Total Memory Workout: 8 Easy Steps to Maximum Memory Fitness

by Cynthia R. Green

About one in a million adults has a photographic memory--that is, the ability to remember anything they've seen. But it's reassuring when Total Memory Workout notes that even people with photographic memories don't remember everything; they can forget a name as easily as anyone else. That's the truth about memory, Green says: Everyone has to work at it, and this eight-part memory-fitness program will make anyone better at remembering. Green is founder and director of the Memory Enhancement Program at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, and she explains in layman's language how memory works, why it sometimes doesn't, and how it can be improved. Along the way, she debunks some popular ideas about memory, noting that by simply exercising you can get benefits that equal those attributed to the nutritional supplement gingko biloba, and that there's nothing about aging that inherently impairs memory.

The drills she prescribes are a lot of fun too. For example, in the first chapter, she demonstrates how "working" memory functions by having you look at a number and then quickly look away and try to recall it. The numbers progress from 4 digits to 12. (If you can recall the 12-digit number after glancing at it, you probably don't need this book.) Then she demonstrates long-term memory by having you write down the names of all 50 states, something you probably haven't attempted since grade school.

Green suggests mastering one chapter a week, and completing them in order. But she also acknowledges that many readers will jump right to Step 7: How to Remember the People You Meet. At least one of the seven techniques she presents in that chapter should be immediately useful at your next social gathering. ("John! What an interesting name. My favorite uncle was named John....") --Lou Schuler

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Self Help

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 31, 1999

Reviews

[Jinky · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're a regular to this blog, you know that I'm queen of forgetfulness so I thought I'd do something about it. Hence, I browsed the nonfiction aisle late last month in the library and this book jumped at me. It was a quick read for a nonfiction. It was outlined quite nicely so it was easy to skim as well. But was it informative? Sure. It contained simple-practical tricks to memory building, addressed factors that decrease or enhance memory, and much more.

Did it help me? Hmm, I didn't take notes so I don't recall the exact steps therefore I can't say I'm exercising all to build memory muscle that the book outlined. BUT, I did take out something that stuck and the part of memory that concerned me most (involving daily habits; not concerned about having to memorize a poem or such). Basically, I learned to be conscious about being focused and to have a specific physical/mental place for certain things I don't want to forget. That's all, you ask? Baby steps .. reading one book will not magically cure me of forgetfulness. Yet, just from that I have noticed that I'm a little more focused or notice when I wasn't. Plus, I haven't lost my keys in awhile. :)

In short, this book is a good outline for self-help and I believe that the reader can find something useful and specific to his/her memory concerns.

Jinky is Reading

[Mostafa]

very good

[Jennie]

so far, so good

[Jacqueline Masumian · Rating 2 out of 5]

A rather silly book with suggestions for learning and remembering random information. Some good tips on remembering names, though.

[Nupur Vanderlick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is actually very good book. It takes you through 8 weeks of exercises to strengthen your mind.