I bought this puzzle to dazzle and peak interest in my cosmos loving hubby. He gets agitated by puzzles and since I appreciate the group effort, I thought this would keep him engaged. The LARGER pieces are GREAT! The layers do not pull apart as easily as you progress with the puzzle, which is a big plus, particularly if you choose to pass on the puzzle to another person to enjoy. I figure, why waste a fun thing? I think the layers are more intact in part due to the larger pieces and the better construction materials used in the manufacturing of this puzzle. I also appreciate that there are not "clues" on the underside of the puzzle. Even though it would be tempting if they were there, because this is a difficult puzzle, I feel like it's cheating in some way to succumb to putting letters to give you clues to sections on the underside of puzzles, like some puzzle-makers do. One day, I will solve such a puzzle, and I will review whether that puzzle was so difficult that it warranted such a clue. This puzzle is a real challenge. It was so difficult for me that I was more frustrated doing this puzzle than any other. I believe that this is mostly due to the "foil effect". It really "foiled" me! Because the reflection of the colors change when you are looking at them in different angles of light, it makes it difficult to match up the pieces by color! But I believe your brain is more deeply stimulated with greater challenges. So, bring it on! Puzzles definitely develop your abstract reasoning, color and shape sensibilities and stimulate parts of your brain. We need as much brain stimulation as possible in all the right places. Frustration, agitation and such are a no-no. Use puzzling as meditation. I think I could write a book about it. Tip: When you feel frustrated with your puzzle, stop, breathe, close your eyes, breathe again, and feel yourself sinking into your chair. Take a sip of water, a snack or bite, if needed, and continue to feel that meditative calm as you gaze at the puzzle. In scanning, you will find that you subconsciously stop at your next area of interest. Focus on one area at a time, stopping frequently to take a breather. However, use the puzzle as meditation, and, in so doing, synch the breath with puzzling... My biggest beef is the absence of a LARGE size picture of my puzzle to look at. The photos on the box do not have very visible details! I almost took away a star on this account. Enjoy!
