How to write a powerful Memo on a book

Ask yourself: what one question will my Memo answer? Memos don’t need to be a comprehensive distillation of an entire book. They just need to provide clarity on a subject in an informative way.

Once you have a question in mind – one that hasn’t already been covered – this will define the scope and structure of your Memo. It also makes it much easier to hone in on what’s relevant.

Highlight the key points as you go, either on your reading device or physically on the page. Once you’ve finished reading and noting, whittle your highlights down to the most interesting and instructive takeaways. Summarize these points in your own words as succinctly as possible.

What’s the “big idea” of the book? Can it be summed up in one sentence? The publisher’s blurb can be a useful reference point here, but there’s every chance you might come up with something snappier. Re-read the book’s blurb to make sure you’ve accurately captured it in a nutshell.

If you’ve got more than 10 points but not enough for 20 (for example), consider what to leave out. There should be no repetition and no unnecessary words. Ideas covering similar ground can be condensed and combined into one point for maximum impact.

Try to include at least 1-2 examples that illustrate the points you’re making. Simple everyday applications of ideas lets readers grasp concepts that may otherwise seem abstract.

If you’re creating a Memo on a book you read long ago (without taking notes), take a “blind test” first: write down any parts you can remember. Chances are, this is the most important stuff.

Skim or speed-read the book for sections that spark recollections. Take note of any “aha!” moments. If you can’t re-read everything in full, these are the bits you should concentrate on.

Revisit the book’s Table of Contents. A reminder of the general structure helps you to know what boxes you’re ticking and what you might be leaving out.

A simple test of your Memo’s quality is to ask yourself two things: Would the original author be satisfied with how I’ve represented their work? And would someone using this Memo as a “refresher” of the book feel satisfied? If the answers are yes, it’s safe to say you’ve nailed it.