Book Chat - CLOSED by original moderator discussion

Hey guys!

I have just finished reading 'The Art of Learning' by Josh Waitzkin, which I was very excited about as I thought, if I can nail how to learn, I can do anything.. However on finishing it, I can't say I've taken away much from it. That's not much to do with the book, more that I just end up forgetting what I read very quickly, and don't end up contemplating on the key learnings enough.



Do you guys use any tools or apps to help you remember what you read? I have been thinking of a method of writing down a couple of questions at the end of each chapter, forcing myself to go back and think about the key points of the chapter. Wondering if there's anything out there like that already, or any other useful tools/apps?



Thanks!

At age 56 I’m resigned to the fact that I will forget much of what I read. In fact, I always have. There is a wonderful Billy Collins poem on this very subject called “Forgetfulness”—it’s easily found online. We forgetful ones aren’t alone!

I try to write down my impressions / review within a day or so of finishing the book. I might keep a piece of paper in the book as a bookmark, and also as a place to jot notes, or if there are passages I want to quote.

Nayan wrote: "Hey guys!

I have just finished reading 'The Art of Learning' by Josh Waitzkin, which I was very excited about as I thought, if I can nail how to learn, I can do anything.. However on finishing it..."

I usually keep the books I need to write reviews for next to my pc until I've written the review....

Sometimes, if they are due back, I keep the check-out slip...

Unfortunately there have been times, I have read something entirely & totally forgettable, and then when perusing the library come across it again & think: "Oh this sounds good", only to find after reading it, hating it, & attempting to review it; GR says "You're already read this. Do you want to review it again?"

Ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

Christopher wrote: "At age 56 I’m resigned to the fact that I will forget much of what I read. In fact, I always have. There is a wonderful Billy Collins poem on this very subject called “Forgetfulness”—it’s easily fo..."

Thanks, I'll check that poem out! Although I don't want to resign myself to forgetting ideally!

Book Concierge wrote: "I try to write down my impressions / review within a day or so of finishing the book. I might keep a piece of paper in the book as a bookmark, and also as a place to jot notes, or if there are pass..."

That's a great idea to have notes on your bookmark.

Would you consider using an app that gave you 3-5 brief specific questions at the end of each chapter? It would then collate your answers at the end of the book to give you a summary

Nayan wrote: "Would you consider using an app that gave you 3-5 brief specific questions at the end of each chapter? It would then collate your answers at the end of the book to give you a summary ..."

I don't use an e-reader, nor do i have a smart phone, so apps are useless to me. But this sounds like a good idea.

Kimberly, I’ve definitely had the experience a few times of not remembering that I’ve read a given book, though generally I get a quarter or a third of the way through and realize that it’s beginning to seem oddly familiar.

A more painful version of this is buying a book that looks good and then going home to discover the same book already sitting on my bookshelf.

Book Concierge wrote: "Nayan wrote: "Would you consider using an app that gave you 3-5 brief specific questions at the end of each chapter? It would then collate your answers at the end of the book to give you a summary ..."

Many hardcovers that are meant for book-groups also have the discussion questions in the back... But I ignore them!

hey guys....I'm new to the group so I just wanted to say Hi.

For the topic, if I can keep the book I annotate to help me remember what I read.

However, I did just start a book tube channel to do reviews, so that will be one tool/documentation going forward.

Shaquanna wrote: "hey guys....I'm new to the group so I just wanted to say Hi.

For the topic, if I can keep the book I annotate to help me remember what I read.

However, I did just start a book tube channel to d..."

Welcome Shaquanna:

I have friends who annotate their books.... being a Librarian I gasp in horror! I prefer to use slips of paper w/ annotations on them!

Responding to chats or on social media, using them as examples and citations in school writings or building a small excel sheet or word doc. But often times I keep the lists small until I re-pace myself. Am I reading books or am I looking for something to remember. Reading a book does not require remembering the title and author unless you set it aside and use it for a purpose. And immediately ask yourself now that I've done this will I treat every book I read the same way, as to my original purpose? Chances are if you don't feel for a book independently you'll find yourself overloaded and card cataloging books instead of embracing the moment.