If you want to learn from a book (as opposed to memorising a shopping list or something) then the advice is always the same: get an overview first, then notice the details. Facts seem to need an overall framework in which they can "live". Without it, they get lost.
A standard technique goes like this: read just the first and last paragraphs of each chapter. Then read the first sentence of each paragraph of the first chapter. Then read the actual chapter as fast as you can (don't focus on details or bits you don't understand). Finally, go through it one last time and make notes. Now go on to the next chapter.
However, if you truly want to memorise an astounding number of facts (e.g. a list of a thousand pieces of information, or all the common words in a foreign language), then you need to use sophisticated mnemonic techniques. It takes a little practice, but you get surprising results very quickly. For example, after about 15 minutes practising the techniques in this book, http://www.amazon.co.uk/Use-Your-Memory-Understand-Improve/d..., I was able to memorise the order of a shuffled deck of cards with about 95% accuracy. It wouldn't have taken more than a few days to learn to memorise several decks at once with 100% accuracy.
A standard technique goes like this: read just the first and last paragraphs of each chapter. Then read the first sentence of each paragraph of the first chapter. Then read the actual chapter as fast as you can (don't focus on details or bits you don't understand). Finally, go through it one last time and make notes. Now go on to the next chapter.
However, if you truly want to memorise an astounding number of facts (e.g. a list of a thousand pieces of information, or all the common words in a foreign language), then you need to use sophisticated mnemonic techniques. It takes a little practice, but you get surprising results very quickly. For example, after about 15 minutes practising the techniques in this book, http://www.amazon.co.uk/Use-Your-Memory-Understand-Improve/d..., I was able to memorise the order of a shuffled deck of cards with about 95% accuracy. It wouldn't have taken more than a few days to learn to memorise several decks at once with 100% accuracy.