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One of the very best ways to improve yourself is to read widely and pursue knowledge. I’m the kind of person who loves reading, but unfortunately, there are times when I’ll read a book and then a few months later I’ll hardly be able to remember much more than a brief overview of what the book was about. While reading is enjoyable and valuable for its own sake, I’m sure many of you are like me and want to remember as much as you can from your encounters with great books.
Over time, I’ve tried different strategies—some that worked and some that didn’t. What I’ve learned is that a few intentional habits can make a big difference in how well a book sticks with you. You don’t need to be a genius or take obsessive notes. You just need to read a little more purposefully and make small changes that reinforce the ideas you care about. These are the practices that have helped me most in remembering what I read, and I hope they help you too.
Choose books that actually matter to you
There’s a world of difference between reading out of obligation and reading out of interest. If you’re forcing your way through a book because someone recommended it or because it’s “supposed” to be good, your brain won’t latch onto the information in the same way. Instead, focus on choosing books that light you up—topics that make you lean in, stories that make you feel something, or questions you actually care about answering. When you’re personally invested, remembering becomes easier and more automatic.
Read slower than you think you need to
Speed-reading might help you get through more pages, but it usually comes at the cost of depth. Most of the time, we read too quickly—not because we’re in a hurry, but because our mind is already jumping ahead. By intentionally slowing your pace, you give your brain the space it needs to process what you’re reading. You’ll catch nuances you’d otherwise miss, and those little details help solidify your understanding. A slower read is almost always a more thoughtful one, and thoughtful reading leads to better memory.
Take short notes while reading
Writing things down while you read is like leaving breadcrumb trails for your memory. Even something as simple as a sticky note in the margin or a quick bullet point in your Notes app can drastically increase retention. Think of it this way: if something stands out to you enough to write down, it’s probably worth remembering. Plus, when you finish the book, you’ll have a set of personal highlights to look back on without needing to reread the whole thing. Don’t worry about making them perfect—just focus on capturing what resonates.
Use the “teach it back” method
One of the simplest ways to know if you truly understand something is to try explaining it. After reading a section, close the book and summarize it in your own words, as if you were teaching a friend who hasn’t read it. If you struggle, that’s a clue to go back and dig a little deeper. This method works because it forces your brain to do more than just recognize information—it has to retrieve it and repackage it. The extra mental effort makes a big difference in how long the idea sticks with you.
Discuss books with others (even casually)
Talking about what you’re reading doesn’t have to be part of a formal book club to be effective. Just sharing your thoughts over coffee or mentioning an idea in conversation helps move that information from short-term to long-term memory. When we put ideas into words, especially for someone else to understand, it adds another layer of comprehension. You also get the benefit of hearing different perspectives, which can reinforce your own understanding or challenge you to see things in a new way.
Revisit your favorite parts
Don’t treat books like one-time experiences. Some of the richest learning comes from revisiting key sections after you’ve had time to reflect. Whether it’s a quote you underlined, a chapter that hit hard, or a big idea that made you think—go back to it. You’ll likely notice things you missed the first time, and the repetition helps solidify it in your mind. Even skimming your highlights a few weeks later can spark fresh insight and reinforce the memory of what you read.
Apply one thing immediately
There’s something powerful about turning knowledge into action. When you apply something you just read—whether it’s a mindset shift, a practical habit, or a conversation starter—it quickly moves from being an abstract idea to something real in your life. Even small applications help your brain tag the information as useful, which increases the chances you’ll remember it. Ask yourself, “What’s one thing I can actually do with this?” and then do it, even in a tiny way.
Read multiple books in the same theme
Memory works better through connections. If you read three books on entirely unrelated topics, your brain has to store three completely separate sets of ideas. But when you cluster your reading around a central theme—like creativity, parenting, leadership, or health—you start seeing links, patterns, and repeated concepts. Each book reinforces the others. It’s like getting different angles on the same mountain. This makes the ideas more memorable and helps you build a richer understanding over time.
Limit distractions while reading
It’s no secret that focus is essential for memory. If you’re constantly checking your phone or reading while the TV is on in the background, you’re not really absorbing what you’re reading—you’re just glancing at words. Try carving out a quiet space or time in your day to read without distractions. Even 20 minutes of focused reading can do more for your memory than an hour of half-distracted skimming. Protect your attention and your memory will thank you for it.
Treat your reading time as sacred
It’s easy to view reading as a luxury or something to squeeze in when everything else is done. But the best readers treat it as a meaningful, valuable part of their day. If you bring a sense of purpose to your reading time—if you genuinely want to grow, learn, or be changed by what you’re reading—you’ll naturally pay more attention. And when you care, you remember. The mindset you bring to your reading matters just as much as the book itself. So set aside time, create a ritual, and show up fully.
You don’t need to do all ten of these at once. Just try one or two with the next book you pick up and see what changes. Over time, these small habits can transform the way you read—and how much of it you actually keep.
