Hi, do you guys have any tips on how to actually remember what you read? I have read a ton of books in my life, but when someone asks me about a certain book I find it very hard to remember details, even if I really loved that book. I am able to remember the mood and atmosphere of the book but struggle with names and the progression of the story. I am starting A Short History of Nearly Everything Bill Bryson and would want to remember everything I learn from this. Thanks!
I have tips, but it feels like doing a school assignment sometimes so I don’t utilize it all the time.
Write a summary or review of what you’ve read every quarter of the book and then once finished write a full summary/review of the book.
This will generally help you remember more details for longer and it can be used as a reminder of what you liked and disliked if you forget.
I’ve often found myself regretting I didn’t write a review when I go to recommend books because I only have that atmosphere or a few details to go off.
The first step is to… wait, what was the question again?
Non-fiction you can approach like an academic subject if you wish but certainly fiction should be seen as entertainment with no need to remember details.
By teaching it to others
Honestly I started inputting what I read onto goodreads
Sometimes I just don’t remember it.
It would be unrealistic to expect that I’d remember the plot of every random mass market paperback I picked up in an airport. I don’t remember the names of most of Jessica and Elizabeth’s boyfriends even though I devoured Sweet Valley books.
If I’m actually trying to remember something, I write notes.