LatinaLista
Reading is a skill that most people have to some degree, but remembering what we read is an ability that not everyone is blessed with. Whether it’s a grocery list or the all-important information for an exam, memorizing is something you either can do very well or you can’t — unless you read Maximize Your Memory.
Originally published in Spanish by Rámon Campayo, world record holder in speed memory (In 2003, he shattered 15 world records in speed memorization.) and long term memory, the book translated into English is geared for students to help increase their reading speed, comprehension and memorization techniques, but it’s also a book for anyone who wants to accomplish the same with their daily reading.
Campayo says that anyone can memorize, even the most complex of texts, if they just practice certain memory techniques that he’s perfected. He wastes no time in putting words into action starting with explaining how the mind and memory work, dissecting the various types of “memorizable facts” and launching the first of many exercises to get the reader’s mind in the memorization mode.
Like most books of this kind, the reader gets no benefit from just reading the book and not participating in the practice sessions found in each chapter. Yet, what was so enjoyable about this book was that the explanations and instructions are so easy to read and comprehend that it’s not hard to ace some of the exercises — with a little practice, of course. As each practice session is mastered, it’s a natural motivator to move on to the next exercise.
Campayo not only focuses on strengthening memory but he also talks about those outside forces that can inhibit it, like fear, worry or nervousness. He provides practical advice on how to create the best climate to read so it’s retained and how to battle those incessant butterflies in the stomach some students have before a big exam.
In addition to sharing his memory techniques, Campayo explains how this leads into increasing reading speed and developing “photographic reading.” He also shares what he calls his General Study System meant to help students study and memorize their test material.
While the book is written with students in mind, it’s not a “far-fetched association” (You’ll have to read the book to get my pun.) to say that none of us ever ceases being a student and wanting to improve our memory skills.
Yet, as Campayo explains the success in achieving that is how we “see” what we read.
