Remember: The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting

Remember explores how memory works, why we forget, and how to protect our memories. Lisa Genova, a neuroscientist and author of Still Alice, explains that common memory lapses—forgetting an actor's name or why you entered a room—are normal, not signs of disease. Our brains are not designed to retain every name, plan, or experience we encounter. The book examines how memories form and are retrieved, distinguishing between temporarily inaccessible memories and permanently erased ones. It explains why some memories last only seconds, like a passcode, while others persist for a lifetime, such as a wedding day. Genova clarifies the difference between normal forgetting, like misplacing your car keys, and forgetting caused by Alzheimer's disease, like forgetting you own a car. The book also covers how memory is shaped by meaning, emotion, sleep, stress, and context. By understanding how memory functions—its strengths, weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and potential—readers can improve their ability to remember and feel less anxious about inevitable lapses. The goal is to set realistic expectations for memory and develop a healthier relationship with it.