Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Dr. Toad’s Short Book for a Long Memory by Jeffrey Tolstad presents a seven-day guide explaining how information moves from short-term to long-term memory through attention and repetition. He identifies visual, auditory, and tactile learning styles and says that combining them during study activates multiple sensory channels to improve recall. Dr. Toad introduces mnemonic systems such as acronyms and rhyming pegs that link abstract data to visual or verbal cues for easier storage. He explains the Roman Room method, in which items are mentally placed in familiar spaces to create sequential retrieval paths. The book also details methods for remembering names, numbers, and personal items using association and rehearsal. As the week rounds out, Dr. Toad describes exercise, mental activity, and supplements that support ongoing brain health and memory performance.

Dr. Toad’s Short Book for a Long Memory: Improve Your Recall and Retention With Simple Strategies Anyone Can Use by Jeffrey Tolstad is a really wonderful and practical guide that makes remembering, in all its forms, accessible and enjoyable. Tolstad combines humor with clear, friendly instructions that encourage readers to experiment with techniques that work in daily life. One particular example that I found to be effective shows readers how retracing the steps leading up to a forgotten thought can often recover elusive memories, with the bonus of turning what feels like a lapse into a simple, playful exercise. The illustrations are well done in a cartoon style, using a bright color palette and breathing life into the messaging. Overall, this use-as-needed book leaves readers feeling like there are genuine ways to retrain the brain and ready to put their memory skills into action.