Finishing a book and forgetting most of it a month later is common. Memory research offers simple techniques to understand more while reading and keep it afterward.
Before you read
Preview the book: read the table of contents, introduction and conclusion, and skim headings. Knowing the structure gives your mind hooks for new information. Ask yourself what you want to get out of the book.
While you read
- Read actively: underline sparingly, write questions and reactions in the margins or a notebook.
- Summarize: after each chapter, write two or three sentences in your own words.
- Slow down for hard parts and reread when needed; speed-reading claims to triple speed without losing comprehension are not supported by research.
- Look up key terms you do not understand.
After you read: retrieval practice
The most effective technique in learning research is retrieval: trying to recall information without looking. Close the book and write down what you remember, or explain the main ideas to someone. It feels harder than rereading but leads to much better retention, as described in Make It Stick by Brown, Roediger and McDaniel.
Spaced review
Review your notes after a day, a week and a month. Spacing reviews over time is more effective than a single long session. Flashcard apps can schedule reviews automatically for facts you want to keep.
Connect and use
Link new ideas to what you already know, and apply them: try a technique from a nonfiction book, discuss a novel’s themes, write a short review. Ideas you use are ideas you remember.
Support memory and focus
Sleep, regular exercise and reading without constant phone interruptions all help concentration and memory. Reading on paper or on screen both work; what matters most is attention.
For books on learning techniques, see books for learning new skills. Discussing what you read is another powerful way to remember; read reading with others.
