I love non-fiction books about brains. Psychology, neuroscience, you name it. But this is really overwhelming. It's almost like a reference book but not quite since it's filled with so many anecdotes. It's still a good read.

A comprehensive overlap of science and theory.

Let's face it: our key comprehension of the brain in relation to memory has not changed much in the last several centuries. While we are continuing to grow our understanding, the founding principles remain largely the same.

From ancient philosophers to Freud, 'The Complete Guide to Memory' breaks down nuggets of theoretical and scientific study into bite-sized synopses with real-life examples for application. In doing so, Richard Restak is not telling the reader which philosophies are inherently correct or incorrect. Instead, he is highlighting the benefits of multiple approaches to the study of memory so that you can decide what may or may not work best for you.

What does this mean for you and your ailing brain?

It means that this book should be treated less like a conversation starter and more like a textbook complete with quizzes. Each chapter has several places where it asks you to stop and practice the methods being discussed, giving it a very engaging workbook feel.

If you are curious to know the nitty gritty on your brain and how to improve your memory: this will be an excellent book for you to purchase and digest slowly. I would even go so far as to suggest making notes as you go. Underline, highlight, keep a journal near by- The Complete Guide to Memory will leave you reeling.

[Thank you to NetGalley and Skyhorse publishing for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]

Versatile facts on memory and memorization practice

The Complete Guide to Memory is a collection of intriguing facts, examples, and exercises. Richard Restak, the author and neurologist, has created an easy-to-read scientific book. However, the first parts with historical details may feel a little lengthy, but these give ground for the book. Then the theories are described briefly and applied in some examples and exercises.

Some of the main characteristics of this book are exercises. They most follow illustrative examples of the same type. That may make these easy to try. These seem coherent and helpful in memorization, but it likely takes time to apply them to more general practical situations.

The structure of the book is a result of careful work. Restak starts with the basics and history, after which the timeline goes on while the content becomes stepwise more challenging. There is a great flow, but sometimes the exercises may slow down reading.

I found this book full of facts easy to apply to everyday life. It was a refreshing reading experience. Thanks to Skyhorse Publishing and NetGalley for this advanced copy to review.

Any type of book that relates to how to improve your brain is always something I am interested in. I went to school for gerontology, ultimately because I was always fascinated in how the brain work as we age. Being able to read this book on how we are able to generate memories based off the time, where we were, who we are with etc is something I feel like everyone would be curious in reading about. This book shows you how to improve your memory so if you're someone like me who has goldfish memory, this is one to pick up. Hopefully the lessons in this book stick with me and I apply it to my everyday routine lol .

This is most likely something I would add to my shelf therefore when this book gets published,

Thank you NetGalley, Skyhorse Publishing and Richard Restak for the ARC

This book explains how the memory works and provides techniques the reader can use to improve their memorization skills. It's easy to read and should be understandable for beginners in the topic.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I read books about the brain often because I find the brain fascinating and because Alzheimer's runs in my family. Before I even requested this ARC from NetGalley, I researched author Restak -- this would be Dr. Restak, well-known neurologist and neuropsychiatrist, professor, and author of many books. Restak and his book did not disappoint me.

The book is grounded solidly in research, but it is not difficult to read. I like knowing where various thoughts, memories, and actions originate in the specific parts of the brain. I know other readers do not. Restak occasionally names the various parts of the brain; however, he does not do it every time. His research is current (as current as one's publication dates allow) because I know of some of the researchers and their research discussed in this book (e.g. Alia Crum).

What did I feel Restak brought to the table? Research into memory and the brain is an absolute must have, yet I can get that from podcasts. Restak weaves together historical background, quotes from literary fiction, and case studies into his research with descriptive and imaginative language -- all of which applies what has been learned thus far about memory. Included in the chapters are practical exercises and ideas to try. My husband and I both took the "Is My Memory Functioning Normally" quiz.

I read this comprehensive book from June 1 to June 5, ending up with 37 bookmarks. I need the actual book in my hands and on my bookshelves, so I will be purchasing my own physical copy. Thanks to NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing for this ARC.

I really loved this book about memory. It gave an easy to understand guide to memory and what it is and how it is formed. It even gives some nice tips for helping improve your memory as you age. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.