Antonia's Reviews > Why We Remember: Unlocking Memory's Power to Hold on to What Matters

I’m a sucker for anything about memory, with which I’ve been fascinated for decades. Charan Ranganath recounts much recent research showing that memory is far more than a record of the past. The book concerns how memories are formed and how they change over time, as well as imagination, deja vu, and false memories. Recalling the common sci-fi trope of traveling back in time to change the present, Ranganath shows that memory allows us to do exactly that. No, you can’t prevent an assassination or change your parents, but we can and do change ourselves as a result of how we remember.

Ranganath is a Professor of Psychology, faculty member of Center for Mind and Brain, and Director of the Dynamic Memory Lab at UC Davis. He’s also a good storyteller. Ranganath narrates the audiobook and is most pleasant to listen to.

If you’re not into audio, note that the Kindle edition is currently on sale for $5.99 (as of late June, 2024).