[fakelvis]

Instead of debating the merits of reading due to the fact that you can't remember what you read, why not improve how you read to drastically increase how much you remember. Why not (re-)learn how to really read.

Of course, I'm talking of Adler's How to Read a Book.

Admittedly, it's intention was to help in absorbing and analysing The Great Books [2], but I have found it of unbounded usefulness when reading any non-fiction (retention rates went through the roof). Regardless: without using the techniques he discusses (some of you may already, without knowing it) you'll never be able to read or learn from books at your full potential.

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_to_Read_a_Book

[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Books

[jdrake3]

I seem to recall he even has a brief section on fiction. Of course I may have an older edition, or simply be misremembering it... probably time to read it again.