Let us talk about a common problem that most readers face. How to remember what they read?
1. Pick the Book that you are most curious about.
I always have hundreds of books on my ‘To Read’ list. But my next book is always the one that intrigues me the most. When you are curious you have many questions you want answered, which means your brain is prepared to accept and store related information. This active, unforced participation of the brain cells results in enhanced comprehension and retention.
2. Read the table of contents and the Preface before you start the book
The preface of a book would help you form an idea of the author’s writing style and most importantly how he plans to explore the topic. Additionally, it might also give you an idea of his worldview.
From the table of contents, you can find the list of sub-topics included in the book and their arrangement. This helps to create a map of the book in your brain and at any point in time you would know where you are, where you have been, and where you are headed. This sense of awareness will give you added focus helping you to retain more information than otherwise.
3. Do Not Speed Read
Rather than develop their understanding most people prefer speed reading. Research, meanwhile, has shown that the faster you read the less you understand.
So quit speed reading. You can be very selective when choosing a book to read. But once you have selected a book, prepare yourself to spend time with it. Give pauses and take breaks to let passages synch into your brain. Think about what you are reading. Question. Argue. Agree. Disagree. Relate. All of this would increase your retention. Re-read any passages you find unclear.
The only times that I would suggest speed reading or even skipping portions is when you feel that the author is being repetitive.
4. Summarize in Your Own Words
Summarize each chapter in your own words. Highlighting is great, but it’s even better when you add your notes explaining why the highlighted section is important to you. At the end of each chapter and the book, try writing a summary that includes both the author’s views and your thoughts. Which parts do you agree or disagree with the author? Which parts do you relate to the most? This active engagement helps you remember the content long after you’ve finished the book.
5. Compile The Notes.
Compile your notes on a single page. I prefer OneNote but you can use any tool that works for you. While compiling you may want to add more text to an existing note. Edit them if needed. Arrange them. Include the chapter and book summaries as well. This revision will help to reinforce the notes in your memory. Plus, these notes will help you whenever you need a refresher. You can quickly glance at your notes and jog your memory.
I hope you list this short checklist. If there are some tips that you follow to remember the information, do share in the comments below.
