I have friends who remember great details of the books they read. I remember books, almost photographically, when I dip back in, but often I can’t conjure it in

I have friends who remember great details of the books they read. I remember books, almost photographically, when I dip back in, but often I can’t conjure it independently. Especially history books. I watch discussions here at HN and some of them feel like they’re fueled by people remembering the kinds of things I can’t. I do remember conversations I’ve had, verbatim. I’ve tried remembering books, but I’ve also realized, at middle age, I’ve made these efforts numerous times over the years and this is unlikely to change now. So I’ve stopped reading those kinds of books because they have little utility to me. I can’t capitalize on them. I’ve moved to more impressionable and abstract works and more of it sticks to me. My teenage son can remember all of these things in great detail but still can’t remember todos. He has a simpler life and greater focus and concentration than I can manage without disrupting my entire life. I’m now okay with this.