The Memory Key: Unlock the Secrets to Remembering

Rating:
Summary: Useful hints
Review: Having read many books on the 'how' of improving memory, this one was a refreshing surprise. It shows, through an explanation of how memory itself works, why certain techniques are suited for certain kinds of memory tasks, what the relation is between encoding something into memory and how it will be retrieved, and many other interesting things. People who have worked with memory techniques already, or who have at any rate spent time thinking about how their memory works, will probably get the most out of this book.

Like some other reviewers, I noted a tendency towards jargon. I also found the book's layout frankly amateurish (cheesy diagrams, too many fonts, etc). But these minor problems don't detract significantly from the content.

Rating:
Summary: A definite leap forward in my understanding of memory
Review: I had been using peg methods with limited success, but was seeking a way to build a strong reliable memory for facts. Peg Mmenonics were good for temporary holding info but the fact was the connections were superficial and usually useful for a day. This book really helped me build an understanding of understanding itself. The clustering approach is worth the price of the book. After completing an exercise in a couple minutes earlier this weekend, I can still tell you the life of Vivaldi and specific facts, his father was a professional violin, he was called the Red Priest, he had asma - simply by organizing the information in a meaningful cluster. Before I would have made connections simply in a more linear chronological way in the sequence in which I was presented the facts. Seeing the importance of organization and building good understanding is a more permanent solution. So this was precisely the information I was seeking. The book is well worth the read as long as you are committed and can roll up your sleeves and spend a weekend digesting it. My criticism for dropping it to a 3 is due to the writing style -- it is sometimes dry and obvious and wearing. There is very little personality and fascinating anecdotes in this book .i.e it's not a spy thriller. Often themes are repeated with bullet points that were obvious to begin with: Statements like "to create a memory code that you can find, you need to know what you will be looking for." Are filled throughout the book. Having said that, I am seeing a marked improvement in my memory by simply coming to each learning situation with more strategic goals. Whereas before, I expected good memory to just happen. I would start with this book then move on to a good fun use of mnemonics afterwards to fill in the gaps.

Rating:
Summary: Ignore the 1 year old reviewer -- It's a decent book.
Review: This book does a decent job of explaining how memory works and how to make the most use out of it. It's a very realistic book -- the author is the first one I've come across who understands the effort involved in using some of the popular memory techniques. It's all very useful information with zero fluff. In my opinion, the two pages that discussed goal setting were worth the price of the book.

The only thing I would improve in the book is that I would take a little more time defining terms before using them. For example, the author talks about memories as "codes" but then she also talks about "cues" and it took me awhile to understand that cues are codes that lead you to a specifc code that you're trying to remember.

Rating:
Summary: Reliable Strategies, Expectations Well Met
Review: This book is extremely helpful.

It teaches exactly how you can improve memory skills in a realistic way. I read this book and followed up with some research of my own. All the supporting research is absolutely spot on. I gave the book to a psych prof to read and he agrees.

The problem with a lot of self help memory books, is that there is a lot of pop psych and "inspiration" without consideration of real application, or the fact that people do have a certain amount of common sense. This book shows exactly how the memory works in combination with the body and environment, and provides ways that you can use to help your memory - all day long.

Fiona has written a book that teaches well, and sticks in the mind because the supporting research is so strong.

One of the best things about the Memory Key, is that it takes a strategy perspective, rather than just looking at fancy techniques or tricks. This strategy perspective makes it far more interesting to apply what is learned from the book. It makes application of memory more like a game. It also makes the application more useable and useful.

I believe this is a great book for all who want to make the most of their mind and memory both short and long term.

Rating:
Summary: Practical advice for using memory strategies
Review: While most books on memorization usually describe memory techniques and strategies, Fiona McPherson's book takes the reader a step further. I have read over a dozen books in the area of memory, and I have discovered through experience the strengths and weaknesses of different memory techniques. In this book however, it teaches the reader how to USE memory strategies rather than just simply the techniques.

The book's approach can be aptly summarized in the phrase, "Smart selection is better than total recall." That is, effort put into understanding what you memorize, as well as why, is better and more effective for long-term recall. This is also true from my own experiences with memorization techniques. The book does not advocate placing everything into working memory. Instead, there is a balance between the cost of a memory technique (in time and effort) and using memory aids, such as creating lists. Memory recall is based not simply on techniques, but also in knowing how memory works as well as why specific strategies are effective. Like other memory books, this book also emphasizes frequent review of information. However unlike other books it provides practical tips on effective reviewing. Also the chapter on "Study Strategies" is an excellent chapter worth the price of the book. It breaks down the details for note-taking to a level that makes sense. It also describes creative ways to summarize information; these are in turn tremendous aids to understanding and ultimately, memorization of the material.

Some of the weaknesses in the book include terms that are not clearly defined for the reader at first (cues, codes) as well as a number of typographical errors (p. 42 - " traget" is target and "sues" is cues). Overall though, it is nice to pick up a book, read it and have my own experiences concerning memory validated in the book's advice. Fiona McPherson's book fills a nice niche for how to be aware of memory strategies and in the practical aspect of applying memory techniques.