Have you ever found yourself annoyed or discouraged by not being able to remember something?
In Remember: The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting, neuroscientist Lisa Genova argues that forgetting is an essential part of being human.
Genova helps readers understand the importance of paying attention and offers tips for remembering things. She explains the “tip of the tongue” phenomenon, and why even our most clear memories may be inaccurate. She argues for increasing our sleep and decreasing our stress. She guides readers through the difference between normal memory loss and Alzheimer’s.
And she encourages readers not to engage in “memory battle”:
By not engaging in blame or battle with your memory when it forgets, as it inevitably will, you’ll feel calmer and less stressed. And less chronic stress is good for your memory and, like gratitude, your overall well-being … Having a remarkable memory doesn’t guarantee happiness or success.
The book is divided into three sections: how we remember, why we forget, and improve or impair. Informal quizzes are scattered throughout the book. It’s a fun and fairly quick book to read straight through—or hop around to whatever subjects catch your interest.
And next time you can’t remember where you left your car keys, give yourself a little grace. We all forget things!
Here with you,
Laura
