Book Buying Addicts Anonymous discussion

I like to read whenever possible and almost always have something with me to read in case I get stuck somewhere. I am starving for words it seems like. But what really bothers me is that I can't always remember a book I finish. Sometimes I'll reread a paragraph and think "huh?" As a kid I would get so wrapped up in a story, nothing else existed around me. I could remember the story like it actually happened to me. I know as we get older, we have more on our minds and it's easier to get distracted. It's hardest for me to remember graphic novels even though I love them so much. Maybe I'm reading too much?? Maybe I have way too much on my mind?? Just wondering if anybody else has this problem.

Sometimes I have trouble remembering details about a book I read a few weeks or months ago. Like, if I'm going to write a review, I need to write it immediately after I finish a book. Because if I don't, I'll remember the basic plot but forget details. :) Or I'll get it confused with something I've read since.

Every so often, I have a problem remembering the details of a book that I've read. Especially if its a book that I had a hard time reading straight through.

Lisa, that is the story of my life! I've been keeping a list of the books I read since 2007 and once I was looking at what I'd read for the year realizing that I couldn't really remember about most of them beyond the fact that I liked or disliked them.

Lisa wrote: "But what really bothers me is that I can't always remember a book I finish.."

I keep a list of all the books I've read per month (I do this for the films I watch too!); I've only been doing it for the past couple of years, no doubt there are a lot of books I have forgotten I have read.

I also keep a list of books I read every month (besides doing a blog post about it). I've only done that last year and this year, though.

I always write a review after I read the book. Thinking about what to write helps me supplant the information in my head.

I have a lot of paper books that I know I've read, but can't remember the story. But when I look at the book on the shelf, I know just by looking at it that I've read it and if I liked it or not, even if I can't remember the story. Sometimes I lend a book to someone and tell them it's really good, then they ask what it's about and I have to say I don't know!

I've also tried to download the same book twice on my Kindle, but at least it warns me before it lets me do that.

I'd also say I can generally remember enough to tell someone about it, and it all comes back if I start flipping through. Though often I don't remember it that vividly after a few years. Which is why if I really enjoy a book, I keep it, and end up re-reading it down the road because at some point I pick it up thinking "I loved this, what was it about again?"

I actually read an article recently that was asking about the science of this--is it worth reading books when you can't remember them later. And the answer was that yes, like any experience, reading a book, living through it in that way, shapes your mind, informs your thinking, so even if you can't remember the plot and characters, the effect it had on you will stay.

Another comment - when I was younger, I was intensely stressed almost all the time, and I read constantly to escape. But I often found I was just processing the words in a kind of white noise, not getting fully involved. And then I wouldn't remember a thing. Slowing down, engaging your imagination and your critical thinking a bit more, may help.

I generally remember the books I've read, unless it's been a long, long time.

I'll remember the books I've read but I don't always remember exactly what was said in the books...I'll usually remember the plot though. So in someways if I really want to reread a book it can be a blessing..lol

Sometimes I think I've read something when I've just seen/heard about it so much I have a false memory of reading it!
And I've been known to start reading a book & suddenly realize (thankfully, usually, early on) that yes, I have actually already read this. It's really unfortunate when I've gone out & bought a copy only to discover that not only have I read it already, I already have a copy.:(
LOL

I generally don't have a problem vaguely remembering what happened in fiction books that I've read, but I what really annoys me is that non-fiction information goes straight out of my head. I've been working my way through a book on the Crusades and it's taking me ages because I have to keep going back and re-reading sections to remember what's going on and who's who etc. An after-effect of the education system perhaps? I did once hear that the human brain is wired to remember stories though, so maybe that's why fiction is easier to recall than something written in a more academic style.

I hate to admit this, but when I am reading (and I usually read three books at a time) and put the book down, I place the bookmark about three pages back from where I stopped.....that way I can pick up on the story again without having to go back a re-read to get up to speed. It works!!!

I appreciate the replies =) I've been making lists of the books I read, but I recently have added either a synopsis and/or a short review. I've been caught off guard more than a few times when somebody asks me if I liked a certain book and I'll say oh sure it was great. And what is the book about? Uh...I don't remember, but it sure was great! I do remember the basic plot and favorite parts, so I guess I'm not doing too bad!

I usually remember the plot of a book and the character development, but have a hard time remembering titles (and sometimes authors). There is a book I read about 8 years ago and for the past 2 years, I've been thinking about it and want to read it again. But I borrowed it from the library before. I know what the cover looks like and a very basic plot, but can't remember the title or who it was by. Its driving me crazy because I don't have any idea on how to find it again.

Why don't you tell the plot here?
Maybe someone read it too and can tell you the title of it.

Ok. It was a sci-fi book with a white cover with a stip of green/jungle graphics in the middle.

I'm kind of hazy on the details since it was so long ago, but from what I remember, humans had set up a small colony on this rainforest world to exploit its resources not realizing that there was a race of intelligent amphibian like creatures in the forest. This pilot lost control of her shuttle and crashed in the forest and almost died. The natives found her and in order to save her life somehow transformed her into one of them. (They seemed faintly frog like, with sticky foot pads and very bright colors). After she integrated into their society she eventually helped lead a revolt against the humans and chased them off the planet.

It sounds kind of lame, but there was some really beautiful descriptions and character development that left an impression. I'd really appreciate any help finding it again.

I agree with you Lisa: when I was younger I used to remember every single scene of the books I'd read. Now though, only the ones that made a big impression on me -either as too good or too bad- stick with me for more than a couple of months, and even then the details are in a haze. I think that all the books I've rated with 3 stars -that average, just OK stage- are gone from my mind in less than a couple of weeks:(

I'm pretty lame rememberingwhat I read. I must accept it. But not in every book. When the book is really good and I loved it a lot, I remember the basic of the plot. Though, usually what I forget are the names of the characters.

Bridget wrote: "Ok. It was a sci-fi book with a white cover with a stip of green/jungle graphics in the middle.

I'm kind of hazy on the details since it was so long ago, but from what I remember, humans had se..."

You could try going to the book group called 'What's the name of that book'. You can post the details of your book on a thread and if anyone recognises it, they'll offer a title and author. It helped me track down a few books that I couldn't remember much about. Worth a try!

Hello Lisa, I sometimes have the same problem. I really feel bad though when that happens, because I want to remember every single book I've read. However, I remember only the REALLY good ones:) as someone suggested earlier, maybe writing a review after you finish reading a book, or writing in a blog or something would help refresh your memory. Cheers.

I am so glad to see that other people have this problem too. I thought there was something wrong with me.:) I may have to start writing the characters names and a quick summary of the book so I can remember... lol, my book tracking file keeps getting bigger and bigger....

As I get older I have no problem remembering the story but I do have trouble remembering the name of the book and/or the author that goes with the story. It just gives me an excuse to re-read the book or at least peruse my library to find the book that goes with the story in my head. When I do that I see other books that I REALLY need to re-read. I love those ooo-ahhh moments.

Lisa wrote: "I like to read whenever possible and almost always have something with me to read in case I get stuck somewhere. I am starving for words it seems like. But what really bothers me is that I can't al..."I have this problem too. I keep a half sheet of paper and a pen handy to jot down the characters as they appear in a story.. and make the connections between characters with lines ie..A and B (partners) If I can keep the characters in the right order I can usually remember the plot fine..Of course this only works with books that are mainly character driven and most the mysteries I read are..I'm older so I always worry about "The Little Grey Cells!"

I just did it....picked up a book at the library that looked interesting. After reading about 10 pages I realized that I had read it before. I hate doing that......like Maryanne, I am worrying about the little grey cells!!!!

Sometimes I remember details about a book I have read but I can not remember the title:(

Lisa wrote: "I like to read whenever possible and almost always have something with me to read in case I get stuck somewhere. I am starving for words it seems like. But what really bothers me is that I can't al..."

I thought it was just me!

This may be a problem with all avid readers..if you only rad 2 or 3 books a year it should be easy to remember them but if you rad at least one a week keeping them sorted is difficult. I know I'm not cutting back on my reading!!It's one of those so many books..so little time things..

Normally not at all. I'm a pretty fast reader can can follow stories quite easily.

However, if a story contains a huge amount of background info or a big sciency explaination on something, I can have a hard time remembering it. There are some books I had to go back and re-read certain parts to refresh my memory. Or I got to the a point in the story that referred to a past happening and I can't remember it. But this is pretty rarea and like I said, I am good at following and remembering what I read.

But right now I am actually having this problem. I am reading the Psy-Changling series by Nalini Singh. I'm on the third book when I normally would have chugged through almost the whole series right now. I find myself getting lost sometimes and having a hard time remembering this. The author has her own somewhat complex culture and created her own species. It's sometimes hard to keep all the characters straight too. I really wish I could enjoy this one more.

A hint from a longtimer..if you're reading for pleasure..it should be just that!..An example is the great Russian writers..you have to be dedicated to it..and I just never could get by all the Russian names..I know Tolstoy and Chekov are giants and I loved Dr Zhivago but give me a good Brit mystery..Ian Rankin, Peter Robinson, Deborah Crombie, Susan Hill..Just by the title, Psy-Changling..it sounds like it might be convoluted..and sometimes authors from different cultures are harder to read..ie like trying to get an ATT bill straightened out with some one in India who says his name is Sean and is speaking English but just not the kind of English you can understand!! If your determined to read this series..,aybe you need a little memo book to jot down the characters as they appear and what their new identity is if they are "changing".

I don't see why anyone would object to re-reading a book. If it was good the first time, why not the second? I'm sure we've all sat through reruns on television and enjoyed movies a second, third and maybe even a fifth time. What is the difference in a book? I can understand buying unwanted duplicates but that can be cured by controlling impulse buying. I generally remember the books I've read and if in doubt I just leave it on the bookshelf and buy another. Book markets and really cheap second-hand stores are another matter. I won't hesitate to buy anything that tickles my fancy and the only question in my mind is how I can get my purchases home.

^ I agree about rereading.

C.S. Lewis said, "I can't imagine a man really enjoying a book and reading it only once."

Even though I often buy and read new books, sometimes I just want to revisit a favorite story. I'm planning on rereading at least 20 books this year (I've done five so far).

I've done this. I cannot tell you what Tigana by Guy Kavriel Kay is about. But then I chalk it down to the book just not being memorable for my tastes. So I gave that book only 2 stars.

As to jotting down books I've read, I do that at the back of every journal I write. For as long as I write in a particular journal, I jot down every book I read and lately now, every movie/series I watch. It helps me keep track, especially when reading/watching a series.

Jana, let me ask you honestly, does the extra clerical work and slight deformation of your books improve the quality of enjoyment? If your objective is to ONLY read books once, fill your bookshelves with nicknacks and only read from the library. What use is a personal copy if its destined never to be opened again? I understand your objective but if I may make a suggestion, concentrate more on enjoying every book to its fullest and less on if it is new ground conquered. The second and third reading of some books gives you a chance to look at the book, plot and characters from a different angle and in a new perspective. The written word is a very special gift, to be enjoyed completely and as often as possible! Have a very Happy Easter!

I love to reread. I feel guilty that I don't reread more! Books like Moby Dick or Ulysses are barely understood in a first reading. The better constructed a book, the denser the prose, the richer the themes-the more it demands a reread, at least one.
The first read gives me the plot & characters but I'm paying most of my attention to following the story & getting to know the characters, etc. to pay enough attention to the shape (& I can't begin to examine the overall shape until I've "seen" it at least once, that is, the first reading) or how motifs are used, foreshadowings, the rhythm or other special characteristics of the prose, etc. What makes a book really a "great" to me is how many levels it contains, maybe how many rereadings it demands to begin to not only understand but really enjoy the book, to play with the author in both the most serious & most fanciful sense of the word.

I wish life were long enough for me to do justice to my books. But sometimes I'm so greedy (mostly, in fact) that I'm more intent on quantity of reading, rather than quality.

However, Jana, I like what Thom calls the "clerical work" you do with your books & I believe that everyone comes to their reading their own way. But I do think that different books have to be read differently. I love my cozy mystery series, all of them, but I love them partly because they are less demanding than Flaubert & Joyce.

And it's all ok. Even good. That's what makes reading so miraculous to me, all the worlds that are here amongst us, as different as we ourselves are.

Happy Easter to those who celebrate that.
Happy Pesoch for those who celebrate that.
And happy life & good reading to us all.

Thom wrote: "Jana, let me ask you honestly, does the extra clerical work and slight deformation of your books improve the quality of enjoyment? If your objective is to ONLY read books once, fill your bookshelve..."

Did I somehow imply that I'm against rereading books? I actually do on occasion, special books that I really love. Yes, I do feel guilty doing that too often, wondering at the hordes of other books I currently own that could be new favorites, but I'm not against reading something I love a 2nd or even 3rd time.

Thom, let me ask you honestly, does the forum trolling and bizarre out-of-place hostility improve the quality of your enjoyment in this group? I wasn't aware that voicing one's opinion about how one reads books is grounds for personal attack in this club. Considering that this is the "Book Buying Addicts Anonymous" Club, Jana's method of marking which books she has and hasn't read seems to make more sense than reading and re-reading the same books over and over again ... unless you are buying multiple copies of the same book.

I occasionally forget after a year or so, but that is why I keep them so I can re-read them. Sometimes I just re-read them because I enjoy them!! I rarely forget the whole thing though. ;( Sadly, as much as a love mystery, it is never as good the second time through.
But I'm getting a bit off topic.

Your comment isn't exactly accurate as the observation was in no way intended as a personal attack. This forum is meant for the exchange of ideas and opinions and that is what we've done. Bridget.... I also wish you a very happy Easter and I don't say it with any hostility, malice or disrespect.

If a book is memorable for whatever reason, good or bad, I tend to remember it better than one that was just an ok read, but even then I could probably tell you the basic plot points of most of the books I've ever read. . .When I first saw this topic I immediately thought of my mom. She can read 2-3 books a day and be engrossed and know exactly what happened an hour afterword, but give it about a week and she couldn't tell you a thing about what she'd read, unless it was REALLY memorable to her for whatever reason. . .that always cracks me up about her.

I always think that when people ask if I speed read. I don't-some books are just easier for me. I always think of speed reading as being like that joke-"I read War and Peace before breakfast. It's about a war. I think."

I have always read slowly but I agree with you Ellie that some books seem to flow better than others. I do, however, remember what I read. Sometimes, after a few years, names tend to fade (then it is time for a re-read) but that could also be attributed to age. I'm the first to admit that I'm not as sharp as I once was.

I like to hope that what mattered most in the book stays with me, even if I can't consciously recall it, that it's helped inform my world view, as it were. I hope, anyway. And usually when I reread those are the parts that recall most vividly upon rereading.

There are some books that I re-read intentionally.....Sherlock Holmes, Nero Wolfe, Agatha Christie......but it's those little books that I read while reading something more hefty that get me every time. I get into the first 10 pages and think...."hmmmm, this sounds familiar" and then realize that I read it a couple of years ago....enjoyed it but not particularly a book that stays in your mind. I think we all run into that since it appears that we are voracious readers, one and all.

I have a terrible memory. I remember sensations more than plot specifics when it comes to reading. I guess the advantage is I can re-read great books over and over without losing all of that sensation of discovery.

Ellie wrote: "I like to hope that what mattered most in the book stays with me, even if I can't consciously recall it, that it's helped inform my world view, as it were. I hope, anyway. And usually when I reread..."

Me too Ellie!! Otherwise, what would be the point of all the reading that we do? And I do find that to be the case. Sometimes my mom curses inspiring me to read, but most of the time she is thrilled. I think seeing so many world views makes us more open than others and, hopefully, more tolerant of people's differences. There is an Indian Quite that I really love that says "Until you walk a mile in your enemy's moccasins, you cannot know them. But once you have, you will love him as a brother and can do him no harm."

That is such a beautiful quote and so true. Thanks for sharing Heidi.

Thank you Heidi. And that experience is something I can't lose, even if I don't remember the details.