Literature in Pieces: 6 Book-Themed Puzzles to Help You Unwind

Writers have numerous reasons they need to find time to destress: They’re more likely to experience anxiety and depression than the general population, spend a lot of time staring at screens, and often juggle their time-consuming passion for writing alongside a demanding full-time career. Jigsaw puzzles stand out as an unexpected hobby that might help you in carving out much-needed time for relaxation and recharging. The meditative hobby helps you indulge your tactile side and stop the spiral of anxiety by focusing on the present moment (after all, it’s difficult to consider whether you’ll be accepted for publication or how that new draft is going when you’re searching for a missing edge piece). We’ve rounded up some literary-themed puzzles to fill your free time and your table.

1. Poet’s Garden Puzzle from eeBoo Piece and Love

The Poet’s Garden puzzle from eeBoo Piece & Love, a woman-owned company, features beautiful artwork of Sappho, Maya Angelou, Mary Oliver, Miriam Makeba, Kamala Das, Li Qingzhao, and Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz hanging out amongst lush, colorful flowers. While you fit together the pieces of this puzzle, you’re sure to think about how women have always been trailblazers in the genre, as well as contemplate poetry’s truly global impact. 

2. Literary Women Puzzle from Uncommon Goods

Similarly, the Literary Women puzzle from Uncommon Goods is a testament to women’s renowned impact in the world of literature. Spotlighting authors like Jane Austen, Louisa May Alcott, Toni Morrison, and Amy Tan, the puzzle delights with whimsical illustrations of writers cozying up with their own iconic works. 

3. World of Shakespeare Puzzle from Laurence King Publishing

If you’re a fan of classic poetry, this World of Shakespeare puzzle lets you in on the quaint and magical setting that inspired it. Shakespeare’s vibrant, 16th-century London comes alive, with its quirky houses, outgoing villagers, and the sparkling river that surrounds them. You’ll want to read a Shakespearean sonnet after completing this puzzle hommage. 

4. Book Club Puzzle from Galison

You love your book club, now bring that love to your puzzling hobby. The playful and bold artwork on this 1,000-piece puzzle from Galison showcases a diverse cast of characters reading their book club titles. Charming details like hats, glasses, and bowties add a special touch. 

5. At the Strand Puzzle from New York Puzzle Company

The New York Puzzle Company sells puzzle versions of New Yorker cover art, and this cover that takes book lovers inside the Strand Book Store is just one iconic example. A book shopper takes a look at some of the store’s featured titles in this aptly themed image, sure to make you want to plan a visit to one of your favorite indie bookstores.

6. Classic Paperbacks Puzzle from Princeton Architectural Press

Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, and Frank O’Hara’s Lunch Poems—these titles all stand out as classics. Build your own literary canon by solving this vintage puzzle. 

Happy puzzling!