If the book is really worth reading, then it's probably worth reading very slowly and carefully. Soak in every word and nuance.
Have emotional reactions to what you read. Did the writer say that your lifestyle or ideas are wrong? Get mad about it, read passionately.
There's an old technique for improving your memory: memorize poetry. I'm not talking about some modern moron writing prose trash, breaking it into lines for no other purpose than to say, "look at me, I'm an artist!" No, memorize real poetry (language constructed with a pattern of rhythm and meter) from people like Alexander Pope, Shakespeare, Milton, Thomas Morell, or even W.S. Gilbert. After awhile you won't recognize your own memory.
Have emotional reactions to what you read. Did the writer say that your lifestyle or ideas are wrong? Get mad about it, read passionately.
There's an old technique for improving your memory: memorize poetry. I'm not talking about some modern moron writing prose trash, breaking it into lines for no other purpose than to say, "look at me, I'm an artist!" No, memorize real poetry (language constructed with a pattern of rhythm and meter) from people like Alexander Pope, Shakespeare, Milton, Thomas Morell, or even W.S. Gilbert. After awhile you won't recognize your own memory.