The Best Books I Read in 2021

January 2, 2022 Dennis D. McDonald

Below are listed links to the best books I read and reviewed in 2021. To see a list of the best movies and TV series I watched in 2021, go here.

Adrian Tchaikovsky’s “CHILDREN OF RUIN” Science fiction. Civilization-building on an intergalactic scale.
James Calvert’s “SURFACE AT THE POLE: THE EXTRAORDINARY VOYAGES OF THE USS SKATE” Submarine based polar exploration. There was a time in the US when science and technology were profoundly respected.
Mark Kurlansky's "PAPER: PAGING THROUGH HISTORY" History of paper and printing. Emphasis is not only on the use of paper for communication but on the impact on local economies and environment of paper manufacturing.
Kazuo Ishiguro's "KLARA AND THE SUN" Novel about future applications of artificial intelligence (AI). Remarkably insightful views on technology interwoven with social and economic commentary.
Adam Higginbotham: "MIDNIGHT AT CHERNOBYL" Nightmare history about a nuclear reactor meltdown and its aftermath. The ugly reality about what happens when a government “investigates” its own errors.
Donald L. Miller's "MASTERS OF THE AIR" Deadly details surrounding “precision bombing” by the US in Europe during WWII. Would today’s Fox News have broadcast the truth about bomber crew survivability?
Madeline Miller’s "CIRCE" A Greek goddess dabbles in human affairs with dramatic results. Despite the focus on the actions of gods and goddesses this is a profoundly human book.