The Doctors Puzzle 
by Guest Writer Roberta Shore

We invite you to read Roberta Shore's review on the following jigsaw puzzle. Since she has discovered the advantages of jigsaw puzzling, she has reviewed/journaled several that will be available on this website. You may like this similar DR Who puzzle image Amazon link

The Doctors A Doctor Who Puzzle Cobble Hill Random cut 1000 pieces Finished size: 27.625” x 19.25”

My Newbie Difficulty Rating; advanced
The Doctors A Doctor Who Puzzle Cobble Hill Random cut 1000 pieces Finished size: 27.625” x 19.25”
Roberta-Profile
The Doctors A Doctor Who Puzzle Cobble Hill Random cut 1000 pieces Finished size: 27.625” x 19.25”

The Doctors

A Doctor Who Puzzle Cobble Hill

Random cut

1000 pieces

Finished size: 27.625” x 19.25”

My sorting technique fell into a “go with your gut” category with this puzzle. At first the sorting began with picking out edge pieces and tossing the Tardis pieces in a tray.  Sorting the rest by color became daunting - I was about to bag the thing back up! Then I decided, if I took the time to actually sort each circle, and put each together, the puzzle would be 2/3 complete once the frame was made.

So, I continued finding edge pieces while doing that sort. I was left with the Tardis pieces and relatively few background pieces. Of course it took way more hours, but I certainly felt accomplished! Only then did I do the frame. I attached all 13 completed circles to the frame, filled in the background pieces, and then the shades of blue Tardis felt like a small puzzle to work on. I was having fun! I was really proud of myself for not giving up, but I certainly did not follow the traditional sorting method!

Quality issues with Doctor Who - this was the loosest puzzle fit yet! Moving those big sections in one piece was near impossible. Actually, picking up 3 connected pieces was a gamble. Puzzle color reproduction did not match the box or printout. There is a minor sheen to the finish on all Cobble Hill puzzles. Not always an issue, but in this one there were a lot of variances in the Tardis shadings, and the sheen made it more difficult to distinguish them. On the high side, just a bit of puzzle dust, no damaged or pealing pieces, and thank goodness, they were all there!

If you too are / were a fan, you might understand my passion. I don’t remember if I was watching them when they first aired in 1963 (I was 17), but they were still being shown some years later. I adored the original Doctor Who TV series, I was really into the whole campy thing, went to conventions (in street clothes, not that into it), read the books, bought the scarf! When the modern series came out, I didn’t think it could be the same - too high tech, too produced, but I was wrong.

I bought BBC America cable pack just to watch it. The current Doctor is female - I wondered about that departure, but wrong again, she’s The Doctor, you can almost forget a girl is playing the part. So, I had to have this puzzle - an early purchase in this newbie venture - I knew it would have challenge, if only for the big box (the Tardis, not the Cobble Hill box, which are themselves too big). I worked on this puzzle over 4 days. When all is said and done, I loved this puzzle, especially seeing it finished.

In general, Cobble Hill puzzles are among the best out there. This particular one missed the mark somewhat. I have to give it a B- for quality. I give the completed puzzle an A+

There's More To Jigsaw Puzzles Than Pieces Book by Linda Richard. A compilation of 50+ jigsaw puzzle related topics, tips and tricks written in conversational format for easy, light reading.There's More To Jigsaw Puzzles Than Pieces Book by Linda Richard. A compilation of 50+ jigsaw puzzle related topics, tips and tricks written in conversational format for easy, light reading. Click Here
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About Jigsaw Puzzles: Unveiling the Benefits of Doing Jigsaw Puzzles

A Therapeutic Journey

Jigsaw puzzles have long captivated individuals of all ages, offering not only a fun pastime but also a myriad of benefits for mental well-being. From enhancing cognitive skills to promoting relaxation, the act of piecing together puzzles goes beyond entertainment. In this article, we explore the remarkable benefits of engaging in jigsaw puzzles, shedding light on the positive effects they have on our minds and bodies.

  1. Cognitive Stimulation: Jigsaw puzzles serve as a workout for the brain, stimulating cognitive functions such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and spatial reasoning. As we examine puzzle pieces, analyze patterns, and make connections, our brains become engaged in a captivating mental exercise.
  2. Improved Memory: Engaging in jigsaw puzzles helps enhance short-term memory and reinforce long-term memory. Remembering shapes, colors, and patterns, and recalling their positions throughout the puzzle aids in memory retention and retrieval.
  3. Focus and Concentration: Solving jigsaw puzzles requires sustained focus and concentration. By immersing ourselves in the task at hand, we train our minds to block out distractions, strengthen our attention span, and improve our ability to stay focused on a specific goal.
  4. Stress Relief: Puzzling acts as a therapeutic escape from the stresses of everyday life. As we immerse ourselves in the puzzle-solving process, our minds become engrossed, creating a sense of mindfulness and providing a temporary respite from worries and anxieties.
  5. Boost in Dopamine Levels: Completing a puzzle triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This surge in dopamine creates a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, reinforcing the positive feelings associated with puzzle solving.
  6. Enhanced Fine Motor Skills: Manipulating puzzle pieces and fitting them together requires precise hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Regularly engaging in puzzles can help improve dexterity, agility, and the coordination between our hands and eyes.
  7. Social Interaction: Puzzling can be a social activity that fosters connection and collaboration. Solving puzzles with family or friends encourages communication, teamwork, and shared accomplishment, enhancing social bonds and creating lasting memories.
  8. Patience and Perseverance: Completing a complex puzzle requires patience and perseverance. As we encounter challenges and setbacks, we learn to persist, develop problem-solving strategies, and build resilience—a valuable skillset that extends beyond puzzle-solving.
  9. Mental Relaxation and Mindfulness: The meditative nature of jigsaw puzzles can induce a state of relaxation, promoting mindfulness and reducing stress levels. The repetitive and calming motions of sorting and connecting pieces can have a soothing effect on the mind, allowing for a tranquil escape from daily pressures.
  10. Sense of Achievement: The satisfaction of placing that final puzzle piece and witnessing the complete image provides a profound sense of achievement. This sense of accomplishment boosts self-esteem, instills a sense of pride, and fosters a positive mindset.

By embracing the benefits of jigsaw puzzles, we unlock not only an enjoyable hobby but also a path to mental well-being. Whether you're seeking cognitive stimulation, stress relief, or a moment of mindfulness, engaging in puzzles can enrich your life and provide a therapeutic journey that transcends the puzzle board. So gather your puzzles, sharpen your focus, and embark on this fulfilling adventure of piecing together fragments to create something beautiful and whole.

(ChatGPT, personal communication, June 20, 2023)