Reading and remembering

by John Arthur Passmore

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1942

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short pamphlet takes the ideas from Adler's How to Read a Book, presenting them in shortened form, and then applying the principles to learning from talks or lectures, choosing reading materials, and memorizing materials presented in writing or talks. The most substantive addition to Adler's ideas is about memorizing material. Here the author gives clear ideas for how to best make notes and then use them in an effective review process

However, in general, as the subject moves further from the original source, it becomes vague and at times confusingly structured. For example, in discussing the choice of reading material, determining one's purpose in reading is mentioned as a sub-topic for the circumstance of "choosing from a list" rather than an overarching concern for any choice, and advice about skimming a book when choosing at a library is a continuation of the instructions for skimming a book when choosing from a list, leaving the reader wondering if any meaningful distinction exists between these two choice situations.

The author is clear that this "how-to" book offers tips that will vary in their utility for different students. He urges us to try them out and determine what works for us. With the caveat that some may be too vague to really be capable of testing, it's well worth investing the short time needed to rad this and try any ideas that seem applicable to oneself.