Ask HN: How do you read books like 'Clean Architecture' or 'Clean Code'?

I have poor memory retention so unless I'm working through exercises in a book it's difficult for me to commit to memory good practices. How do you read books like Clean Architecture and apply those practices in your daily life? Are there just a few major points that are hammered home a bunch of times making it easier to remember, or do you find yourself referencing the books often? Or do you just have an excellent memory and recall information as it becomes relevant in your development?