Both Uses

recollect
in
Slammed, by Colleen Hoover
(Auto-generated)

I can tell by the look in his eyes that his recollection is unpleasant.†
p. 222.9

recollection = memory
It isn't until the fifth stage of grief that the memories of them stop hurting as much—when the recollections become positive.†
p. 314.2 *

recollections = memories

Definitions:

(1) (recollect)
to remember -- especially experiences from long ago

Synonym Comparison (if you're into word choice):

Relative to its synonyms, recollect brings to mind a leisurely piecing together of distant memories. It may be used in a less formal manner than remember and is almost always less formal than recall.
(2) (meaning too rare to warrant focus)
(historical usage) a thought or to collect thoughts -- often after an interruption -- often gaining composure, awareness, or a perspective