Your Memory : How It Works and How to Improve It Reviews

• The complete memory book

  
  By A2T28ETOO7OBE on 2000-08-02
  Kenneth Higbee is very direct about his memory book. He writes that he fills in a very specific niche that isn't being filled by current memory books. I think that he is right.

  I have recently read 4 other memory books, Kevin Trudeau's "Mega-Memory", Tony Buzan's "Use Your Perfect Memory", Harry Lorayne's "How to Develop a Superpower Memory" and Lorayne and Lucas's "The Memory Book". I have read some of them previously, but intentionally read them over with the intent to compare them to each other and see if there was any difference.

  If you are already sold on various memory techniques (pegging, loci etc...) and only want to learn the techniques, it really doesn't matter which book you read, they all contain the same information about the actual techniques. All of them usually have a little history included as well about where the techniques come from and how they developed.

  Higbee, however, goes one step further than all the other books. He is aiming this book at students (I'm sure this is a text book for his memory course), educators and intelligent readers. He gives answers to long time questions that are so often asked (what is a photographic memory? Do different systems interfere with each other?, will you forget what you remember? How good are the different techniques? etc...). Higbee answers all of these and more in a clear way with little ambiguity. He provides the latest research and references to medical and psychological journals on how the techniques work, results from various students in his classes and his own experiences. He looks directly at problems with the memory systems and addresses criticism from various sources.

  The book left me impressed and addressed all of my questions and even questions that friends asked me after I'd read the book. I was able to answer all of their questions without problems. Also, I found that the extra chapter on study techniques changed how I read textbooks and technical information. In fact, I began reading the rest of his book in the same way that he suggested and found it worked very well for absorbing information.

  To summarise, Higbee gives various memnonic techniques that are general enough to use every day, some suggestions on how to use them, references to books that give you even more suggestions and research evidence to back it up. Higbee also warns that these aren't always worth your time. If you are looking for an easy way to get a photographic memory, look elswhere. Most of these techniques take time and effort and some can even hinder your memory if you try to use them and only put only a little time in.

  This book is the kind that I recommend to friends and I think every student should probably read at least once. There are tools here that are life changing and worth your time to learn. A simply outstanding book.
  
  

• Best Memory book to Date

  
  By A1T6PXM2M3N84A on 2001-06-15
  There are many books about memory and memory improvement on the marketplace. Most of them tend to fall into one of two categories. Either a treatise on the brain, how memories are formed, the types of memories and the basics of recall or a treatise of memorization techniques that have been used over the centuries. The first type offers great information but very little useful advice for someone seeking to improve their memory. The second type offers lots of techniques that may work in one situation or another but don't give enough information on how they work to allow you to adapt them to your own personal needs.

  This book offers a nice medium ground. It offers information on the various types of memories and current scientific research into memory and then follows up with several types of techniques to enable you to remember different things. The advantage to this book is that since it gives you both pieces information in a concise, integrated work it provides you with the framework to design and/or adjust the techniques to your personal needs.

  The book does not offer any new mnemonic techniques or any groundbreaking work in that area. However, I found that by understanding how the techniques work and how to work with them I was able to adapt the systems and/or use multiple systems to quickly memorize material that had been problematic before.

  The book covers basic systems from the common Loci system that is quick and easy to learn to the much more flexible and complex phonic system that requires much more study and practice to use effectively. While these are not new, a work that details the manner in which they work and encourages you to adapt the system to your needs is new. This is definitely one of the best single books that I have read on the subject and was immediately useful.

  The only thing that I did not like about the book was the great multitude of references to other works, systems, and detailed applications of the system to various specific situations. The references are not a problem in themselves as they do not break up the flow of the book and are summarized at the end of the book in an easy to read fashion. The problem is that while they point out where information came from they do not point out where to get your hands on the information. This has not been a problem for me in the past as I have generally not really cared to follow up to the original source of footnotes and references. But this book was so well done that I found myself often wanting to follow up with the references and not able to locate them. For example, in Chapter 12 he mentions a book and a game that contain 1,200 Bible verses set out with mnemonic devices to help learn them and where they are located in the Bible. After a couple of examples to whet your appetite the only information in the reference material related to the footnote is where the book can be purchased. Not even a mention of the book's name if one should desire to purchase it. No mention of the game name nor where one might find it. Of course it may not be too difficult to locate if you had a name for the game or book or anything else other than just the publisher.
  
  

• Major limitations

  
  By on 2006-07-22
  This review is written from the perspective of someone learning a lot of complex material who wants to retain the learned material for a very long time. The book does a poor job of helping with this goal, although it does address other goals (described below) fairly well.
  
  The book starts with about 45 pages of general background on how memory works. The rest of the book is predominantly about mnemonics (124 of the remaining 172 pages). In particular, a great deal of time is spent on the Link, Story, Loci, Peg, and Phonetic systems. These systems are all very similar in both how they work and the type of information that one can learn. Essentially, they provide a framework for keeping track of an ordered list of items. Also, some can be adapted for remembering numbers. If you want to learn lists of words or some special numbers, then they will be useful. However, if you want to remember trigonometric identities or calculus, then they are not going to help much. (There was a mention in the book of Masachika Nakane, who applied mnemonics to trigonometry and calculus, but no information is given on how this was done.) The more abstract and/or procedural the material to be learned is, the less useful the mnemonics presented are.
  
  Besides the limitations in the type of information that can be stored, most of the mnemonics are just temporary storage; if you want to memorize multiple lists and remember them at the same time, then these mnemonics are not going to be helpful. This is because the framework is recycled and this leads to interference between the lists. (There are some strategies presented to deal with this interference problem, but they don't sound very effective and they will not scale past a few lists.)
  
  Most applications of Link, Story, Loci, Peg, and Phonetic mentioned in the book are pretty pointless. For example, the author claims that people can shout out 20 words in a row and he can recite them forward or backward, odd or even, etc. (Of course, when he has to reuse his system for the next demonstration, he will probably forget them all.) Another example is the author's claim that he learned the phone numbers of 100 people in one of his social groups. A third example is the woman who remembered her to-do list without notes. These feats may impress your friends, but the latter two can be done with a PDA; in fact, the first feat can also be done with the PDA if it has a voice recorder function.
  
  In fairness to the book, I should mention some of the positives. It is probably one of the better in its class. It is well researched, written fairly well, and has extensive footnotes for further reading. It does describe how to use mnemonics to remember people's names: an important application that many people can use. Some information is given about how to memorize foreign language vocabulary; while not a lot of detail is given for this application, the task is sufficiently similar to many of the tasks outlined in the book that one could benefit from the book.
  
  

• highly over rated !!

  
  By A65O0XTPL0PD0 on 2003-05-15
  I have dozens of memory books in my shelf. I had been eyeing this book for sometime on the site but somehow didn't have a good feeling about it. But impressed by the reviews written here, i finally decided to add this book to my array. But i was very disappointed.

  This book is more of a research work. The author gives account of his ardous and meticulous research carried out in the field of memeory. But this book doesn't adequately teach a layman the application of various tools of memory in detail. The book is full of stuff like experiments conducted by the author on students, etc. etc.

  Moreover, this book is too wordy. There are some excellent and far better books in market which concentrate more on the practical aspects of memeory techiniques rather than laying too much stress on research.

  Buy this only if you need research information on memeory. Harry Lorayne is the king of memeory. Try books written by him.
  
  

• Best on the market

  
  By A1SHYIS7SOIU2O on 2001-11-20
  This book is a comprehensive treatment of useful memory systems. It claims to seek a balance between the "popular" memory books and the archaic, academic memory literature. This is a goal which it successfully achieves.

  There are many great things about this book. It covers all the main mnemonic systems. The author provides up to date reviews of relevant literature to comment upon the effectiveness of the systems. He does this in a very clear, easy going style which makes the book enjoyable to read, unlike the hefty academic memory journals. The great thing about this book is that it doesn't hype "Super power memory" or "Photographic memory" or any such nonsense. It teaches you not only the techniques but the way in which to correctly apply techniques. Thus, you know what the mnemonic systems are and when to use them.

  To be honest I can't think of anything that I dislike about this book. The author adopts a very no nonsense approach and I can heartily recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about how to improve their memory.
  
  

• Not just a book, a way of life
  By A32IOOODMJLIDZ on 2001-06-17
  Many times, I have recommended this book as a starting point for learning of memory. First chapter "What can you expect from your memory? Ten myths" explains a lot about this book. Kenneth Higbee gives clear, precise, and psychological examples of memory, and memory functions. Kenneth does adhere to the psychological aspects of memory and backs up his claims with his chapter notes. Kenneth claimed to have read some 800 scientific papers on memory in the construction of this book. Kenneth goes deep into mnemonics and other memory tricks throughout this book and anyone wishing to know much on memory should read this book. There are many good memory books -some I have reviewed- that are excellent records on the subject of memory. After having read many memory books I still enjoy Kenneth's point of view, however there are many other very good memory books on the market. Other persons might need an alternate view on other aspects of memory, as I did.

  In closing, Kenneth's book is exceptional and outstanding. In addition, this book exceeded my expectations for a "memory and how it works." I would refer to the previous reviews of this book because they are very correct in their separate summaries of this book. This book is special in many ways: pure information, references, memory techniques, history, just to name a few. Persons cannot fully explain this book in a limited review because of the sheer wealth of information contained in this publication. Sheer richness contained in a spectacular book.
  
  

• Compared to "The Memory Book"
  By A39OFZXG66L7G3 on 2004-06-09
  I read this book before I read "The Memory Book" by Lorayne and Lucas and found that much of the same material is covered in both, but in entirely different ways. It's really an "either or" decision between the two based on what you want to gain.

  Personally, between the two books, I prefer Higbee's book because of his thorough examination of memory, its history, case studies, analogies, and anecdotes. I find it to be inspiring to see its great applications and that most people benefit greatly from these techniques. This style helped me to retain enthsiasm to learn and yet was written in a plain and often humorous style.

  "The Memory Book" has its own benefits. It lays everything out in easy to understand instructions and lists a few dorky "party tricks" you can do with some of the techniques (though who's really going to entertain friends with "memory feats"?). Lorayne and Lucas do offer something not offerred in Higbee's book: short chapters dedicated to using memory techniques for specific tasks such as learning music, stock symbols, sports plays, or locations. These chapters make up a small portion of the book and could easily be read off the shelf at a local bookstore.

  To sum up, both books offer up basically the same exact memory techniques. It's up to your own learning style to decide which one you prefer.
  
  

• Answers a lot WHYs about memory but a bit short on HOWTOs
  By A3MCBY5EWIC57V on 2003-08-03
  WHAT DOES THIS BOOK CONTAIN? This book is an excellent resource for those who are looking for answers like why digits in excess of about 7 are hard to remember after hearing them only once, why a name so familiar cannot be remembered sometimes, why is it easier to remember the colors of the spectrum by remembering the phrase Richard-Of-York-Gave-Battle-In-Vain, etc. The book contains enough information on how your memory works (not enough for a memory researcher though) and also contains references to other papers which a interested reader may consult for further information. The book also has effective ways of learning something, like studying two different subjects in two different rooms to reduce interference, making things that need to be learnt meaningful (like the spelling of Arnold Sch-War-Zen-Egg-Er), etc. Finally, the ending chapters contain the following memory techniques (mnemonic): link and story mnemonics, loci mnemonic, peg mnemonic, and phonetic mnemonic. It also contains a chapter on remembering peoples' names and faces.

  WHAT CAN BE LEARNT FROM THE BOOK? Using the effective study techniques and mnemonic techniques from the book, you can make effective use of your memory and will not forget things as easily as you used to. You can learn a whole year's calendar by remembering only a 12 digit number. You can learn the value of "pi" up to as many digits as you want to. You can learn a list of up to 100 or more items on a list. You can put all the telephone numbers of your relatives and friends in your head. You might not have to carry your PDA, provided you use your PDA solely for information retrieval.

  WHAT'S THE BOTTOM LINE? No memory book will improve your short term memory from 7 items to 7+ items, provided you are a normal person. All memory books contain techniques to make effective memory usage - do not expect to remember what you were doing yesterday at, say 2.27 PM studying all the memory books in the world and applying all the mnemonic techniques in the world. If you want something like that, travel into the future and get electronic chips implanted in your brain. This book does not contain enough examples on application of the mnemonic techniques. I suggest you get Harry Lorayne and Jerry Lucas's "The Memory Book" in addition to this book for more applications and examples of the mnemonic techniques.
  
  

• The best book on memory!!!
  By on 2000-08-31
  I have read many of the popular books on memory improvement and this is without question the best of them all. If you only read one book on improving memory, let this be the one.
  
  
• Excellent material!
  By on 1999-05-02
  I did not begin to appreciate the book until got to the Phonetic Mnemonic System. Exhaustive, practical, research-based. Unlike most memory books, Dr. Higbee did not promise results without effort. I've taught the principles I learned to many students and the results were outstanding!
  
  
• This book saved my life ....
  By AOHZWR2DAGXYD on 2002-10-20
  Last spring, a huge anvil was dropped on my head from a 200 ft. building. From then on, I began to have serious memory lapses. So then Cindy says to me, "your nose is whistling..." See? What was I writing about? Memory, right. This book "Memorial to your brain" was a godsend. I learned that memories are special and are to be cherished, like fresh cut mangoes. And that a memo is far more than words scribbled on paper. It's a statement about you. So always seek to improve your memo's by studying grammar and creative writing. Finally, never forget to remember your memories.
  
  
• Graduate Of Dr. Higbee's Ind Study Course
  By ACSV4D6N0ZWDJ on 2005-09-21
  I actively used the techniques in Dr Higbee's course [not all of them] and made an A in BIO 100 and Astronomy at BYU. Now I am buying the updated book for my daughter who is beginning high school courses online thru BYU. I wish I could find the online course for her, but the book will carry her far.
  
  I wish I had this book before my first college course in 1977 instead of 2000! I also read all 26 reviews and will not reiterate contents. Several reviewers mentioned a game, but I think this was part of research on Dr. Higbee's part and not a retail item, but you might check an LDS Bookstore like BYU Bookstore, or Liahona in Atlanta, GA, or Deseret Books, which has an online store. If it was created for a research study, that would explain the lack of info on where to purchase it. But, his chapter on how to memorize the main points of the Book of Mormon apply to the Bible also....
  
  I think the previous edition was a good balance between scholarly topics and lay language. One cannot please everybody :) If he quoted stats from so many studies, the book would be inaccessible to most non-psych majors. I am a former one, but I enjoyed the relaxed, lay manner of the book. I read Harry Lorayne's book in 1977 and never got past attempting the peg method. Dr. Higbee's approach made the peg and phonetic methods come alive for me, and I was able to successfully use them, not only for 2 A's in academic subjects, but I got my Ham license [Technician Class-the entry level, plus Morse Code, that I had tried to get for years].
  
  One warning: Memorization takes work, and no method will take the work out of memorizing a lot of material. Dr. Higbee emphasizes this frequently. But, using the methods with his student-friendly approach, along with your usual effort to memorize, will get better results than your usual, if you are not already applying these methods :) Your results will depend on a lot of factors, including how important the material is and how often you will review it. He gave an example in the previous version of memorizing the latest issue of Time magazine enough to give a demonstration. Dr. Higbee admits that previous issues are quickly forgotten without review of the issues. It is a matter of how important the material is, and how often the review. I have forgotten much of my A courses because I haven't reviewed them, and that's not Dr. Higbee's fault. I really enjoyed his online course at BYU Independent Study, and wish I could've taken his course in person. Health failed and I had to leave school before finishing my degree, but I will never forget how I enjoyed my time at BYU. I am grateful to Dr. Higbee, and hope I can find the online course again [apparently I missed it or it is not offered at this time] for my daughter to take. It was Psych 270, I think, or maybe the online version was Psych 100, but it was a 1 semester hour course, and the best hundred dollars I ever spent.
  
  If you buy this book, be sure to take the time to do the exercises, and I think you will get a lot more out of it than just reading it. After all, when you study, you do a lot more than just read :) Enjoy!
  
  
• Kills false memory myths; extremely practical; WILL help!
  By on 1998-02-19
  Dr Higbee reviewed literally hundreds of papers, books, etc, on memory. Here he distills what's fact & fiction. He teaches methods that really work. But, they do take some practice. The easiest ones can be picked up in minutes. Others take prep time & practice of an hour or more, but will help from then on. For instance, want to know how to remember long strings of numbers? It's here, it's easy (once you learn the technique) and it's probably not what you think.
  
  
• A place to start
  By A362G9K7Q3CRL6 on 2004-06-13
  Higbee's book, Your Memory, is a combined survey of mnemonic techniques and systems, with supporting research, and an introduction to memory - processes, myths and misconceptions, basic techniques. It contains numerous examples of memorizing lists, numbers, names, and faces. The chapter on study skills I found useful. But its relative lack of examples illustrating the application of mnemonic systems to complex, abstract material was frustrating.

  The book progresses smoothly and logically. Higbee's style is clear and readable; though his analogies are awkward, the explanation of which often taking up more space than the concept they were meant to illustrate. Touted as a practical guide, I found it more of an introduction and a defense of the benefits of memorization - and a good one at that. Throughout he includes research supporting the effectiveness of the techniques he describes, references to other textbooks and guides, and explanations for why some material is remembered better than others. Higbee uses the first three chapters to dispel some common misconceptions of memory, such as the belief that it is a thing rather than a process, and to describe what memory really is and how it works. Chapters four and five form the core of the book. In these chapters the basics are described: meaningfulness, organization, association, attention, repetition, and context. The rest of the book is largely built on these principles. Higbee covers the Link and Story, Loci, Peg, and Phonetic mnemonic systems. Enough detail for each is given that, with practice, the reader can master them for memorizing things such as to-dos, names and faces, speeches, concrete facts, dates, and numbers. He tantalizingly mentions that they can also be used for memorizing material beyond facts and figures, such as abstract concepts, but fails to provide more than cursory instructions on how to do so. The instructions to substitute abstract words and ideas for concrete ones are well taken, but insufficient information is given on how to systemically apply memorization techniques while reading a history book, for example. Higbee also describes the synergy obtained combining some of these mnemonic systems.

  I would recommend this book as a good starting place but with the proviso that it is not a workbook. Higbee himself stresses that efficiency in these techniques only comes with hard work and practice - but you will have to provide your own homework. It is also important to keep in mind that these techniques will not magically create a photographic memory (the existence of which Higbee largely dispels) nor will they prevent you from ever forgetting anything again. What you will get are processes for *improving* the chances of recalling needed information.
  
  

• Don't read this book if you want to act dumb
  By A1SAZB83QFR0W2 on 2001-08-28
  I used the ideas in this book and scored very high on a short term/long term memory test I needed for a scholarship; trouble was, the lower I got, the more money I would get. Darn it!!! By using the various practical methods in this book, I did extremely well, much better than my typical ADD mind usually does. So, I was hoisted by my own petard, but hey, that was one test, and these techniques last as long as your brain functions well. Highly recommended. No hyperbole here. Just straight empirical explanations of memory enhancing methods, followed by "how to" develop and use the methods themselves.
  
  
• This book is outstanding
  By A32XMS4N0S20FY on 2005-11-27
  Positives:
  This book is very transparent and does a great job at not only explaining how to "improve your memory" but also at dispelling misinformation and prejudices related to mnemonic techniques (i.e. memory enhancing techniques).
  
  I had seen mnemonics from the time I was little (something similar to the Phonetic System, aka "Major System"), but I thought it was silly, too much work or simply to error prone. Higbee does an excellent job at pointing out why this is indeed not so, what the trade-offs are, how the system performs in the research studies and what to ultimately expect as a result of your efforts.
  
  I am one to apply new techniques immediately and boy, this works like a charm. I even tried to use the Loci System with my 7-year-old and 5-year-old, with amazing results. They soaked up these techniques like sponges because I presented it as a memory game.
  
  I would highly recommend this as a first book for anyone looking at mnemonics for information, research or to try as a primer; I also recommend it for those who have been either skeptics, especially those who have seen charlatans (advertising amazing memory results in exchange for big-$$). This is a happy medium!
  
  Negatives:
  The only criticism is the many (15 or so) references throughout the book to scriptures and prayer. I normally wouldn't mind, but this guy is Mormon and I find references like that irritating. If I wanted to be Mormon, I would listen to the 19-year-old "elders" (Greek-Presbuteros, meaning "gray haired one"). I have also read the Book of Mormon and know how silly it actually is.
  
  But, the book was so good that I will overlook this annoyance.
  
  
• Not Very Impressed
  By A2K40JBQHJY1HH on 2007-12-05
  I've spent most of my life memorizing facts, names, numbers and other important information. When I purchased this book I was hoping I would find something that would give me a much-improved ability to remember with less effort. Sadly, I am not very impressed with what I have found. After giving a thorough explanation of how the human memory works, the author then launches into several chapters on mnemonics. Perhaps the most helpful chapter of the whole book was the one on remembering names and faces.
  
  Reading the reviews caused me to expect much more than what the author delivered. If you are seeking a quick, easy-to-master means of sharpening your memory, look elsewhere. This book isn't really worth the time required to read.
  
  
• It's my memory Bible!
  By A16TJZ2BR814V2 on 2003-03-31
  I have read Kenneth L. Higbee's "Your Memory" and without a doubt, it is the best book out on improving your memory.

  I have read all of Harry Lorayne's books and the mnemonic system, especially the peg system was much harder to learn than Higbee's. Higbee's explanations why and how mnemonics works was so clear and precise that I was able to put them to use immediately. For instance I was able to remember the calendar for 2003 in minutes and still remember it after a month. And I don't forget names, appointments and errands anymore.

  I did feel however, that I wanted to know more about HOW to teach children to use these systems. He told us briefly how he taught his 3 and 4 year old daughters to remember the 10 commandments using the peg system, and I was quite impressed, but I felt I wanted to read more in depth how he was able to do this. I have an 11 year old grandson with ADD who has a hard time with his spelling assignments and would like to know how I could teach this system to him. I would like to see him write another book, or update this one with a chapter on how to teach these systems to young children to help them to be better students. Learning disorders are almost an epidemic these days. Higbee could write about how these systems could work for them.

  In the final analysis, I would recommend this book, over all others on memory, to anyone wanting to improve their memory! It's the best yet!
  
  

• Superb Reference Point
  By A1CBLTK6IQDYFB on 2004-11-02
  This is a really great book. I remember reading some of it about 10 years ago from an old library version, and I have just read the updated version. It is a wealth of knowledge compared to other books that read more like fluffy new age pop psych on memory techniques.
  
  The author is a researcher and professor, but the book is actually very accessible and delivered with both enthusiasm and reasonable caution where it is needed. I believe the one measure of the success of this sort of book is the range of strategies given, together with the principles used to guide their use, and the research used to verify the efficacy of certain strategies.
  
  I have heard quite a few memory myths in my time, (the 99% brain disuse statistic, and the "perfect memory" quote, and the single killer memory application, amongst others), and this book puts them all straight. In fact if you are kind enough to inform others about improvement of memory skills using this book, you can give some really accurate knowledge, and be doing them a lot of good.
  
  Learning to learn is lifelong. This is a great learning guide and a reliable reference point!
  
  
• A Great and Reliable Guide
  By AWTXMTSM0RE2H on 2005-04-27
  This book is biased towards visual mnemonics. I think this is fine because the author is a published researcher of visual mnemonics. He gives advice for when AND when not to use visual mnemonics. This is extremely helpful.
  
  He does cover a range of other methods though, including SQ3R. But the most impressive thing is the use of good solid science to back it all up.
  
  I like visual mnemonics because they work like magic. In qualifying his statements about the use of visual mnemonics, Higbee does his writing great credit.
  
  As far as helping me, the book has been of great use to me in my A levels, degree, and Masters. But more worthy is that he has helped me enjoy learning in any context. I apply the principles rather than just the techniques.
  
  Regards
  Reynal
  
  
• Great explanation of memory concepts backed up with evidence
  By A3U32X86G9SOU3 on 2004-09-23
  I do a lot of reading on study skills and bought this book because of good reviews on Amazon.com. I'm about 2/3 the way through the book and have found it excellent. The book teaches basic concepts that you will see in other memory books. Instead of just stating the principles it describes how they have been tested to prove why they work.
  
  One other note about this book, it focuses on the realities. No crazy promise, nothing mysterious, just facts about improving study habits and retention. Well done. I can't wait to finish the book and re-read it.
  
  
  
• Great book, expertly written
  By A3TE5DIGPEPP4C on 2005-12-24
  I truly enoyed this book and am reading it for the second time. The author introduces the book with information on how memories work, then preceeds to different stratigies and memory systems that anyone can use. The systems and techniques are well researched and explained with good detail including pertinant illustrations on use. The author gives pros and cons of memory systems, realistic suggestions for use in every day life, and backs up information with current research findings. The author, Kenneth Higby, is truly an expert on this topic . I highly recommend this book and plan to use the techniques and systems offered.
  
  
• Hard to get into
  By A3SHAOQ7FI3JLN on 2002-04-17
  Whatever brilliant points this book tries to make, it doesn't get them across very well, so they're wasted. Needs to be written in a more approachable (and therefore, useful) way.
  
  
• What was I supposed to pick up again?
  By A2BQFVKJV11JQ4 on 2005-09-01
  I bought this book to improve my memory and it did exactly that. Did you know that the reason why we forget things is because we choose to? I was surprised to see such an approach but reading into the book a lot of the reasons why we don't remember things made more sense.
  
  The books divided into two parts, the first part containing the logic behind the brain and the second part containing mnemonics. The first part goes out to explain the process of memory storage and recall. It goes through a lot of test case scenarios of subjects in environments trying to remember objects briefly shown to them. This definitely helps the reader understand both the scientific and non-scientific explanation of what's going on.
  
  The second part again goes over mnemonics, first starting off with the pitfalls of using them. The pitfalls are generally trying to find which memory trick would fit the task at hand. It goes over the following mnemonics: Link and Story, Loci, Peg, and finally the Phonetic. I don't really use the last two too much but I do use the Link system to memorize my grocery list.
  
  The book has really helped me understand the way memory works. For a long time I thought I just had poor short-term memory but indeed it was because I wasn't paying attention to memorize this things that I forgot so easily. I was very impressed with this book and I'm sure you will be too.
  
  
• I thoughts the book presented an unrealistic view of memory
  By on 2001-12-23
  I thoughts the book presented an unrealistic view of memory. I noticed that the book has been out for a couple of decades and thought it might be a good source to improve my memory. I'm not sure that it has been updated since its creation. I decided to go back to school and wanted some assistance in my classes and help in studying. I diodn't find it to be practical in the long run. I feel guiltly about not giving it the ratings of the other reviewers but I must be reasistic.
  
  
• Higbee is great!
  By A29XIALA8Y6AYX on 2005-06-28
  Much has already been written in the reviews for this book so there is no necessity to write much. Read yourself and find the difference over others... I am just writing this review becoz I REALLY liked this book after reading Tony buzan and Harry's books... It is a must have book for memory improvement. Thanking you Mr. Higbee. you helped me a lot. God bless you!
  
  
• Excellent, Informative Reading!!!
  By A2JWGJ1W1ZCT2I on 2006-05-23
  Don't waste your time or money on any other memory books, until you read this one. Higbee lays the foundation for the learning process.
  This book helped me tremendously!
  
  
• Good Information
  By on 2001-12-31
  This is a great book if your trying to learn more about memory. I am doing a science fair project and I looked on many other sites, and none of them have as good of information as they do on this book! You could really learn a lot from this and if you ever have time, you should really check out this book! Memory in my belief is fascinating so this is something I personally would reccomend.
  
  
• Superb source book for psychology of memory, and study guides
  By A457AWXKM0RJS on 2005-09-08
  This great book looks at mnemonic techniques and systems, with supporting research, and an introduction to memory - processes, myths, and the basic techniques. There are good examples of memorizing lists, numbers, names, and faces. The chapter on study skills.
  
  The authors style is precise, clear but also readable; Throughout he includes empirical, lab, field, and qualitative research supporting the effectiveness of the techniques he describes, references to other textbooks and guides, and explanations for why some material is remembered better than others. He uses the first three chapters to wisely debunk common myths, such as the belief that it is a thing rather than a process, and to describe what memory really is and how it works, and the marketing bunk that you only use 10 or 1 percent of your brain. The rest of the book is largely built on these principles. Higbee covers the Link and Story, Loci, Peg, and Phonetic mnemonic systems. He leaves you with a very flexible system that includes that of modern expert memory champs, and ancient classical memorizers. He gives enough principle that you can adapt the standard techniques to memory all day long.
  
  I would recommend this book as a quotable source.
  
  Regards
  DrLee
  
  
• Highly Practical
  By AYEXM30ABOI60 on 2007-01-12
  This book is not only highly practical but also thoroughly entertaining. I devoured the book and put to test Mr. Higbee's principles during a university course. The lessons for memory improvement are concrete, time-tested devices that work. Higbee does not give any mystical memory tips; his book centers around rules that require effort, but your effort is rewarded. Higbee has performed a staggering amount of external research for this book. He backs up his assertions with an extensive array of articles and other books. The book is well worth the price.
  
  

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