Help, I Forget Everything I Read!
Dear Literary Lady,
I read voraciously, but I have the worst memory when it comes to books. I either can’t remember the title and author of the book I’ve read, or I remember the title and the author but haven’t the slightest recollection of the story. Any advice?
–F.W., Seattle WA
Dear F.W.,
I have the exact same issue. I love to read, but I tend to devour book after book without committing anything to memory. I can’t remember what I read last week, let alone last month, and I’m terrible at remembering subplots, characters, or details of the story. On the bright side, forgetful readers like us can read the same book over and over again and never tire of it.
That said, it is a tad frustrating when you can’t recall anything about the book you know you just finished. When someone asks you what a book is about and what you thought of it, you feel like such a disappointment when you admit you haven’t the faintest recollection. The absolute worst is when friends ask for reading recommendations and you know the perfect book for them, but you can’t remember what it’s called.
I’ve found a few things helpful in combatting my goldfish-like memory:
1. Write down what you’ve read.
This one seems obvious but many bookworms don’t actually do it (probably because we’re too busy figuring out what to read next.) Whether you keep a blog, a book journal, or even just a spreadsheet, the simple act of noting down a novel can help you remember it better. If you’re feeling really lazy, take a picture of the book with your phone.
2. Talk about what you just read.
Talking about a book right after I’ve read it always helps me remember it better. The best is when you talk to a friend who has read it as well and you can trade opinions. If no one you know has read the book yet, tell them about it anyway. Just remember—no spoilers!
The Forgetting Time
Hardcover $25.99
The Forgetting Time
Hardcover $25.99
3. Recommend it to all your bookworm friends.
You don’t always have to wait for someone to ask for a recommendation. If you’re forgetful, you especially don’t want to wait—you want to volunteer information while it’s still fresh in your mind. So if you have bookworm friends, text them, call them, email them as soon as you’ve finished a book to tell them to read it.
4. A little research goes a long way.
I always like to learn something about the book or the author. I’ve discovered that little bits of trivia, even a backstory to the story, help the novel stick out in my mind. It may seem counterintuitive to add more information to the information you have trouble remembering, but I swear it works.
5. Slow it down.
You know how people say it’s better to eat slowly and savor your food? Well I sometimes have to apply the same philosophy to reading. I occasionally get way too excited about a book and race through the pages to find out what happens. Speed reading is exhilarating while it lasts, but it usually means I can’t remember any details about the book a week later. So take your time and commit those words to memory!
Last but not least, while it’s tempting to stay up all night devouring a page-turner, I read something scientific that said sleep is apparently important for your brain and your memory. Or something like that, I can’t remember…
Love and paperbacks,
Literary Lady
3. Recommend it to all your bookworm friends.
You don’t always have to wait for someone to ask for a recommendation. If you’re forgetful, you especially don’t want to wait—you want to volunteer information while it’s still fresh in your mind. So if you have bookworm friends, text them, call them, email them as soon as you’ve finished a book to tell them to read it.
4. A little research goes a long way.
I always like to learn something about the book or the author. I’ve discovered that little bits of trivia, even a backstory to the story, help the novel stick out in my mind. It may seem counterintuitive to add more information to the information you have trouble remembering, but I swear it works.
5. Slow it down.
You know how people say it’s better to eat slowly and savor your food? Well I sometimes have to apply the same philosophy to reading. I occasionally get way too excited about a book and race through the pages to find out what happens. Speed reading is exhilarating while it lasts, but it usually means I can’t remember any details about the book a week later. So take your time and commit those words to memory!
Last but not least, while it’s tempting to stay up all night devouring a page-turner, I read something scientific that said sleep is apparently important for your brain and your memory. Or something like that, I can’t remember…
Love and paperbacks,
Literary Lady