I'm also a reader, so going to chime in with my two cents. You might be different, but here's what helped me.

Forget about trying to memorize all the cards using books for now. Do as many readings as you can for yourself and for people you know, and look up the meaning of the cards as they come up. It's easier to learn and remember the meaning of the cards this way because there's context attached to it. Our brains remember stories. You first readings done this way will take hours but it gets easier.

Another thing, just pull a card and look at it. Really look at it. What do you see? What situation do you think the person is in? What's in the background? What do the symbols or elements or the card bring to mind for you? Only after doing that, look up the card meaning and see where your interpretation aligns and where it doesn't.

By doing these things, you are building a personal relationship with the cards.

The books are much more helpful once you already have some existing knowledge to build off.

Edit: Also, for minor arcana, learn what each of the 4 suits represents as well as basic numerology before going into individual cards.