The world of memory is a realm of fading thoughts and images that constantly challenges us to find new and creative ways to hold on to them perchance we lose them forever. Memory training or mnemonics is one such cognitive method that allows the individual to develop techniques by which to readily retrieve information stored in places like the hippocampus of the brain. While the art of memorization was once a popular pursuit, with all kinds of courses available to improve one's long- and short-term memories, it has fallen into significant disuse over the last several decades. According to Foer, many of us no longer see the need to bolster our memories because we live in a world so conveniently connected with instant information anyway. For those who still feel the need to nurture and improve memory functions, there is no end to what can be done. Foer, in an attempt to learn more about the art and science of memory and write a book about it, went as far as to compete in the American Memory Championships. During this hands-on experience, he made some interesting discoveries about how and why people still claim that enhancing memory recall increases human intelligence. Scientists have studied and identified many neural disorders that have resulted in serious memory loss in one area or another, only to learn that the brain has a mysterious capacity to adapt by increasing recall in another lobe. This book looks at a number of different kinds of memory that have been developed through rigorous practice over a short period: episodic, semantic, and photographic to name a few. In normal brains diminished memory due to aging can be compensated for by the use of simple rote exercises, complex organizational images such as memory palaces, or extraordinarily involved mental gymnastics involving the recitation of number series. Foer's investigations introduced him to some highly amusing and intriguing situations involving people who saw themselves as top-rated mental athletes whose obsessive game is to always test new cerebral limits with different memory stunts. While none seem to be able to prove their claims of increased intelligence or mental agility, Foer, nevertheless, found their efforts remarkably entertaining. Enjoy this informal study for what it has to say about what we continually do to keep our memories active and fresh. As Foer reminds us, it is this function that primarily defines who we are in space and time.