Why I Fell in Love with Jigsaw Puzzles (And Why You Might Too)

Welcome to Bookshelf Puzzler — a cozy little space for readers who puzzle and puzzlers who read. I’m so glad you’re here.

I wanted to begin this blog not with a review or list (those are coming soon!) but with a personal story: how I fell in love with jigsaw puzzles, and why I think this quiet, beautiful hobby deserves a place in your life too.

How It All Started

Like many people, my first puzzles came in a cardboard box, scattered on the living room floor, usually during school holidays. I’d spend hours with a parent or sibling, slowly turning chaos into a picture. That feeling — of finding the right piece, of watching something come together — never really left me.

But I truly reconnected with puzzling as an adult. One rainy weekend, I picked up a 1000-piece puzzle just for fun. I lit a candle, put on an audiobook, and hours slipped by without me noticing. I was hooked again.

The Joy of Puzzling

Puzzles are more than just pictures and pieces. For me, they’ve become a kind of gentle therapy — a way to unplug from the digital world and slow my mind. There’s something so grounding about sorting edge pieces, scanning for a certain shade of blue, or finally completing a tricky section.

Here’s what I love most about puzzling:

• It clears my mind like meditation

• It gives me a screen-free break

• It pairs perfectly with tea and music (or a cozy mystery audiobook!)

• It gives a sense of small, satisfying accomplishment

• It lets me spend quality time alone — or connect with someone else without screens

Why You Might Fall in Love Too

You don’t need to be especially patient, artistic, or detail-obsessed to enjoy puzzling. All you need is curiosity and a bit of time. Puzzling can be:

• A relaxing solo hobby

• A fun family activity

• A mindful alternative to scrolling or binge-watching

• A quiet break for busy moms, students, creatives, or book lovers

And the best part? You can do it at your own pace, on your own terms — one little piece at a time.

What’s Next on the Blog

In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing:

• Reviews of different puzzle brands (quality matters!)

• Cozy pairings of puzzles & books (two slow hobbies = pure joy)

• Tips for puzzle storage and display

• Seasonal puzzle recommendations

• And much more…

If you’ve ever wanted to slow down and do something cozy and meaningful, I hope you’ll stick around.