📖 Overview
Joshua Foer is an American science journalist and author best known for his 2011 bestseller "Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything". He gained significant attention after becoming the 2006 USA Memory Champion, despite having no previous competitive memory experience prior to training for the event.
Born in 1982 in Washington, D.C., Foer comes from a prominent literary family - his brothers are former New Republic editor Franklin Foer and novelist Jonathan Safran Foer. He graduated from Yale University in 2004 with a degree in ecology and evolutionary biology.
As a science journalist, Foer's work has appeared in publications including National Geographic, The New York Times, and Slate. His exploration of memory techniques and the science of remembering led to his TED talk in 2012, which has been viewed millions of times.
Beyond memory, Foer has pursued other projects at the intersection of science and culture, including Atlas Obscura, a collaborative database and publication focused on unusual places around the world. He currently resides in Brookline, Massachusetts, where he continues his work as an author and journalist.
👀 Reviews
Readers connect strongly with Foer's personal journey in "Moonwalking with Einstein," appreciating how he transforms complex memory concepts into engaging narratives. Many reviews highlight his ability to blend scientific research with humorous personal anecdotes.
What readers liked:
- Clear explanations of memory techniques
- Balance of science and storytelling
- Personal transformation from novice to memory champion
- Practical memory improvement tips
What readers disliked:
- Some found the middle sections repetitive
- Limited practical application for everyday life
- Memory palace technique explanations too brief
- Wanted more concrete memory exercises
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads: 3.9/5 (93,000+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.5/5 (2,800+ ratings)
Notable reader comment: "Foer takes you along on his journey while teaching you the techniques without making it feel like a textbook" - Amazon reviewer
Several readers noted the book works better as a memoir of competitive memorization than as a how-to guide for memory improvement.
📚 Books by Joshua Foer
Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything (2011)
A first-person account of the author's year-long journey into the world of competitive memorization, exploring the science and techniques of memory enhancement while training to compete in the USA Memory Championship.
Atlas Obscura: An Explorer's Guide to the World's Hidden Wonders (2016) A comprehensive guide featuring over 700 unusual and extraordinary destinations across the globe, with detailed descriptions, photographs, and maps of each location.
Atlas Obscura Explorer's Guide for the World's Most Adventurous Kid (2018) A collection of 100 unique locations and phenomena around the world, adapted specifically for young readers with illustrations and educational content.
Atlas Obscura: An Explorer's Guide to the World's Hidden Wonders (2016) A comprehensive guide featuring over 700 unusual and extraordinary destinations across the globe, with detailed descriptions, photographs, and maps of each location.
Atlas Obscura Explorer's Guide for the World's Most Adventurous Kid (2018) A collection of 100 unique locations and phenomena around the world, adapted specifically for young readers with illustrations and educational content.
👥 Similar authors
Malcolm Gladwell writes about psychology, human behavior, and social science research for mainstream audiences. His works like "Outliers" and "The Tipping Point" explore how small changes and circumstances lead to significant outcomes, similar to Foer's examination of memory techniques.
Mary Roach investigates scientific topics through first-hand experiences and research, combining science with personal narrative. Her books explore single subjects in depth, such as "Stiff" about human cadavers and "Gulp" about the digestive system.
Daniel Kahneman analyzes human thinking and decision-making processes through psychological research. His book "Thinking, Fast and Slow" examines cognitive biases and the dual-system theory of thought, complementing Foer's interest in how the mind works.
Oliver Sacks wrote about neurological case studies and the workings of the human brain through patient stories. His books like "The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat" combine medical knowledge with narrative storytelling about brain function.
Sam Kean explores scientific topics through historical stories and real-world examples. His books like "The Tale of the Dueling Neurosurgeons" and "The Disappearing Spoon" connect scientific concepts to human experiences and historical events.
Mary Roach investigates scientific topics through first-hand experiences and research, combining science with personal narrative. Her books explore single subjects in depth, such as "Stiff" about human cadavers and "Gulp" about the digestive system.
Daniel Kahneman analyzes human thinking and decision-making processes through psychological research. His book "Thinking, Fast and Slow" examines cognitive biases and the dual-system theory of thought, complementing Foer's interest in how the mind works.
Oliver Sacks wrote about neurological case studies and the workings of the human brain through patient stories. His books like "The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat" combine medical knowledge with narrative storytelling about brain function.
Sam Kean explores scientific topics through historical stories and real-world examples. His books like "The Tale of the Dueling Neurosurgeons" and "The Disappearing Spoon" connect scientific concepts to human experiences and historical events.