How to Read Hard Books and Actually Remember Them

Published in 1866, 'Crime and Punishment' is a psychological novel set in St. Petersburg, Russia. It revolves around Rodion Raskolnikov, an impoverished and intellectually gifted former student who formulates a theory that some individuals are morally justified in committing crimes for the greater good of society. Raskolnikov puts this theory to the test by murdering an old pawnbroker and her half-sister, leading to a profound exploration of his psychological and emotional struggles with guilt, paranoia, and the consequences of his actions. The novel delves into socio-economic disparities, moral dilemmas, and the psychology of criminals, making it a classic of Russian literature and existential thought.

This book, a follow-up to 'A Mind for Numbers', teaches kids and teens how to learn effectively by explaining the importance of focused concentration and letting their minds wander, how the brain makes connections between different pieces of information, the value of metaphors in developing understanding, and why procrastination is the enemy of problem solving. The book includes practical activities and exercises to make learning engaging and accessible. It is based on the authors' research in cognitive psychology and their highly successful online course 'Learning How to Learn'

In this book, Michael Shermer critically examines various forms of pseudoscience, superstition, and paranormal beliefs. The book is divided into five segments and fifteen chapters, covering topics such as UFO sightings, alien abductions, creationism, Holocaust denial, and cult behaviors. Shermer uses the scientific method to refute these beliefs and explains how cognitive biases and cultural influences lead people to believe in unproven claims. The foreword by Stephen Jay Gould underscores the importance of skepticism in combating organized irrationalism.

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In this book, Nick Bostrom delves into the implications of creating superintelligence, which could surpass human intelligence in all domains. He discusses the potential dangers, such as the loss of human control over such powerful entities, and presents various strategies to ensure that superintelligences align with human values. The book examines the 'AI control problem' and the need to endow future machine intelligence with positive values to prevent existential risks.

In 'A Moveable Feast', Hemingway recounts his life in Paris during the 1920s, detailing his experiences as a young, unknown writer. The book is filled with vivid descriptions of the city, its nightlife, and the literary figures he encountered, including James Joyce, Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein. Hemingway reflects on his poverty, his writing, and his personal relationships, all set against the backdrop of Paris's vibrant cultural scene. The memoir was written during the last years of Hemingway's life and published posthumously in 1964 by his widow, Mary Hemingway.