How to Remember What You Read
Have you ever finished a book feeling changed by what you read — but unable to articulate how?
This happens to me frequently. I’ll close a book knowing it impacted me, but when it comes up in conversation, I can only pull forward a few broad ideas. I lose the nuance or the specific examples. That gap is frustrating.
I don’t want to reread every book just to recall what resonated.
So I started paying attention to how I read — and more importantly, how I reflect while reading. Here are a few habits that helped me remember more of what I read — maybe they'll help you.
1. Set an intention before you start reading
What are you hoping to gain from this book? Entertainment, escape, learning something new, challenging a perspective, etc.
2. Decide how you'll reflect as you read
Ideas can fade because we don't plan where they'll land. Some people reflect by:
- writing in the margins
- highlighting or flagging pages
- jotting notes in a notebook
- keeping a running list of ideas
- mental notes
If you choose a notebook, keep it with your current book. Convenience impacts execution. The easier it is to write something down, the more likely you are to do it.
3. Pause when something resonates
When a sentence makes you stop- reflect. Don't wait until the end of a chapter (or worse, book) to write. Instead, write a few words (Tip: notate the page), paraphrase in your own language, and what thought it raised. Wooo, active learning!
4. Interact with what you've learned
Ideas become more accessible the more you interact with them. Similar theory to watch-do-teach; once you learn, discuss it:
- Talking about what you're reading with a friend
- Sharing a takeaway that surprised you
- Writing more intently about it
- Asking questions instead of looking for answers
- Researching other perspectives via books, podcasts, etc.
This shouldn't feel like homework.
If remembering books feels heavy or forced, this may be required reading? The goal isn't to document everything or extract value from every page. It's to honor the time you invested by giving meaningful ideas a place to land.
If you love reading, but find ideas fade quickly, creating a simple habit of writing can change how you retain information and how your books impact your world.
A dedicated Reading Journal can make this process, easy, organized and consistent- check out ours and take a look inside.
