Last year, I read 52 books. One book every week. I felt proud of myself. But then something strange happened. When my friend asked me about a book I read just two months ago, I couldn’t remember much about it. I had the same problem at work when I tried to use ideas from the books I read. The information just wasn’t there.
That’s when I realized something important. Reading more books doesn’t make you smarter. Reading better does.
The Big Problem with Speed Reading
Many people think reading fast is good. We see those “I read 100 books a year” posts on social media and feel bad about ourselves. But here’s the truth: your brain needs time to process information.
A study from the University of California found that people who read slowly remembered 60% more than speed readers. Think about that. Reading slower actually helps you learn more.
I learned this the hard way. I was rushing through books just to hit my goal. I would finish a chapter and move to the next one right away. No thinking. No notes. Just turning pages.
What Actually Works
Here’s what changed everything for me. I started doing three simple things.
Taking Notes While Reading
I keep a notebook next to me now. When I read something interesting, I write it down in my own words. Not copying. Not highlighting. Writing it out helps my brain actually understand it.
My friend Sarah does this too. She reads about one book per month now instead of one per week. But she can tell you details from books she read a year ago. That’s the difference.
Talking About What I Read
This sounds easy, but it works like magic. After I finish a book, I tell someone about it. My wife. My coworker. Even my mom on the phone. When you explain something to another person, your brain has to really understand it first.
Using What I Learn
Reading about time management? I try one technique the next day. Book about better conversations? I use it when talking to friends. The information sticks when you actually use it.
The Coffee Shop Moment
Two months ago, I was in a coffee shop reading a book about habits. I read about something called “habit stacking.” Instead of just moving on, I stopped. I thought about my own life. Where could I use this?
I spent 15 minutes just thinking. Then I wrote down three ways to use this idea. That one chapter helped me more than ten books I rushed through last year.
Real Numbers That Surprised Me
Research shows that we forget 70% of what we read within 24 hours. That number shocked me. But it makes sense. Our brains are busy. We need to give information time to sink in.
Another interesting fact: people who take breaks while reading understand 40% more than people who read straight through. Your brain needs those little pauses.
What I Do Now
I read fewer books now. Maybe 20 a year instead of 52. But I remember them. I use them. They actually make a difference in my life.
I spend time thinking about what I read. I ask myself questions. How does this apply to me? What can I do differently? Is this really true?
Sometimes I even read the same book twice. The second time, I catch things I missed. I understand it better.
The Bottom Line
Reading isn’t about counting books. It’s not a race. It’s about learning and growing.
One book that changes how you think is worth more than 20 books you forget. Quality beats quantity every single time.
So next time you pick up a book, slow down. Think about it. Take notes. Talk about it. Use it.
That’s how reading actually makes you smarter.