How to Change a Memory: One Neuroscientist’s Quest to Alter the Past

by Steve Ramirez

Genres: Science, Neuroscience, Nonfiction, Psychology

256 pages, Hardcover

Published November 4, 2025

Reviews

[Cara Ravasio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm certainly biased, because I already know the wonderful person Steve is, but this was a very earnest, raw, and entertaining account of Dr. Ramirez's amazing scientific work and his moving experience working through the grief of his close friend and scientific partner's passing.
We need more scientists like Steve who are dedicated to open collaboration, communication, and motivated by the hope that their work will make the world a better place rather than their own egos.

[Ossama · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been collecting memory books for years (Schacter, Kandel, Squire) and this one hit differently.
Ramirez's work is something I've cited in my own research, so I was familiar with the headline findings: memories can be turned on with light, false memories can be implanted, positive memory reactivation can have therapeutic effects. Reading about these experiments in context, though, reminded me why I got into this field.

The book moves between hard neuroscience and deeply personal narrative without ever feeling forced.
But the emotional core is the relationship with Xu Liu. Their partnership, their shared excitement, and later Ramirez's grief transforms this from a science book into something more profound.

If you work in memory research, this is essential reading. If you're just curious about how your brain creates and reconstructs your past, this will change how you think about yourself.

[Craig Werner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A winning book that combines a clear summary of the development of the part of neuroscience focusing on the mechanics of memory with the story of how Ramirez, the son of immigrants from El Salvador, followed the path to his own breatkthrough research. Much of that story has to do with his profound working and personal relationship with Chinese neuroscientist Xu Liu, whose tragic death was an immense loss to Ramirez and the field of research.

As is the case with most of the popular (which is to say non-technical) science books I read, I would have liked a bit more detail about the neuroscience at some points, but more than with most, the personal story and the scientific story reenforce each other, so the narrative never really feels like a digression.

On the scientifc level, the book focuses on just how we can create, suppress or change memories in ways that point (as Ramirez acknowledges) into the strange turf charted by science fiction writers like Philip K. Dick. Ramirez is basically hopeful that the dystopian scenarios are less likely than those that offer the hope for effective treatements of trauma, depression and anxiety. Whatever your feelings about those issues, How to Change a Memory will provide you with a clearer sense of what memory is and how it works.

[Rayfes Mondal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good interweaving of Steve's personal story and relationship with Xu and the account of the pioneering work they've done with regards to how memories work in the brain. There is promise (and danger as with any powerful technology) in learning how to manipulate memories. This book is a good reminder of why science and scientific thinking is important but also that its performed by humans and isn't a dry subject. As a child of immigrant parents I also appreciate Steve's family history.

I personally bring up positive memories from my past when passing time and I think it makes me a happier person.

[Karli Sherwinter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really thought his live lecture was so much more interesting than this book. There was something about the way this book was organized that did not appeal to me. I appreciate his candor about his personal life, and especially his relationship with his mentor, Xu. I do hope his research will lead to more direct treatments that can help people suffering from PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Not that we will erase memories, but that we can create new neural pathways of resilience that can help strengthen our brain’s ability to overcome mental illness.

[Miles Holcomb]

Just won a giveaway copy- thank you! Can’t wait to receive the book and write a review :)

[Nicolette Ponzo · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting information in a narrative way, not bad. I listened to the audiobook read by the author and I have to admit, I think it was worse that way. I found his reading a bit dull.

[Emre Güneş · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kitabın kapağında yazdığı gibi elimden bırakamadım. Bir dostluk hikayesi ile bilimin hatıraları dönüştürme sürecine aynı anda şahit olmak çok güzeldi.