24. Why Do We Forget So Much of What We’ve Read?

Set in the early 20th century in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn' is a poignant and moving tale of Francie Nolan's coming-of-age. The novel depicts the hardships of Francie's family, including her father's alcoholism and her mother's relentless efforts to keep the family afloat. Despite the poverty and struggles, Francie's story is one of hope and resilience, symbolized by the tree that grows in the harsh conditions of their tenement neighborhood. The book explores themes of family, education, and the American promise, offering a detailed and unsentimental portrait of urban life during that era.

This book, first published in 1989, outlines seven habits that are designed to help individuals become more effective in their personal and professional lives. The habits are grouped into three categories: Private Victory (habits 1-3), Public Victory (habits 4-6), and Renewal (habit 7). The habits include being proactive, beginning with the end in mind, putting first things first, thinking win-win, seeking first to understand and then to be understood, synergizing, and sharpening the saw. Covey emphasizes the importance of personal integrity, effective time management, empathetic communication, and continuous self-improvement[2][5][4].

First published in 1936, 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' by Dale Carnegie is a timeless guide to improving interpersonal skills. The book is divided into four main sections: Six Ways to Make People Like You, Twelve Ways to Win People to Your Way of Thinking, and Nine Ways to Change People Without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment. Carnegie's principles emphasize the importance of genuine interest in others, active listening, and avoiding criticism and argument. The book offers practical advice on how to build strong relationships, communicate effectively, and influence others by aligning their self-interest with yours. It has been a cornerstone of personal development and business success for generations[2][3][5].

A Study in Scarlet is the first detective novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, introducing the iconic characters Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson. The story begins with Watson, a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, meeting Holmes and becoming his flatmate at 221B Baker Street. They are drawn into a murder investigation, which Holmes solves using his extraordinary deductive skills. The novel is divided into two parts: the first part takes place in London, while the second part is set in Utah and provides the backstory of the victims. The novel was originally published in Beeton’s Christmas Annual in 1887 and later in novel form in 1888.