Remember, Remember by Ed Cooke
Remember, Remember, Ed Cooke exhorts his reader
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Sunday, 05, Oct 2008 10:19
Published by Viking, out October 2nd, hardback, 224 pp, £12.99.
In a nutshell.
Surreal, wacky, not to be taken too seriously
What's it all about?
Mr Memory promises readers they will learn the kings and queens of England, US presidents, British prime ministers and all the countries in Europe. just by reading this book. Quite a mission statement if ever I've heard one.
Who's it by?
Ed Cooke is perhaps best known as the memory bloke from the Times, where he gives readers top tips on how to improve their mental faculties every Thursday.
The Oxford-educated memory mastermind is also actively involved in the government's AimHigher initiative. He travels up and down the country inspiring youngsters to go to university.
Some of his biggest accolades to date include being known for memorising ten decks of cards in an hour, a feat which you, too, may be able to live up to if you have all the patience in the world.
As an example...
"Read this book and you'll be able to do some fun things."
Likelihood of becoming a Hollywood blockbuster
If this was made into a movie, my faith in the film industry will be entirely lost. A series of educational videos may be more appropriate - you know, the ones that are shown at 2am.
What the others say
"What is for sure is that you'll be bursting with knowledge that will stick in your mind and impress your friends forever." - Penguin
"While reading Remember, Remember, I tried the task of memorising all 43 American presidents in a couple of hours. I failed miserably." - Marjory McGinn, the Herald
So is it any good?
This book has a bold statement attached to it - that you can "learn the stuff you never thought you could". However, just pages into Ed Cooke's memory-fest, you're left doubting not only his sanity but your own.
I don't know if I was seriously expecting a great piece of literature, but I certainly didn't get one.
For how else would one remember good ol' Jim Callaghan by envisaging a bottle of gin with coloured hands?
Or President Benjamin Harrison as a man bending over to put jam on his hairy son?
Precisely. I suppose someone with a lot of time on their hands or the patience to get to grips with the insanity of this project might have more luck, but for those of us with lives to lead, this book is unlikely to cause an epiphany.
I understand that it is through vivid imagery that the mind learns best, but Ed Cooke's efforts are so ridiculous you end up groaning at his attempts rather than soaking them up.
Don't read this book expecting miracles, because you'll be greatly let down. It's perhaps best left as a stocking filler. Failing that, it could be a gift for someone you either don't really like or feel could do with some help at small-talk.
5/10
Emma Furze