Librum

Smashwords book reviews by Librum

  • Win at Sudoku (The complete guide to solving all levels of Sudoku puzzles using pure logic) on Sep. 23, 2011

    I was a reviewer of an earlier version of this book. If I could, I'd give 10 stars for authorial effort. Eardley solicited feedback from advance readers, and took it all very much to heart. Whereas the first version of Win At Sudoku almost required the reader to be in the mind of the author (a lot of the content was confusing for a newcomer, the more so given Eardley's penchant for streamlined highly acronymic presentation), the second version is a study in clarity by comparison. So, first things first: hats off to Eardley for giving serious thought to her early critics' feedback, and for hitting the keyboard anew with a vengeance. Comparisons aside, then, how does Win At Sudoku stack up to other sudoku how-to books? Very well, I imagine. As an advanced sudoku puzzle solver myself, I see great merit in the approach Eardley develops. For the most part, the existing literature on sudoku is in the form of hints-to-would-be-puzzle-solvers that come bundled with puzzles. These rarely amount to more than a handful of pages, and even more rarely (if ever; I'm not familiar with the full range of methods books out there) lay out a systematic soup-to-nuts approach to puzzle solving. Eardley's book fills this gap admirably. Her method is clearly presented (with reference to numerous sample problems along the way), and her writing well-paced. Win At Sudoku is not an easy read, but it is a profitable one. I have no doubt that were the complete novice to follow Eardley's method to the letter, he/she would achieve sudoku mastery. Eardley's is a book that will reward patient reading, dog-earing, and re-reading again. Even old hand sudoku solvers will find much to chew on in this book. Eardley's method involves tracking certain information on a template of her own design. As an experienced solver, I think the template is fantastic. I have enjoyed making use of it in my own solving. It's a terrific aid to organization, memorization, and pattern finding -- all essential skills in sudoku solving. Win at Sudoku is a terrific book by an author who is dedicated to improving her craft. I wouldn't be surprised to see future editions of this book come out as Eardley continues incorporating user feedback. But don't let that dissuade you from taking the plunge now. The present edition is a very solid piece of work, and would make a fine addition to your library.