Memorable Reading: How I Enhance My Book Retention Techniques
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Chapter 1: The Power of Reading
One common trait among the wealthiest individuals is their passion for reading. Warren Buffett once shared his secret to wealth: "Read 500 pages daily. Knowledge accumulates, much like compound interest. While anyone can do it, few actually will." Bill Gates reportedly devours around 50 books each year, tackling them at an impressive pace of 150 pages per hour. He fully immerses himself in each book he starts. Similarly, Elon Musk utilized books to master rocket construction, while Mark Cuban dedicates a significant three hours daily to reading.
I found myself straying from traditional reading methods when I stumbled upon Blinkist, but soon realized that I struggled to retain the information I consumed. After a less-than-successful attempt at relying solely on Blinkist, I reassessed my reading habits. How could I enhance my retention and help others gain insights from the books I read? This reflection led me to a new reading strategy that I began implementing in 2021.
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Section 1.1: Evolution of My Reading Habits
In the 90s, while studying Economics, I developed my reading process. Students had to absorb an extensive array of books to prepare for exams. I would visit bookstores, sift through new arrivals, choose a book to purchase, and dive right into reading it. This cycle continued until the internet changed everything.
Today, I receive a constant stream of reading recommendations from various sources, including:
- Podcasts
- Friends
- YouTube
- Websites
- Social Media
I've adapted my reading approach for the digital age, inviting others to share their perspectives on concepts I encounter. This has resulted in an overwhelming flow of recommendations and an ever-expanding reading list.
Subsection 1.1.1: Utilizing Technology for Reading
Section 1.2: Starting with a Reading List
I once had a habit of purchasing every book I encountered for my Kindle, only to leave them unread. To combat this, I started using an app called "Reading List," available on the iOS App Store. Within days, I had compiled a list of about 100 titles, which continues to grow. After finishing a book, I consult my list, narrowing it down to three titles, and then check Blinkist for summaries to help me choose which audiobook to acquire.
Chapter 2: Enhancing the Reading Experience
The first video titled "How to Remember Everything You Read" explores effective strategies for book retention.
Audiobooks have been a significant part of my life since the advent of CD players in cars. During long drives, I enjoyed listening to fictional stories. Running and walking are essential activities for me, and with the rise of smartphones, Audible became my preferred companion. With a daily running time of 1 to 2 hours, I can theoretically finish 2-3 books weekly, although it usually averages out to one book per week, interspersed with podcasts featuring interviews with authors.
The second video, "Why I'm Able to Memorize An Entire Book After Only One Read," discusses techniques for improving book memorization.
Section 2.1: The Kindle Experience
Whenever I commute, my Kindle is always with me. Initially, I found the concept of an e-reader absurd, but after trying the Kindle Voyage, I was sold. Reading on my iPhone at the beach was frustrating due to overheating, but the Kindle proved to be an excellent alternative. It's designed solely for reading, free from distractions, allowing me to focus completely.
One of my favorite Kindle features is the ability to share memorable quotes on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. When I discover a quote that resonates with me, I post it online, making it easier for others to find and purchase the book.
Chapter 3: Documenting My Journey
Back in school, we were required to read numerous books each year. One valuable practice I still uphold is maintaining a reading journal, where I jot down key takeaways in my own words. This includes:
- Five crucial insights from non-fiction books.
- Notable quotes, which I refer to as "reading fruits."
- Personal reflections on how to apply these lessons to my life.
For fiction, I summarize the storyline, evaluate it, and provide my rating.
Section 3.1: Embracing Digital Tools
In our digital age, I've transitioned to online tools for summarizing my reading. I started sharing my book summaries on Medium and creating one-minute TikTok clips highlighting key points. This practice enhances my reading comprehension while providing value to a wider audience.
Quoting impactful passages on social media leads to discussions that deepen my understanding of the material. Inspired by Ryan Holiday, I now take notes on notecards after reading, which helps cement my memory of the content.
Chapter 4: The Final Step
The last phase of my reading process involves revisiting the physical book. After reading it multiple times, I use a yellow highlighter to mark significant passages and treat it like a workbook. This strategy allows me to skim through while still discovering new insights with each read.
In our fast-paced world, the current trend is to read as many books as possible in a short time frame. However, I've found that slowing down and savoring each book enhances retention and understanding. I encourage others to adopt my approach:
- Choose your readings carefully.
- Listen to the audiobook.
- Share memorable quotes online.
- Revisit the printed version, highlighting passages.
- Summarize and share your thoughts on Medium.
- Create a YouTube video summarizing your insights.
- Engage with others to gain deeper insights.
Ultimately, it’s not about the sheer volume of books we read, but rather how we engage with the material and share our experiences with others.
Reprise:
I never truly finish a book. After completing my reading process, I often revisit my favorites to read selected passages or even the entire book again.