Cover Image: Remember

Remember

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Remember explores the fascinating process of how our brain works to not only form, but store memories.
It is also reassuring about memory loss. Most often we forget the mundane and unimportant. Tip and tricks for better memory are also included

Was this review helpful?

Thank you!
I loved Lisa Genova's book.
I wrote about it for THRIVE GLOBAL on publication day.

https://thriveglobal.com/stories/surviving-covid-like-a-superhero/

Lisa Genova is not only a neuroscientist but also a gifted storyteller and has explained the experience of many debilitating diseases through her books from Alzheimer’s disease in Still Alice, traumatic brain injury in Left Neglected, autism in Love Anthony, Huntington’s disease in Inside the O’Briens and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in Every Note Played. She allows us to experience the challenges her characters face in their diagnoses. Her past books share family drama with a side of medical science.

In her newest book, Remember: The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting, Genova explains how we choose what to remember and forget and that “our brains have evolved to remember what is meaningful.” If we pay attention to where we park our car, we can find it again. Like Genova, I have left a parking lot in a rush and been unable to find my car again for some time. I try to stop and take a photo so I can find it again without stress.

and ....
https://thriveglobal.com/stories/surviving-covid-like-a-superhero/

Was this review helpful?

A totally reassuring read for those whose minds are not retrieving data as efficiently as in the past...and that is all of us!

Thanks to Harmony Books and NetGalley for the ARC to read and review.

Was this review helpful?

This was a very interesting and informative read. Lisa Genova explains the science of memory in a way that is easy to understand. Being a caregiver for my mother who has Alzheimer's, I knew I had to read this book because I started wondering if I'd also be diagnosed with this disease when I'm older. I'm already experiencing some forgetfulness but thanks to this book I know that this is mostly normal. This gave me some piece of mind and now know what I should be doing to help prevent, as best as I possibly can, getting Alzheimer's. The way memory works is quite fascinating, and I'm so glad that Lisa Genova wrote this book for those of us who are a bit worried about not being able to remember certain things.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review digital copy. This is one that I'll be purchasing in hard copy to keep handy in my personal library.

Was this review helpful?

Not her usual captivating book. I found it a slow read and not what I was expecting which was somewhat dissapointing to me.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Lisa Genova for presenting easy-to-understand explanations about how our memory functions. It was so reassuring to read about the reasons behind our memory lapses and faulty recollections. I also appreciated learning about the ways we can maintain a healthy brain. Thanks to NetGalley and Rodale for furnishing me with an advance copy to read and review.

Was this review helpful?

Normally I find nonfiction a slower read than fiction but I devoured this book. Lisa Genova explains how are brains remember things and it is okay to forget some things. There is some medical jargon but it is explained in a way we all can understand and she also uses everyday experiences to explain why we remember some things long term and others not at all. My take away from all this is pay attention. If we pay attention to our surroundings we will remember more. Get enough sleep because that lets our brains heal, eat healthy and exercise. Oh and it's okay to google things you can't remember.

Thank you to Netgalley and Rodale Inc for providing me a copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

This is a great launch into nonfiction for Lisa Genova, author of many very popular fiction titles such as Still Alice. This book does an excellent job explaining memory to the layperson, and should really help ease the minds of those who fear every lapse in memory is a sign of Alzheimer. She explains how we forge memory, why we forget (I thought of this book several times while driving to work today, and her explanations for why we don't really remember each commute or dinner or instance), and what we can (and can't) do to be better at remembering.

Was this review helpful?

In "Remember," neuroscientist Lisa Genova focuses on how we form short and long-term memories; why we forget what we have seen, heard, and learned; and the ways in which we can strengthen our capacity to hold onto meaningful memories. The author assures us, using lucid and mostly jargon-free terminology, that most memories are not meant to be retained. A large portion of our days are taken up with routine activities such as eating breakfast, brushing our teeth, and commuting to our jobs. Unless an incident stands out, it makes no sense to clutter our brains with mundane details.

When we speak of memory, we often dwell on what we have learned and experienced in the past. However, memory is also connected with the future. When we go to the supermarket without a list, will we remember to buy all the items that we need? When a student crams the night before an exam, what are the odds that he will ace tomorrow's test? By the way, we need not worry that misplacing our keys or eyeglasses now and then are signs that we are "losing it." When we do things inattentively, we generally forget them instantly. This is normal. However, if we cannot fathom why we need keys at all, that is a cause for concern.

"Remember" is an enlightening, well-researched, and readable primer on various aspects of remembering and forgetting. Moreover, Lisa Genova advises us to adopt behaviors that can strengthen our mental acuity. These include adhering to a heart-healthy diet, sleeping seven to nine hours a night, exercising regularly, reducing stress, and learning new skills. Of course, no one is immune to the deleterious effects of aging. However, if we make an effort to stay upbeat, take the time to socialize with compatible friends and relatives, pay close attention to information that we wish to retain, and follow sensible health recommendations, we may be able to stay sharp well into our golden years.

Was this review helpful?

I am a huge fan of Lisa Genova. Still Alice remains one of my favorite books. Remember was so interesting. I learned so much about memory, positivity and the brain. (Especially the hippocampus). Lisa’s writing style makes it easy to understand memory and brain functions while incorporating it with real lifetime experiences. Enjoy this one!

Was this review helpful?

I love Lisa Genova!!! Still Alice and Left Neglected are two of my favorite books and when I was approved through NetGalley to read and review her latest book I jumped at the chance. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the intricacies of our minds. As a current Speech Language Pathology grad student, I have taken courses on Neuroanatomy and I am currently in a Geriatrics course where we are discussing Alzheimer’s. This book fit right into what I am learning and it helped me to better understand the way our memory works. I also lost my grandfather to Alzheimer’s a few years ago, this topic surely hits close to home. Super quick read and the entire book was simply fascinating.

Was this review helpful?

I’ve loved all of Lisa Genova’s books, so when I saw her newest book, Remember: The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting, is a non-fiction book about memory, I knew I had to request it.

Remember is broken up into 3 parts – what is memory, why we forget, and how we can improve our memory. I enjoyed learning about the different types of memory, how memories are formed, and the anecdotes about people who’ve suffered head injuries affecting their memories.

The section on why we forget is both informative and reassuring. It especially made me feel better knowing that misplacing items, being unable to come up with a word, and when my husband and I have completely different memories of an event are all completely normal and not signs of Alzheimer’s.

As for how to improve memory, there are a few things we can do, but I was surprised to learn that sleep is the most important thing. Of course now I have something else to worry about while I lie awake in the middle of the night…

Remember is a fascinating and easy read and I highly recommend it.

Was this review helpful?

First, I adore Lisa Genova's books. This book was complete nonfiction. Genova writes in a way that is both research based and very informational, but also like having a conversation with a friend on their porch. While this isn't a story like Genova's "Still Alice," its mostly informational. However, she has a way of making the research very interesting and engaging to read (without the boring, overwhelming part that can come to be). As a mom, daughter, aunt, with family of all ages, this was great information to have. It was also great information as an educator to apply and pass along to coworkers.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to @netgalley and @authorlisagenova for providing me with a free ARC copy of this book!
I have loved Lisa Genova for many years now as her books take you on a journey of learning, understanding, and often times heartbreak as we get an in depth view of the life people with certain medical conditions. This book, however, is slightly different. For one, it's a non-fiction book, and two, it helps you understand yourself and your brain better.
Now after reading this book, I now don't trust any memories I have except that this book deserves all of the five stars I gave it! 😂 She is able to explain the brain, how it works, and often how it deceives us, in simple to understand and entertaining ways! She also shares a few tips/tricks to help your memory improve (and no, it's not through that "brain exercise" app)!
Although I'm not normally drawn to non-fiction, this was a great book and I learned a lot.
And luck for you today is publication day!!! 🥳 So you can grab it up immediately!! You definitely don't want to miss out!
#NetGalley #Remember

Was this review helpful?

“You are more than what you can remember.”
.
Happy #pubday to @authorlisagenova ! I had the absolute pleasure of reading her new #nonfiction book about the science of memory.
.
As the daughter of someone with Alzheimer’s, the topic of memory and the brain has continue to both fascinate and terrify me as I watch my loved one deal with this disease. The quote I shared at the beginning of this caption brought tears to my eyes, as well as her reiteration that while a person with dementia may not remember you, they will remember how you make them feel.
.
.
The info about the science of memory and who to improve your own brain health was easy to read and understand and had practical applications. I loved this book and will be adding it to my shelves.
.
Thank you to @netgalley and the publishers tagged for the opportunity to read this book ahead of print!

Was this review helpful?

A Helpful, Readable Book on Memory

As we get older one of the scary things is losing our memory. Is it normal aging or the dread onset of Alzheimer's? Lisa Genova, a Harvard-trained neuroscientist, gives a very readable account of memory, how memories are stored, how we forget, and the problems of diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Some of the interesting things I learned about memory is that memories are not as reliable as we might think and they diminish over time. The fact that we can’t member something from the past is not unusual under these circumstances. Lisa also suggests how to help retain your memory as you age. Diet is important. “What’s good for your heart is good for your brain.” Also doing stimulating work or having hobbies keeps your brain active.

I particularly enjoyed the section on Alzheimer’s. It is a frightening disease, particularly for someone who has it, but it’s not the end of life. She discusses how people are able to live with the disease and keep the core of who they are intact.

I highly recommend this book if you’re getting older, or if you’re interested in how we make and retain memories.

I received this book from NetGalley for this review.

Was this review helpful?

Lisa Genova is a Harvard-trained neuroscientist and the author of Still Alice, a best-selling novel about Alzheimer’s disease. She writes well, using fun analogies to make her explanations memorable and easy to understand. For example, I laughed reading her description of episodic memories as “wide-eyed preschoolers who fully believe in every singing princess and bipedal mouse they see at Disney World. They are gullible and eager to collaborate.” Her discussion of how inaccurate these personal memories can be gave me a lot to reflect on.

I now have a much better understanding of the different types of memory, how memories are formed, and why we forget, as well as some tips for improving my memory. Alzheimer’s disease runs in my family, so I particularly appreciated the author’s repeated reassurances regarding normal memory function versus signs of dementia. If you’ve worried about forgetting someone’s name or where you parked your car, after reading this book, you’ll understand why those lapses are normal, and also how you can minimize those occurrences.

The appendix provides a summary of the author’s suggestions for improving your memory. The back matter also includes suggestions for additional reading.

I recommend this enjoyable and informative book to anyone who is concerned about or wants to better understand memory.

I was provided an unproofed ARC through NetGalley that I volunteered to review.

Was this review helpful?

Lisa Genova first appeared on my radar when I picked up Still Alice, and I love how all of her fiction books combined storytelling with science. This non-fiction work explores the science behind memories, the reasons why we may temporarily forget something, and why that memory loss can sometimes be permanent. Non-fiction can be difficult for me to read at times, yet as I read Remember, I found myself engrossed and wanting to gind out more. This is yet another 5-star read by Lisa Genova.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an opportunity to read 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿.⁣

I don’t really read a lot of scientific books, but when I saw Lisa Genova had written this one, I just had to request it. I’ve enjoyed all of Ms Genova’s fiction titles, with Still Alice being one of my all time favourites. I also had the privilege of listening to one of her talks a few years ago in Toronto.⁣

I loved this book - it made understanding how our brain works, how memory and forgetfulness are linked.
How do we make memories? why does our recollection of events change over time ? why can’t I remember it - it’s on the tip of my tongue ( TOT ) ? - All covered and so much more. And with relatable examples and easy to understand ( now if only I can remember it all 🤔 !)⁣

This is one I will be buying for my bookshelves !⁣

Was this review helpful?

. One of the skills of a good scientist is to be able to effectively communicate science/your research to different audiences. Lisa does exactly that in this book.

Remember is all about memory. This book takes you through formation of memories, how to improve memory, and whether you forgetting where you put your keys means you’re presenting Alzheimer’s symptoms. I FLEW through this book and for a non fiction book, I was HOOKED. Lisa presents the information in a digestible, easy to understand way. I think it was a great balance between scientific and lay (though I might be a little biased because I am familiar with some concepts). I learned a lot from reading this book and can’t wait to apply things to my everyday life because I have a bad memory. The scientist in me loves that she included scientific studies to back up her facts because I despise authors using anecdotal evidence to back up their points.

If you’re interested in psychology, neuroscience, and improving your memory, this book is definitely for you

Was this review helpful?