Customer Reviews

Committed to Memory: How We Remember and Why We Forget

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Committed to Memory" is pop-science at its best: educational and entertaining. Not just some pseudo-scientific re-hash of ancient mnemonics like "Mega Memory" and so many other memory books out there; this book also preents the latest in legitimate scientific research on how memory works. Reading it provides one of those rare "a-ha" experiences; we are given explanations for facets of memory we all notice, but have seldom taken much time to ponder. Deserves to be a best seller.

This book describes the physiological aspects of memory. However, it does it in a fairly scatterbrained way without continuity between chapters. Also, the information is fairly anecdotal and the science is "dumbed down" significantly. If you're interested in the physiological basis for memory, there are much better books than this. Also, if you're interested in ways to improve your memory (as I was), this is not the book for you.

I've never bothered to review a book on Amazon before, but I truly enjoyed this book and wanted to say so. Rupp's exploration of memory is delightful reading and thoroughly informative, and I loved the quotes she uses liberally throughout. Just a great book on a huge subject.

May I briefly review a review? The Kirkus review rightly points out that some memory techniques are more work than they are worth. This is a shame because it discourages people from learning simple and effective memory methods which have benefited me greatly me all my life. Case in point. The Kirkus review mentions the clumsy phrase used to remember the names of the Seven Dwarfs. Agreed. A much easier way to remember them is with this phrase ("dopey* in this context means not fully aware, nodding off):

Bash a Dopey Doctor and you'll make him Grumpy. Leave and he'll be Happy to fall aSleep if he can stop Sneezing. Make the silly picture in your head and you'll never forget the names of the 7D.

To strengthen the memory,think of bad gas. Spelled this way,using the initials of the 7D in order as shown above: BaDD GHaSS

To initiate the memory, think of Snow White hitting all the dwarves on the head with a cartoon mallet.

Short papers-wide ranges of ideas, concepts and non-linear thinking of the memory and what it means to us physically, biologically, philosophically and emotionally. Invites self reflection and personal questioning. As well as seeding the desire to own a Planaria farm.