Strategies for Retaining Information from Books: A Lifelong Reader’s Perspective

I sometimes read 5 hours or more a day. I live in a nursing home because of health reasons. I love reading and it helps pass the time. I am 71 years old and have been reading since I was four. I cannot claim to remember all the books I read, particularly the vast number of fiction titles that I've encountered over the years. The point of fiction is often to enjoy it rather than retain every detail, but how can one improve their reading habits to remember more?

Organizing and Storing Information

For me, the first step in potentially remembering information from books is organizing and storing it effectively. I maintain two Word documents: one is a list of books I’ve read, and the other is summaries of those books. This process works well for me, as it allows me to easily reference and recall key points. However, I do not claim that this method will work for everyone.

Using Analytical Techniques to Remember Information

Based on the book Super Memory: A Quick Action Program for Memory Improvement by Douglas J. Herrmann, here are some techniques to remember information you’ve read:

Analyze authors as well as their books: Understanding the purpose of the author, whether it’s an expression of fact or opinion, an analysis of a problem, or the advancement of a new idea. Registering: Create an outline with important points from the book. Mentally summarize each paragraph or section after reading it and take notes. Mental Summarization: After reading a paragraph or section, mentally reconstruct the material and check notes for accuracy. Read in a Quiet Place: Find a place free of distractions while reading, and glance at notes occasionally to reinforce your memory. Predict What the Author Will Say: When re-reading material, try to predict what the author will say to reinforce your understanding.

Retaining Information from Fiction and Non-Fiction

Fiction books, being primarily for enjoyment, are often not remembered in detail. I’ve read thousands of books over my lifetime, and while some stand out due to their enduring classic status or personal enjoyment, not every book has a lasting impact on my memory. For classics like Anna Karenina, Brave New World, The Great Gatsby, and Catch-22, my recall tends to be more accurate.

Non-fiction is easier to retain as I read less of it and ponder it more. I particularly enjoy biographies and books on politics, ethics, and sociology. While reading such books, I think about how they compare with my existing knowledge.

If I feel I need to revisit a book that is particularly important, I will purchase it for easy access. In my experience, this method ensures that I can come back to the book for further reflection and analysis without the pressure of having to remember every detail.

Concluding Thoughts

Remembering information from books is a complex process that can vary from person to person. For someone like myself, who reads extensively for pleasure, the goal is to enjoy the reading experience without the added stress of perfect recall. By using analytical techniques and maintaining organized records, one can enhance their memory retention significantly without sacrificing the joy of reading.