How to Remember the Plot of Books Read: 8 Ways to Remember Everything You Read
• By Louise
Do you ever feel like you read a book but then can't remember what happened?
You're not alone! Many people have this problem. In fact, a lot of people forget the plot of books they've read just days after finishing them.
This can be frustrating, especially if you want to talk about the book with someone else or even write a review.
However, there are some tips and tricks that you can use to help remember the plot of books read. In this blog post, we will discuss how to do just that!
How to Remember the Plot of Books Read
There are many ways to remember the plot of a book long after reading it. Some methods include drawing out a scene, listening to an audiobook as you go about your day, discussing the book with someone else soon after finishing it, and taking breaks to think about what's happened so far. You can also re-read certain sections or the entire book to refresh your memory. Additionally, keeping a reading journal can be beneficial as you can track your thoughts and feelings about the book as you're reading it. Not only will this help jog your memory later on, but it's also a great way to connect with the material on a deeper level.
1. Creating a Mental or Physical Map of the Story
One way to keep track of what happens in a book is by creating a mental or physical map of the story. For example, if the book is set in a specific location, such as New York City, try to imagine where each scene takes place. This will help give you a better understanding of the story and how each event is connected.
Additionally, if the book has multiple characters, it can be helpful to keep track of their relationships with one another. Creating a diagram or flow chart can be beneficial in this instance. By doing this, you will be able to visualize the story, making it easier to remember what happened.
You could also draw a timeline of events or make a list of characters and their story arcs.
2. Writing a Summary or Review
Another helpful method is to write a summary of the book after completing it. Include your thoughts and interpretations, as well as key plot points. This will not only help refresh your memory later on, but also give you a chance to reflect on what you've read.
This can be done either by hand in a reading journal or notebook, or online on sites like Goodreads. Not only will this help you solidify your understanding of the story, but it will also be a fun way to look back and see how your thoughts on the book have changed over time.
If you decide to write a review, be sure to include your thoughts and feelings on the characters, setting, and plot. This will help you remember what you loved (and didn’t love) about the book.
Reading Journals
Keeping a reading journal is a great way to remember the plot of books read. Writing a summary or review about each book as you complete it will help you to remember and process the book you've just read.
You will also be able to look back and quickly recall how you felt about a story and it's main points.
3. Draw a Scene from the Story
If you’re a visual learner, another helpful method is to draw a scene from the book. This could be done in a sketchbook or even just on a piece of paper. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy – stick figures are perfectly fine!
By drawing out a scene, you will not only be able to remember what happened, but you will also get a better sense of the book’s overall atmosphere.
4. Listen to an Audiobook as you go About Your Day
Listening to audiobooks while you so something else is a great way to remember the plot. This is known as passive recall and will help tie the story to the memory of you carrying out your daily tasks.
For instance, if you’re doing the dishes, you could listen to an audiobook at the same time. Or, if you’re going for a run, put on an audiobook instead of music. Next time you're doing the dishes or running the same route, it will remind you of the story.
The key is to find something that doesn’t require your full attention so that you can still focus on the story.
Another method is to create something as you listen. This could be anything from a piece of jewelry to a piece of art. As you create, pay attention to the story and how it unfolds. This will help keep your mind focused and prevent you from getting distracted.
Crafting something as you listen to the story is a particularly good way to remember the plot as you will have created something physical to remind you of the story.
5. Discuss the Book With Someone Else
If you want to remember the plot of a book you may find it helpful to talk about the book with someone else soon after finishing it. This could be a friend, family member, or even another book lover online. Talking about what you’ve read is a great way to solidify your understanding of the story. Plus, it’s always fun to share your thoughts on a book with someone who has read it as well. If you don’t have anyone to talk to about the book, try joining a book club or starting a discussion thread on Goodreads. This is a great way to connect with other book lovers and discuss the books you’ve read.
6. Take Breaks
It can be helpful to take breaks every now and then to think about what’s happened so far. This will help ensure that you’re actually absorbing the information. And, it will give you time to process everything that’s happening.
7. Re-reading
If you want to remember the plot of a book, you may find it helpful to re-read certain sections or even the entire book. This is particularly true if it’s been a while since you read it. By re-reading, you will be able to refresh your memory and pick up on things that you may have missed the first time around.
How do you Remember Everything you Read Using a Memory?
There are two main ways to remember everything you read: active and passive recall.
Active recall involves repeating information back to yourself, either out loud or in your head. For example, after reading a passage, you might repeat it back word-for-word to yourself. This process helps you to better understand and remember the information.
Passive recall, on the other hand, involves simply reading information and then allowing it to "sink in" without trying to actively remember it. This process is often helped along by taking handwritten notes or making flashcards. Over time, the information will gradually be recalled without having to consciously try.
Both active and passive recall have their own benefits and drawbacks. Try out both methods and see which one works better for you!
Why do I Immediately Forget What I Read?
There could be a few different reasons why you might immediately forget what you read. Perhaps you're not paying enough attention while reading, or maybe the material isn't particularly interesting to you. It's also possible that you have a short-term memory issue.
Here are a few things that might help you remember what you read:
- Make sure to focus while you're reading. Try to find a quiet place where you can really concentr ate on the material.
- Before reading, try to think about why the material is important or interesting to you. Once you have a clearer idea of why it matters to you, it will be easier for your brain to pay attention and retain the information.
- If you have a short-term memory issue, there are some memory exercises and strategies that might help. For instance, try writing down what you read immediately after finishing a section. This will help your brain to better process and remember the information.
Struggling to Concentrate?
If you've had to read a lot for school or work you might be forgetting what you read because of reading burnout.
Check out our post about readers block for 15 ways to get out of a reading slump.
What Is The Fastest Way To Memorise A Chapter Of A Book?
If you need to recall the chapter word for word, then the fastest way to memorise a chapter of a book is to read the chapter several times and then practice recalling the information. You could also listen to an audiobook version of the chapter over and over or record yourself reading the chapter and play it back on repeat.
Reading the chapter multiple times will help embed the information in your memory. Recalling the information will help you remember it better. You can practice recalling the information by writing it down or saying it out loud. Of course this isn't the most enjoyable method, but it is the most effective.
If you only need to remember the key points of a chapter and some important quotes then the best way is to create a summary of the chapter. This could be a bullet point list or a more detailed summary. Having a summary will help you recall the main points of the chapter and will make it easier to remember what happened.
Final Thoughts
There are a number of ways to remember the plot of books you’ve read. The key is to find what works best for you. Experiment with different methods and see which ones help you the most. And, don’t be afraid to try something new!
We hope these tips help you to remember the plot of any book you read. While it may take some extra effort at first, it will be worth it when you can look back and recall all that happened in the story. So next time you finish a book, be sure to put these methods into practice!
