A speculative mind

  Dismantling the remnants of a life. Removing the material possessions of one who lived so long. “I’m sorry you will have to deal with all my stuff,” she had said. “It’s not so much,” I replied. “There’s more than you think.” She was right. More and less. Perhaps there should be more to show for a life so well-lived. But the stuff is just stuff. The important things are the memories. The lives she touched. That makes up a world.

  This is the list of the best books I have read in 2021. Not all of these books came out in 2021, but I read them this year. This is a completely subjective list that I myself might take issue with were I in a different mood. Take it with a grain of salt. Given my tendencies, you might assume these would all be science fiction. There are a number of science fiction or fantasy outings on the list but not all. I present them in no particular order because, trying to order them is just wrong.   The Murder of Mary Russell by Laurie King I have very much enjoyed the Mary Russell books by Laurie King. Mary Russel is the young wife of the retired Sherlock Holmes, and is very much his intellectual equal. Watching the two of them putting themselves in peril and figuring out how to get out again is a delight. But this particular book focuses on the backstory of Mrs. Hudson. I am kind of a sucker for taking a minor character and making them major.   The Network Effect by Martha Wells