Moonwalking with Einstein

Part history, part science, part instruction manual, the book is a near-gripping narrative of the author’s journey into the world of memory champions. It will change the way you think of and value your memory.

A lot of fun!

Joshua Foer gives us a fascinating look at the science of how memory and identity are intertwined. The playfulness of the title of this book continues is mirrored in the narrative style. We get a Queen’s Gambit style story through various voices and research subjects. Each section laced with equal parts humor and jaw dropping insights. Of all the knowledge shared the most distinct is that there is a stark difference between learning and memorizing as a discipline. The memory techniques discussed are enticing shortcuts to getting more out of life but there are trade offs that you’ll learn about. Put simply, a head full of facts does not equate to a head full of knowledge, nor does it a genius make. That said, the need to revisit our relationship with memory is well argued here. Especially in the connection between what we learn and how we are tasked with remembering it. The lingering question is how to find a balance between the two and how are education system is critical to that outcome. I was fortunate to have a 4th grade teacher who taught us many of these techniques but more importantly which one we individually were more inclined to. The other exciting connection then is how science can help us all do this better. Specifically, those who have suffered memory loss and similar. In the broader sense, how we manage the association between internalized memories and our external digitized ones. Joshua Foer’s own journey in participatory journalism is a great place to start.

A good book to read, facts that explain some basic and antique memory exercises to remember

Was enjoyable to read! Someone else was correct that it reads more like a memoir, but in some ways that made the information easier to follow. Nuggets of information tucked into the storyline. 3 stars = most parts were entertaining. Learned some things. Probably won’t repeat read but enjoyed it the first time.

This book isn’t going to make you smarter if you have such hopes. It’s more like the story of a normal man training for memory championships and realizing that no matter how high he ranks in the competition, this training doesn’t affect your daily basis memory. I felt bad for investing my time in this book given how few information I got out of it...

The author's journey from interested reporting journalist to US memory champion is a stimulating read. The journey is simply a matrix for the web of information provided about memory itself and the way memory has affected humanity. How techniques that were commonplace 2500 years ago and which have fallen into obscurity in the digital age can be rekindled to provide anyone with a fantastic recall for facts and figures. Whether you actually want to memorize a pack of cards in 30 seconds or are simply interested in how it is done, this book is for you! Not only did I devour the book, I told all my friends what a stimulating read it had been!

Booo I'm in is hard or Ilonagioiii

This book was a really quick read and very informative. You definitely should read this.

Vey well written book about developing memory skills. Foer gives us some quick background on the importance of memory throughout the ages, and then takes us through his experiences as he develops memory skills and becomes a mental athlete. Really quite interesting to learn about memory techniques and the use of the "memory palace". Great cast of characters and enjoyable read. Highly recommended!