory, mathematics, and methodological deduction. One of the most fascinating puzzles in the book is "Years and Years" which asks us to deduce the age of Betsy. Called the "puzzle that almost everyone gets wrong," it humbles even the most cognitively confident person.

What is interesting about this book is not just the puzzles but how it teaches us that speed is not everything. Most people who try to solve the puzzles quickly will be in for a surprise. Embedded in between some puzzles are wise words from famous philosophers and thinkers. These sayings point out the way our minds could think. Those who get the puzzle wrong can be encouraged that they are not alone. After all, these puzzles are carefully selected because they have stumped many people before. The first time we read the puzzles in this book, we will be fascinated by how wrong we are. The second time we do, we will be wiser. Most likely, we will take the puzzles and share them with others.

Overall, this book is entertaining and fun. The simple puzzles mean we can use them at any social event without much props or preparation. If this book can help us to be a little bit humbler, it would have been worth the price of the book. This book promises to be a load of fun at family or social gatherings.

Alex Bellos holds a degree in mathematics and philosophy from Oxford University. His bestselling books Here’s Looking at Euclid and The Grapes of Math have been translated into more than 20 languages and were both shortlisted for the Royal Society Science Book prize. His puzzle books include Can You Solve My Problems?, Puzzle Ninja,Perilous Problems for Puzzle Lovers, and The Language Lover’s Puzzle Book, and he is also the coauthor of the coloring books Patterns of the Universe and Visions of the Universe. He has launched an elliptical pool table, LOOP. He writes a popular-math blog and a puzzle blog for the Guardian, and he won the Association of British Science Writers award for best science blog in 2016. He lives in London.

Rating: 4 stars out of 5.

conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of The Experiment via NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

I was so excited to dig into this puzzle book. I thought for sure i would prove everyone wrong and know all the answers.But it’s true. These are all puzzles that I’ve seen around and could never figure out the answers for. With the answers on the next page I was more apt to actually work on them since I didn’t have to flip to the back. There was such a good variety here.

So many puzzles to keep you busy for days.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alex Bellos for an eARC for an honest review.

If you're a fan of puzzles, then this book is perfect for you. Filled with lots different types of puzzles, for middle-school to adult age difficult levels, it is a blast to get that brain power going and exercising your mental capacity.

#NetGalley #PuzzleMeTwice

Oh my word... my head is aching, but in a brilliant way, plus my forehead is sore from self-slapping it and eyes sore from so many 'silly me' eyerolls!!!

I loved it!!! I love puzzles. From Treasure Trails through to Escape Rooms and on-line puzzles. The challenging introduction by the author certainly got my competitive juices flowing.

First puzzle I fist pumped at getting right but that lead me into a false sense of security. My cockiness didn't last long.

Really enjoyed the puzzles throughout the book (I did get more correct) as well as learned to think things through and using more logic.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to review.

I enjoyed these fun little puzzles. Feels like a good option for middle graders going on a trip and want something to do or to fool their parents.

Puzzle Me Twice is a fun, and humbling, ride through your preconceptions!

Even though the author warns you that these puzzles are tricky and should be examined carefully, I got 90% of them wrong. And I thought the Mensa test was easy. I’m not a stupid person so why couldn’t I solve these seemingly simple puzzles? Because they are devilishly sneaky. They play on your quite human assumptions. Some I had right and talked myself into wrong answers. Some were just difficult. One I didn’t agree with the answer (the store thief). I’m a CPA and the store lost $130 that day, dang it! Strangely, I did best on the logic and math ones though I haven’t studied either in literally decades. The one thing all the puzzles did was give me a rollicking good time. Pick up Puzzle Me Twice and see for yourself. It is just pure fun to see how easily you can be fooled. 5 stars and a favorite!

Thanks to NetGalley and The Experiment for providing me with an advanced review copy.