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Rating: 
Summary: Pseudoscientific claptrap
Review: I picked this book up in a "bargain bin," so my expectations were rather low. Unfortunately, they were fulfilled.The actual practices in the book are rather good. Some of them I've seen before and practice in my daily life. But the book itself tries to back them up with the saddest examples of cargo-cult science and unverifiable "case studies" I've seen this side of _The Peter Principle_. One example: the author is trying to convince the reader that near-perfect recall is possible to achieve. As a convincing argument, she puts forth the fact that the average desktop computer has near-perfect recall, and scientists have stated that the modern computer is many years away from being able to emulate or compete with the human brain. Therefore, a human should be able to do anything a computer can! This kind of sad logic can be found in every chapter. Intriguingly, the author includes a chapter on how to read critically. The fourteen techniques are all good, if not groundbreaking. The irony, to me, was that this book as a whole fails every test--from relying heavily on (flawed) analogy as noted above, to vague attribution (aside from a rather light bibliography, there are is not a single endnote backing up any of the many "scientific studies" referenced), to appeals to authority (the author likes to drop the name of Isaac Asimov as a "personal friend") and "emotionally loaded arguments" (the exuberant infomercial theme evident in the title is carried throughout the book). All in all, if you already have a habit of reading or thinking critically, you will find this book hard to read. If you can hold your nose past the garbage long enough to read about the techniques, you may find them interesting.
Rating:
Summary: Pseudoscientific claptrap
Review: I picked this book up in a "bargain bin," so my expectations were rather low. Unfortunately, they were fulfilled. The actual practices in the book are rather good. Some of them I've seen before and practice in my daily life. But the book itself tries to back them up with the saddest examples of cargo-cult science and unverifiable "case studies" I've seen this side of _The Peter Principle_. One example: the author is trying to convince the reader that near-perfect recall is possible to achieve. As a convincing argument, she puts forth the fact that the average desktop computer has near-perfect recall, and scientists have stated that the modern computer is many years away from being able to emulate or compete with the human brain. Therefore, a human should be able to do anything a computer can! This kind of sad logic can be found in every chapter. Intriguingly, the author includes a chapter on how to read critically. The fourteen techniques are all good, if not groundbreaking. The irony, to me, was that this book as a whole fails every test--from relying heavily on (flawed) analogy as noted above, to vague attribution (aside from a rather light bibliography, there are is not a single endnote backing up any of the many "scientific studies" referenced), to appeals to authority (the author likes to drop the name of Isaac Asimov as a "personal friend") and "emotionally loaded arguments" (the exuberant infomercial theme evident in the title is carried throughout the book). All in all, if you already have a habit of reading or thinking critically, you will find this book hard to read. If you can hold your nose past the garbage long enough to read about the techniques, you may find them interesting.
Rating: 
Summary: The book is helpful but not great
Review: She starts off with great insight to the function of your mind. Then, she gives you tools to harness the maximum power of your brain. Giving you tools such as "Optimum Learning State", Memory techniques and fantastic reading skills. I would say that my abilities have doubled maybe even tripled since reading and practicing the tools within this book. Definitely 5 stars.
Rating: 
Summary: The book has no practical information
Review: This book was terrible. I bought it in the hopes of learning something better than the normal mneumonic techniques;however,her book showed techniques that were impractical and plain dumb. For all those out there looking for a good book on memory that will really WORK!!!! Try Harry Lorayne and Jerry Lucas's The Memory Book. The techniques are easy to learn, but will take time to apply to information for school. However, you will be rewarded for your efforts.
Rating:
Summary: Really Weak and Unhelpful
Review: This book was very impractical and unhelpful. Stine spent most her time telling stories and describing situations instead of presenting effective techniques to actually help her reader learn "how to" memorize and utilize all the things the front cover totes. If you are wanting a book that will actually help you learn how to memorize more effectively then don't waste your money on this one.
Rating:
Summary: Really Weak and Unhelpful
Review: This book was very impractical and unhelpful. Stine spent most her time telling stories and describing situations instead of presenting effective techniques to actually help her reader learn "how to" memorize and utilize all the things the front cover totes. If you are wanting a book that will actually help you learn how to memorize more effectively then don't waste your money on this one.
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