I'm trying to find a short sci-fi story I read over 10 years ago that I barely remember. It may have involved some or all of the following: bicycle repair, ripe banana smelling bacteria used as deodorant and anti-libido medication. [more inside]
posted by jrishel on Nov 19, 2009 - 7 answers

I'm strugging to come to terms with the fact that I've read such a seemingly extraordinary number of books yet seem to remember so very little. The obvious answer is to apply oneself more rigidly, in future, to study; to take notes and review them, etc. However, I really don't feel like writing extensive plot summaries every time I read a book, neither does this help me deal with the very distressing realisation that I don't know as much as I should do. [more inside]
posted by Zé Pequeno on Jun 5, 2008 - 22 answers

How can I remember more of what I read? [more inside]
posted by zenpop on May 30, 2008 - 21 answers

Do I have an abnormally acute visual memory? Or can a lot of people do this? [more inside]
posted by nathancaswell on Jan 23, 2007 - 42 answers

What do you retain and gain from casual reading? I was just looking over my mostly non-fiction bookshelf and a few questions came over me. Of all the hours I have spent reading all of this, how much have I really retained? I look back on books I have read and can remember the premise and theme, but as far as recalling all or even some of the many arguments, anecdotes, etc. included within the book, I don't have a clue. Do I have a incredibly bad 'reading' memory or is this a common occurence. And what am I really gaining from all of these hours spent reading if I have a scant recollection of it all? Am I being entertained in the moment? Becoming subconsiously wiser? Most of what I have read about intelligent reading seems too rigourous for a lazy sunday afternoon in the hammock. How can I remember what I read and extract the most value?
posted by jasondigitized on Dec 4, 2005 - 21 answers

Is there any disadvantage in terms of long-term retention of information when studying off of a computer display, as opposed to studying from notes on paper? [more inside]
posted by Brian James on Oct 27, 2005 - 18 answers