The Complete Guide to Memory: The Science of Strengthening Your Mind

by Richard Restak

A RENOWNED BRAIN EXPERT SHARES THE SIMPLE TRICKS THAT WILL FUTURE-PROOF YOUR MEMORY

Memory gets worse with age - right? A fact of life. But what if we told you that wasn't necessarily true? That memory decline isn't inevitable.

In The Complete Guide to Memory , renowned neurologist and bestselling author Dr Richard Restak distils the wisdom of an entire career into a one-stop guide to the science of memory. Drawing on cutting-edge neuroscience, case studies, famous anecdotes and more, he offers tips and tricks for anyone who wants to strengthen their memory, protect themselves from diseases like Alzheimer's and think smarter.

Learn how to boost your memory through techniques

- Mind mapping and making lists.
- Reading more novels than non-fiction.
-'Chunking' several pieces of information together to make them easier to remember.
- Choosing manual methods over technological solutions like phones and GPS.

Packed full of information for anyone curious about the power of their memory, this is the only guide you need to train your memory and make it stronger.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Psychology, Health, Self Help, Neuroscience, Mental Health

Hardcover

Published February 9, 2023

About the author

Richard M. Restak M.D. is an award-winning neuroscientist, neuropsychiatrist and writer. The best-selling author of nineteen acclaimed books about the brain, he has also penned dozens of articles for a variety of publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and USA Today. A fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, the American Academy of Neurology, and the American Neuropsychiatric Association, he lives and practices in Washington, D.C.

Reviews

[D.J. Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read books about the brain often because I find the brain fascinating and because Alzheimer's runs in my family. Before I even requested this ARC from NetGalley, I researched author Restak -- this would be Dr. Restak, well-known neurologist and neuropsychiatrist, professor, and author of many books. Restak and his book did not disappoint me.

The book is grounded solidly in research, but it is not difficult to read. I like knowing where various thoughts, memories, and actions originate in the specific parts of the brain. I know other readers do not. Restak occasionally names the various parts of the brain; however, he does not do it every time. His research is current (as current as one's publication dates allow) because I know of some of the researchers and their research discussed in this book (e.g. Alia Crum).

What did I feel Restak brought to the table? Research into memory and the brain is an absolute must have, yet I can get that from podcasts. Restak weaves together historical background, quotes from literary fiction, and case studies into his research with descriptive and imaginative language -- all of which applies what has been learned thus far about memory. Included in the chapters are practical exercises and ideas to try. My husband and I both took the "Is My Memory Functioning Normally" quiz.

I read this comprehensive book from June 1 to June 5, ending up with 37 bookmarks. I need the actual book in my hands and on my bookshelves, so I will be purchasing my own physical copy. Thanks to NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing for this ARC.

[Writemoves · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a badly needed book for me personally. At 70, I have memory issues, mainly forgetting someone’s name or being unable to remember the correct term or word. I fear dementia as I get older after seeing what my mother experienced before she died. I was looking for exercises and insights into improving my memory and this book provides it. Excellent tips on exercise, diet, and naps to improve your cognitive skills.

Some notes from the book...

Pictures are easier to commit to memory than words. This is based on the fact that the brain wasn’t designed for reading words; reading doesn’t come naturally. We have to be taught how to read, while we require no instruction to form mental images of the objects and people around us.

We now know that memory depends on associations rather than single words. Each word has to be put in context and associated with other words or phrases in order to form a memory for later retrieval. So your best chance of remembering is to enlist the brain’s powers of association.

Another highly effective technique for improving your memory is to keep retesting yourself on the material you want to remember. Even after you have learned something, your long-term memory for it will be strengthened if you repeatedly challenge yourself to recall it again and again.

Fiction, on the other hand, requires the reader to proceed from beginning to end while retaining in working memory the various characters and plot developments.

Incidentally, I have noticed over my years as a neurologist and neuropsychiatrist that people with early dementia, as one of the first signs of the encroaching illness, often stop reading fiction.

For some reason, our brain is better at recalling losses and failings rather than positive experiences.

Naps too exert a positive influence on memory. Naps lasting anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour and a half have been shown to increase later recall for information encoded prior to the nap.

The key to successful napping is waking up more empowered than you felt before the nap.

Dark chocolate enhances episodic memory.

This serves as another reminder that anything that gets one up and about and focuses attention, however briefly, will prove beneficial. At the deepest level, physical activity of any sort promotes synaptic and cognitive resilience.

[Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from Skyhorse via Edelweiss+. I was delighted to see this on their platform as I have been looking for a memory book that I can recommend to clients in my psychological testing practice. This book exceeded all expectations for what I could have wanted in a book on memory.

I found this book absolutely fascinating. The author does a great job of reviewing the history of memory, both how it has been conceptualized and studied differently over time. I especially appreciated how approachable the material was. The book is clearly grounded in research but not in a difficult to read way. Information is distilled to essential concepts presented in an easy to understand manner. Dr. Restak provides just enough information without being overwhelming. There are enough case studies to be interesting but not enough to be bored. Graphics are used sparingly but in an appropriate fashion.

The most valuable part of the book relates to the exercises Dr. Restak provides to help readers improve various forms of memory. The exercises are simple, yet challenging. Of the challenges I’ve tried to far my favorite has been the n-back challenge. I am looking forward to trying them all.

Overall, as a licensed psychologist who works with clients with memory concerns, I cannot recommend this book enough. When this book is published in early July I will be purchasing a copy for myself and recommending this to many past and future clients.

[LeastTorque · Rating 1 out of 5]

Looking for science, got anecdotes.

[Jude Rizzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably 3.5. It included some memory enhancement exercises which are helpful but not necessarily what I was looking for but that’s on me. That said, it did have some information on the science behind memory storage and recall capacity which fit more of my expectations.

[Dr. Dima · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book presents a scientific guide to memory that covers a range of topics from our historical understanding of memory to memory improvement aids and techniques.⁣
⁣
The author starts by presenting questions and answers for common memory worries, and in the 2nd chapter, he reviews our understanding of memory over time. Chapter 3 (one of my favourite chapters) delves into types of memory and a range of topics including working memory (and its relation with intelligence), chunking, hyper- and hypo-phantasia, the Zeigarnik effect, and exercises and tools to challenge memory. Chapter 4 briefly explains how memory works and its relation to language and consciousness. Chapter 5 (another one of my favourite chapters) describes different memory problems, such as amnesia, disturbances in facial recognition, and many more. In Chapter 6, the author discusses social topics, including collective memories and memory wars and laws. And the final chapter covers memory aids such as drugs, sleep, coffee, diet, and exercise.⁣
⁣
The book is well-written but some places were a letdown for me. I found the history part going back to ancient times too detailed and boring (I'd recommend "𝘔𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘌𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘪𝘯" for a more engaging historical perspective). The author also digresses towards the end with a political discussion about memory wars and laws. Furthermore, some sections, such as those on drugs and physical exercise, were overly simplified (I was expecting more science from an MD author). The book also lacks an index and has a very limited list of references. ⁣
⁣
Now to the pros, the book builds a good understanding of how memory works and ways to improve it, especially for general readers. It offers valuable insights regarding information processing and illustrates science using anecdotes and real-life stories. The book also includes engaging and challenging exercises that aim to strengthen memory (my favourite is the N-Back game), and concludes with a helpful "Postscript" with takeaways and 20 suggestions for memory improvement.⁣
⁣
Overall, an accessible, practical, and engaging book that I’ll definitely keep and read again.⁣

[Shane Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any type of book that relates to how to improve your brain is always something I am interested in. I went to school for gerontology, ultimately because I was always fascinated in how the brain work as we age. Being able to read this book on how we are able to generate memories based off the time, where we were, who we are with etc is something I feel like everyone would be curious in reading about. This book shows you how to improve your memory so if you're someone like me who has goldfish memory, this is one to pick up. Hopefully the lessons in this book stick with me and I apply it to my everyday routine lol .

This is most likely something I would add to my shelf therefore when this book gets published,

Thank you NetGalley, Skyhorse Publishing and Richard Restak for the ARC

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not what I thought it was going to be. It's mainly a summary - a poorly written summary - of the study of memory. He goes into excruciating detail about lots of memory studies performed over the years. I wanted to learn specifics about how to strengthen my memory to help combat the risk of Alzheimers. Instead, this book is more about how to strengthen your memory for school assignments. At the end he does mention the obvious things people can do to keep their memory strong - get enough sleep, don't drink a bunch of booze, eat a nutritious diet blah blah blah. Nothing we don't all already know. I read the first 50 pages and then skimmed the rest.

[Eduardo Santiago]

Disappointing, but I'm not going to rate it because I did get a few important reminders, most particularly the need to stick with N-Back: I sort of drifted away from practicing it a few years ago, then picked it back up in response to this book and, yeah... I better make it a habit again.

What really bugs me is that he's heavy on anecdote, light on solid data. Two examples: for remembering numbers he introduces and recommends a system of his own invention instead of the canonical Major system; and although he acknowledges the aphantasia spectrum, many of his recommendations for memory systems are "this is what I use", and are visualization-based. No references to published research, no accommodations for different types of memory.

Short and easy to read, and reinforces the Sleep well, Eat well, Exercise well mantra, and has other useful info so sure, if you find a copy go ahead and read it, but don't go out of your way to find it.

[Jodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were parts I enjoyed, but a lot of it is about using your minds eye. And mine is pretty much blind. But there were other bits I found useful or interesting. It was sometimes interesting, other times dense.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually quite enjoyed this book! And learned that perhaps my memory is not as bad as I think. (Many minor lapses and small bouts of forgetfulness are quite normal.) Memory, like other qualities, requires practice -- strength training, if you will. Often one forgets if one didn't pay attention in the first place. Stay present and *try* to remember; when that intentional encoding takes place, coupled with reinforcement over time, the memory becomes cemented. Memories are also susceptible to manipulation -- one would be surprised at how many false memories were believed to be real, just by showing the person a photograph or telling them as much. (Cue Orwellian fears of propaganda, collective societal manipulation). Memories are also tied to identity -- think Alzheimer's -- without a memory of one's past, imagination about one's future -- at what point are you no longer yourself?

P.S. -- Napping, fiction novels, and dark chocolate are approved!
(This book truly reignited my interest in fiction; while for so long, particularly after law school, I lost interest in fiction because I loathed the opportunity cost in missing out on learning something "real," I lost sight of the real value of fiction. But imagining in the mind's eye a fictional universe, paying attention to plot devices, characters, and interactions -- it is a real exercise in working memory. Not to mention, I've enjoyed the escape much more than I realized I would. Thanks, Restak!

___

Reading novels, incidentally, provides an especially helpful exercise in working memory. Why is fiction preferred over non-fiction? Because nonfiction works are often organized in ways that allow the reader to skip around a bit according to personal interests and previous familiarity with the subject. Fiction, on the other hand, requires the reader to proceed from beginning to end while retaining in working memory the various characters and plot developments.

The automated performance of procedural memory provides both promise and peril. Once something has been practiced and learned to the extent that conscious awareness isn't necessary, introducing conscious awareness can prove an extreme liability. Once you've learned that new dance step, you better resist the temptation to further improve it by becoming aware of your feet movements, lest you segue from a smooth operator to a clumsy klutz.

The take-home message from the Forgotten Baby Syndrome and the bus driver’s near catastrophic experience is that you should be wary whenever you are deviating from your usual routine. At such times, monitor yourself, lest your procedural memory routines take over. Think of procedural memory and the habits thus formed as a default state. If you don't self monitor, you'll do what you've always done previously. This can lead to unexpected and unnecessarily tragic disasters. Be alert to this potential memory peril.

Memories can be altered to include different details, depending on the motivation of those suggesting we remember things in ways discordant with how they really happened. Unfortunately, we have to live with the fact that our brain is constructed in such a way as to be a susceptible to mistaken perceptions and the expression of false information. But by increasing our memory power, we can counteract this.

While a picture may be worth a thousand words, it may also result in grievous distortions. As with my parrot-on-the-balcony experience, a picture can be modified to produce a deep fake, depicting us in situations that never occurred. Since memories are fragile, they can be modified by influences exerted by technological devices and other people.

In 2002, according to a Washington Post poll, 55% of America said the country had changed for the better in response to September 11, 2001. Ten years later, in 2011, we were roughly divided on this question. Today, nearly half (46%) believe the events of 9/11 changed our country for the worse, while only 33% say September 11, 2001 changed the country for the better. Some commentators, like New York Times colonist James Poniewozik, attempt to provide an explanation for this alteration in our historical memory: “The attacks set off a chain of action and changes—military quagmires, suspicion, and racism at home, the loss of trusted institutions—that demagogues used to undermine democracy, and that fulfilled Osama bin Laden's goal of dividing and weakening America.”

Disagreements about how past events should be interpreted and incorporated into our current memory become further complicated by misinformation campaigns aimed at modifying perceptions of present events and thereby affect how these events will be remembered.

Fighting falsehood with falsehood adversely affects not only current interpretations of world affairs, but more to the point, it affects the ways these false perceptions will influence how we will remember past events. If this sounds like the description of a war, welcome to the world of memory wars, and their inevitable sequel, memory laws.

Quote from a 19th century confusion scholar: “To destroy a country, you must first eradicate history.”

Our collective memory, just like our individual memory, can be subtly altered by enforced agendas. Whatever version of history you were exposed to in school and media, if accepted, will become your memory. To this extent, memory is hostage to whatever we're willing to accept as true. This is especially perilous if someone is exerting subtle pressure on us to favor one interpretation of history rather than another. Our acceptance of their interpretation will form the basis of our future memory. That's why we have to remain all the more astute at evaluating and asking ourselves how we will remember and what we wish to remember about our collective past, especially given current political and social forces and altering our views and, by implication, our memories.

Memory is very much like physical attributes, such as strength, endurance, and agility. Like them, a superior memory requires practice.

Memory is a natural extension of attention. Just by attending to something, you increase your chances of remembering it.

Along with attention, concentration and imagination formed the three key elements in establishing a memory.

Strengthening your memory lead leads to an increase in crystallized intelligence—the intelligence that isn't affected by aging.

Working memory is the most important memory type. It is linked to intelligence, concentration, and achievement. Working memory exercises should be hounded daily.

[M Samuell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive overlap of science and theory.

Let's face it: our key comprehension of the brain in relation to memory has not changed much in the last several centuries. While we are continuing to grow our understanding, the founding principles remain largely the same.

From ancient philosophers to Freud, 'The Complete Guide to Memory' breaks down nuggets of theoretical and scientific study into bite-sized synopses with real-life examples for application. In doing so, Richard Restak is not telling the reader which philosophies are inherently correct or incorrect. Instead, he is highlighting the benefits of multiple approaches to the study of memory so that you can decide what may or may not work best for you.

What does this mean for you and your ailing brain?

It means that this book should be treated less like a conversation starter and more like a textbook complete with quizzes. Each chapter has several places where it asks you to stop and practice the methods being discussed, giving it a very engaging workbook feel.

If you are curious to know the nitty gritty on your brain and how to improve your memory: this will be an excellent book for you to purchase and digest slowly. I would even go so far as to suggest making notes as you go. Underline, highlight, keep a journal near by- The Complete Guide to Memory will leave you reeling.

[Thank you to NetGalley and Skyhorse publishing for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]

[John_g · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a well-written summary of many brain functions. Its difficult sections are quick and interesting. But to really help us improve memory, it was less helpful than interesting. Lots in the text is of scientific interest, and rightfully limited to good advice like "the antidote to choking is to Plan tight, play loose." But advice is given in a few examples, like memorizing various lists, not in a thorough program. Maybe short is better. Compare this to Daniel Amen's video courses, which more emphasize the how-to.

Memory and language are related functions, he should explain how. I'd never heard the usage "secondary to" to mean "caused by" (medical jargon?) but he repeats this odd phrase 13x. And when do we finish the task of memorizing? His "completed" task thesis is that thinking is followed by a period of absorbing tasks before finishing (the task of memorizing). He isn't very clear on when we finish, saying taking a nap suspends completion and promotes memorizing.

It's good to know that "our brain is better at recalling losses and failings rather than positive experiences." Feels that way to me.

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0 STARS

“Are those peaches fresh?”

How and why do I remember that question?? It was in the early 80’s, when my wife and I were 20-somethings with very little money, spending some vacation time on the coast of southern New Hampshire. Some of the details are sketchy but I recall we were in line at a road side ice cream stand which was serving Friendly’s Ice Cream. We were next in line behind the older women at the window, who contemplated the peach ice cream and asked, “Are those peaches fresh?” I recall watching the teenager behind the counter, employed for the summer, squirming for a reply. We snickered at the notion of mass-produced ice cream featuring fresh fruit, and laugh about it to this day!

How can I remember such an inconsequential and innocuous experience when over four decades later, often I can’t remember what I had for dinner the previous evening? Now I know thanks to this book!

While on parental watch as Mom and Dad steadily decline in the throes of dementia and Alzheimer’s, The Complete Guide to Memory: The Science of Strengthening Your Mind was mentioned on NPR and I had to explore!

Part college text book, part self help guide complete with brain games and memory exercises, and part medical reference manual steeped in social commentary, Richard Restak takes the reader through years of research and scientific observation to arrive at fun and easy ways to exercise your mind and maintain memory. Like the physical body, the mind works best when repeatedly engaged and challenged. But so many other factors come into play, which explains why I can remember the peaches question.

FACE
VELVET
CHURCH
DAISY
RED

One of the exercises; I remembered!

What I find so extraordinary is the affect technology and distraction have on our memory. I have sensed this for many years, especially considering the explosion of social media addiction. Richard Restak validates my sense of the digital world we live in. Why remember anything when you have Google at your fingertips?

Our brains are better at recalling losses and failings rather than positive experiences. Feel and sound familiar?

If our memories are who we are, who are we when our memory fails?

Lots of very interesting and thought-provoking observations, concepts, and ideas about memory in this book, delivered in a very approachable and easily digested format.

Give it a read!

[Gregory Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Memory - all alone in the moonlight.
I have always felt pretty good about my memory and would like to keep it that way as I age. Memory does deteriorate as we get older but nowadays 60 is the new 50 (or is it 40?) so we need to exercise our memory muscles as well as our abs and biceps! This book provides an overview of how the brain works (semi-technical) but, more importantly, what we can all do to keep ourselves sharp.

Restak very helpfully provides a number of dos and don'ts to help maintain our memory's function. Some are pretty obvious and some were counterintuitive to me. Of course, one of the keys is to pay attention - easier said than done when the subject matter is not fun. I was surprised that reading fiction is a good thing to do. He notes that people tend to switch to non-fiction when their encounter memory difficulties. I thought it would be the other way around. Playing games is a good thing to do and something that is enjoyable for most of us (my morning always starts with Wordle!). We should beware of technology - that makes sense to me - but maybe not when I'm reading it on my kindle!

Did I learn much ? Well, I can't really remember! Actually, I enjoyed the anecdotal parts of the book more than the denser technical elements related to the anatomical details. That said, the section where he details the science behind dendrites and how we gradually lose recollection of certain things was interesting. I imagine I will read more fiction as a result of his comments in this area - but otherwise I just need to concentrate harder when listening to stuff I don't really care about (but should). Our memory works in various ways (e.g. working memory, sensory memory etc) and retains different types of thoughts for the short term (the phone number of an acquaintance) or long term (my wife's birthday) but hopefully being more aware will help me remember things as age takes its inevitable toll.

[Selena · Rating 4 out of 5]

First thing to note is this is a 'complete' guide. If you are just expecting a quick list of tips and tricks for memory improvement, this is rather more than that! Restak draws on an impressive career's worth of expertise. The book starts with an engaging quiz, introducing us to many of the different types of memory loss and how serious (or not) these are. There's a short history of work around memory starting from ancient times. Then we get into the detail of how memory works, how memories are formed and retrieved and what can happen when things go wrong. It's through this that we can understand why suggested exercises will help and why.

This isn't a long read but builds a solid understanding of memory. There are plenty of really interesting case studies to illustrate the use of different types of memory and memory loss. People able to demonstrate amazing feats of memory. At the other end of the scale, moving stories of those not able to remember at all or make new memories and the affect this has on them and their loved ones.

There's also discussions around how memory can change and be changed. This leads to a fascinating section on collective memory, false information and technology. It strays into Orwell's Ministry of Truth from 1984!

There are some diagrams in the book but I felt it could have done with some illustrations when discussing the different parts of the brain and the role they play in memory. Also, this is obviously written from an American viewpoint (this often shows in examples used - remembering US presidents, thoughts about 9/11, etc) but this is still a useful book for anyone. Overall, a good grounding in the subject and useful pointers around exercises and lifestyle changes that can help. The sooner you start with these, the better! So all in all, a 3.7 from me.

Many thanks to the publisher for providing a reading copy.

[Robbie Wilson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Quite a weak book in my opinion. The title gives the impression that this book will help give you guides and useful activities to improve your memory.

Instead, most of the book is about case studies and experiences of the neruoscientist writer. It reads like a Oliver Sacks book, which is fine if it was advertised as a stories and neuroscience of memory book. But it's not.

The 'guides' to strengthening your mind are few and are loosely scattered through the book. The meat of the book, the bit best matching the title, appears in the final ten pages in the last chapter.

If you're looking for a Man Who Mistook His Wife For a Hat style book, then this is for you. If instead, you're looking to improve your memory, well... I can't remember what I was going to say 😉

[Kerr · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a reference, The Complete Guide to Memory is a tersely written and very informative work on the current science of memory. As a practical guide to strengthening one's memory, it provides some good initial guidance, though falls short of being "complete". I also found the many typographical and basic grammar errors distracting. A work this short and on this topic should be relatively devoid of these issues. There are plenty of good jumping off points for deeper research though. If one combines this book with the myriad websites, apps, or other relevant works available, I feel The Complete Guide to Memory deserves a spot on the shelf.

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I had read Buzan's memory books I didn't expect to learn much from this guy. I went to him because my wife sent me a link to an essay by him in the NY Times. He said that a person like me with bad memory skills would not like fiction of books or movies because they could not recall well enough to track and understand the fictional characters. I had the same problem reading essays of naval history, so fiction is not the only thing I struggled with.

He was very rewarding to read, examining the different aspects of memory from super function to sanity issues.

[Lisa Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book for two main reasons. First, it was engaging. I enjoyed the stories and case studies. It isn’t super dry.
Second, there are several exercises of various kinds detailed in the book. Plenty to try.

The only thing that kept me from 5 stars was that the author kind of went off on a tangent at the end about cultural issues like technology and memory laws. Interesting stuff but a bit off topic.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ironically, I remember very little about this book, even though I finished it just a short time ago. That, of course, is partly due to my less-than-stellar memory!…but also due to the book’s lack of truly useful takeaway information.

What I did appreciate, though, was the book’s exhortation to treat the memory like a muscle—practicing with it regularly to strengthen and sharpen one’s abilities.

Overall: an interesting but largely forgettable (!) read.

[River Rhude · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very well written and informative, I will definitely be coming back to it. It shares science backed views of how human memory works, what different types of memories are and how they interact and intersect, the (Western recorded) history of memory, the science and perils of forgetting, how memory and identity are intrinsically linked, and of course ways to improve one’s memory in different forms. The repeated message is that memory is a skill that can be understood and strengthened at any point in life, by anyone. Read this book to better understand and deepen yourself.

[Mike Sheehan · Rating 2 out of 5]

In the introduction to the paperback version of this book, I found four instances of grammatical errors and dropped sentences. Perhaps it is just my copy, but it would appear that the author or the publisher(Lightning Source UK Ltd) didn't employ an editor prior to its release.
Certainly doesn't inspire confidence that the contents are as noteworthy as everyone claims.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I heard Mr. Restak interviewed probably on NPR or some other radio program, and thought it would be interesting to read his book. While it is well-written, I didn't get much out of it that was new or unusual in strengthening one's memory.

An entertaining read ... just don't expect any hugely innovative ways to keep your memory sharp.

[Adayla]

Didn't finish. First 50 pages or so were really interesting. I liked reading about the history of different theories about memory through time. Started to lose interest about page 100 as it gets really technical. Shares a lot of techniques to remember things better and how the brain works. Didn't appeal to me enough at the moment. (Not rating because left unfinished.)

[Salvo Fedele]

ottima presentazione sul Guardian di oggi 17/8/22
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2...

[Carl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hoping that this would be more entertaining; it's actually more scientific and educational. That's not bad, but I think the author has some interesting things to say about how memory works and how to maintain a healthy and strong memory.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Complete is accurate, this book covers everything from definitions to pathology to strategies. I teach a memory class at the local senior center and got some very helpful information for the class. This book seems mostly geared to people in their 30s but anyone can benefit from it.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really interesting look at how memory works and what could happen when it fails. It even includes a few ideas for how to improve working memory that I plan to try, and possibly even bring into my classroom.

[Rob B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing particularly groundbreaking in this book and a lot of emphasis on visual memory and techniques requiring images, sounds and smells.

Completely glosses over things like aphantasia too, choosing instead to mention hypophantasia and being able to train to visualise (not everyone can)