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Karen Memory
Karen Memory | Elizabeth Bear
29 posts | 25 read | 37 to read
A tale set in late 19th-century steampunk Seattle finds orphaned Karen working in a high-quality bordello, where she confronts a powerful man who owns a dangerous mind-control machine. By the Hugo Award-winning author of Shattered Pillars.
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review
iread2much
Karen Memory | Elizabeth Bear
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Mehso-so

A unique world, the steampunk is more of a setting than a major theme which I liked, but the romance developed waaaaay to fast.
A young prostitute gets involved with complicated politics and danger when a former sex slave is dumped on the door of the house. The prostitutes work with a Marshal and his deputy to stop evil plots and free sex slaves.
3/5 read for an interesting story with F/F romance and good representation

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TheLibrarian
Karen Memory | Elizabeth Bear
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My Tailored Book Recommendations came! The person also recommended I‘m Not Dying with You Tonight but I was already reading it so I got different rec. Love #gettbr

If you‘re interested in getting personalized book recommendations every few months, check out - https://mytbr.co/

DGRachel Speak Easy Speak Love was one of my recs earlier this year. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! 5y
Ashley_Nicoletto This is my favorite bookish thing I pay for every month. They send the best recommendations. 5y
58 likes2 comments
review
Squidapus
Karen Memory | Elizabeth Bear
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Pickpick

Squidapus doesn't particularly care for steampunk but he found this book a fun adventure. A prostitute and her co-workers get caught up in a dastardly plot after finding a dead hooker in their trash pile. A Western but everything is made out of steam engines. Very good ethnic and LGBT representation as well as showing the roughness of the time period without being exploitative. A bit of a slow/hard start because of the colloquial prose y'all.

TobeyTheScavengerMonk I like the steampunk aesthetic, but most steampunk books I‘ve read rely so much on the trappings that they forget to tell a good story. 5y
Squidapus @TobeyTheScavengerMonk Very very true. Squidapus liked this book but felt it very style over substance where the steampunk aesthetic didn't really make the book better. It almost didn't matter? 5y
16 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Squidapus
Karen Memory | Elizabeth Bear
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So Squidapus has some pretty gaping holes in his library because we buy from what catches our eye at used book stores. Since we don't read book websites with news or reviews I feel like a lot of well known authors are complete unknown to us. I picked up Karen Memory because I think Elizabeth Bear is one of those authors but it also made me curious if we're missing out on people like Bear or Max Gladstone who take up entire shelves at the bookstore

shanaqui It's a fun romp, I remember enjoying it. I still have a lot of Bear to read, myself! 5y
Clare-Dragonfly I loved this book! But I haven‘t read any of her others 😅 5y
Squidapus @shanaqui Ooo, we can always use a fun romp! 5y
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Squidapus @Clare-Dragonfly Ha ha, good to know we're not the only ones! 5y
TobeyTheScavengerMonk Oh my dear cephalopod friend, you should give Max Gladstone a go when you get a chance. I recommend 5y
Squidapus @TobeyTheScavengerMonk Awesome! Glad to know he's apparently pretty good! 5y
17 likes6 comments
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Squidapus
Karen Memory | Elizabeth Bear
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Squidapus, I know you have ten arms but that doesn't mean you need to grab ten books from the book store. I'm already tripping over your backlog.

Reggie Lol, well done Squidapus!!! 5y
TobeyTheScavengerMonk That is a squid with taste! I‘ve either read them (Embassytown), own them (The Rook, The City of Dreaming Books), heard good things about them (Foundryside, The Troupe), or am looking them up right this second (Sisyphean). 5y
Squidapus @TobeyTheScavengerMonk Sisyphean is weird, even for Squidapus. It's essentially four novellas in the same universe only barely held together but the author also drew all the art and it's absolutely ridiculous and disturbing 5y
18 likes3 comments
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jpmcwisemorgan
Karen Memory | Elizabeth Bear
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#LitsyPSA: This is on sale as an ebook. I liked this one quite a bit. Steampunk without the constant “oh she has gears on her bodice” nonsense that I‘ve seen in the genre. The main character is a prostitute, as are many other characters in the book. It‘s not necessarily filled with sex but it is very blunt about prostitution so if that‘s a problem, this book probably isn‘t for you.

CoverToCoverGirl I‘ve never read a steampunk novel soooo on my TBR pile it goes. 6y
jpmcwisemorgan @CoverToCoverGirl Gail Carriger‘s Finishing School (YA), Parasol Protectorate, and Custard Protocol series are Steampunk too - and not obviously in your face about it. They have vampires/werewolves and romance so I think they appeal to a wide range of readers. Karen Memory is grittier but I still really like it. 6y
CoverToCoverGirl Wow! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge about this genre and all the great recommendations.. ❤️😊 6y
jpmcwisemorgan @CoverToCoverGirl You‘re welcome! I hope you find one that you like! 6y
38 likes1 stack add4 comments
review
GivenLemons
Karen Memory | Elizabeth Bear
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Pickpick

A really fun book with a fantastic setting and cast of characters. I really liked the voice of the narrative and the little details of many cultures. Merry Lee is all lactose intolerant people when faced with hot chocolate! 🍫

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Laughterhp
Karen Memory | Elizabeth Bear
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Bailedbailed

Ugh, I wanted to like this book and finish it. However, 40 pages into it and I just can‘t. I can‘t stand the way the protagonist talks. I understand why she talks the way she does, because she‘s not supposed to be very educated, but I just couldn‘t.

What‘s frustrating about it, is this was going to meet 2 prompts for challenges! Now I need to find another sci-fi novel with a female protagonist by female author! Any recommendations?!

llwheeler I did like this book but I totally get why the dialect made you bail. The Best of All Possible Worlds by Karen Lord would work, and several by Anne McCaffery. Haven't read yet but i think Binti by Nnedi Okorafor and The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal would work. 6y
Laughterhp @llwheeler thanks for the suggestions! The calculating stars sounds good! And I‘ve heard a lot about Binti! I‘ve never heard of Anne McCaffery, but she has a lot of dragon books! 😊 6y
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mreads The calculating stars suggested by @llwheeler is excellent 6y
llwheeler Lol yes McCaffery was definitely prolific. And thanks @mreads good to know! I have it but haven't gotten to it yet (story of my life haha), I'll have to bump it up the list ☺ 6y
xicanti DUST, also by Bear but not in dialect, is great. Ditto HAMMERED. I also highly recommend THE SNOW QUEEN by Joan D. Vinge (which is loooooong but gripping) and BLOODLINE by Claudia Gray (if you're open to tie-in fiction; I loved it more than I thought I possibly COULD love a tie-in novel). 6y
Laughterhp @xicanti Thanks for all the suggestions! Bloodlines is actually already on my TBR, but I‘ve never read a Star Wars book before. Maybe I‘ll try another one of Bear‘s because the writing wasn‘t bad, I just couldn‘t stand the dialect. I also added The Snow Queen to my list, but probably won‘t read it for this prompt, because it is long and I probably won‘t have time! 😊 6y
ladyneverwhere I read remnant population for that same challenge prompt and loved it! 6y
50 likes8 comments
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Clare-Dragonfly
Karen Memory | Elizabeth Bear
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Book: Karen Memory
Author: Ambelin Kwaymullina
Movie: Kinky Boots
Food: kettle corn

#ManicMonday #LetterK

JoScho 💛💛💛 6y
32 likes1 comment
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jpmcwisemorgan
Karen Memory | Elizabeth Bear
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First book signed at #GenCon2018

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jpmcwisemorgan
Karen Memory | Elizabeth Bear
Pickpick

American Steampunk on the West Coast, complete with human trafficking, prostitution, and a plot to overthrow the government (sort of). Oh, and Mad Scientists! Anyway, the Steampunk was just right. Sometimes authors get so carried away with the descriptions of things that there‘s no story, and that didn‘t happen in this book. The author put some effort into research for the book too, which is a plus.

30 likes1 stack add
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jpmcwisemorgan
Karen Memory | Elizabeth Bear

Part of my #GenCon2018 reading. So far, so good. There are slurs used that would be appropriate to the actual time but it‘s hard to see in a modern book. I think it‘s a hard thing to do because there‘s a fine line of being realistic and being an ass and trying to get a way with something and blame it on the setting. So far, the language works.

GondorGirl @jpmcwisemorgan Hey- are you planning on doing either of the Mercedes Lackey signings? I've got a few extra books I can pass on if you are. 😊 6y
jpmcwisemorgan @GondorGirl Yes, I‘m trying for Thursday. I have 5 books I‘m bringing I think so I should pass on more even though that hurts because my book brain is saying “no, what are you thinking” but my “gonna have to drag them home on an airplane” brain is like Tiffany and Tara aren‘t carrying your damn books home for you. But they wouldn‘t happen to be the Elementals would they? Ahhh book brain is taking over! 😬😀 6y
GondorGirl @jpmcwisemorgan They are not. Mostly Valdemar, I think. And I get the carrying thing. I'm lucky, because I can leave stuff in our booth. 6y
jpmcwisemorgan @GondorGirl I was afraid you were going to say that, those are the first I read. A boy in my class in school lent them to me. I‘m going to say thank you for thinking of me but it‘s best if I pass. I really do appreciate it though. I‘m still interested in the Lynch book, though. 6y
GondorGirl @jpmcwisemorgan No problem. I'vd been slowly upgrading my collection to hardcover first editions, so I end up with extra copies floating around. 6y
29 likes5 comments
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TheRomantiCate
Karen Memory | Elizabeth Bear
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@MaleficentBookDragon Girl!! I am so blown away by my #steampunkgoespostal box!! The books were all on my wish list, the teacup and saucer are beautiful and you got my favorite tea! I just loved everything!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! #MVPstatus

Also thanks to @Mommamanzi for hosting a great swap!!

Gissy Nice books! 📚📚❤️❤️❤️👏👏👏 7y
MaleficentBookDragon Yay! I‘m glad you like everything. I really liked Soulless. I also believe you should have a proper cup of tea while reading Steampunk.😁 I also bought for myself 7y
MaleficentBookDragon Did you find the necklace? 7y
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TheRomantiCate @MaleficentBookDragon yes!! I love it!! I draped it over the Conjurer‘s Riddle 😁 7y
MaleficentBookDragon @TheRomantiCate I see it now. I was afraid it got lost in all the bubble wrap.😁 7y
Avanders 😍😍 7y
24 likes1 stack add6 comments
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bookishlyblessed
Karen Memory | Elizabeth Bear
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On my way to Florida for a week long vacation. 19 hours in the car and standing between me and some sun and reading. So I guess I'll make the most of my time, and pick this up.

Samplergal Enjoy our sun! I‘m going back tomorrow. I‘ve been in cold Rhode Island this week. Brrr. 7y
20 likes3 stack adds1 comment
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tournevis
Karen Memory | Elizabeth Bear
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1️⃣ Memory. Any other option is too involved.
2️⃣ Third person limited. Preferably unreliable. It's my pov of choice while writing too.
3️⃣ Read.
4️⃣ No. I will not have favourites. No.
#trivialthursday @GarthRanzz

Kaye 👍 7y
42 likes2 comments
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llwheeler
Karen Memory | Elizabeth Bear
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Challenge check in for #booked2018 since we're nearing the end of one quarter... doing pretty good, except at sticking to a lane. 😛
8 done and 2 currently reading: Karen Memory by Elizabeth Bear for the steampunk prompt, and A Vindication of the Rights of Women by Mary Wollstonecraft for the feminist classic prompt.
(Posts with finished prompts coming up...)

alisiakae Wow! You‘re really ahead, that‘s awesome! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 7y
30 likes1 comment
review
BookmarkTavern
Karen Memory | Elizabeth Bear
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Mehso-so

This was a lot of fun! Steampunk ladies in the Wild West. It felt a little shallow with the characters. Mostly I just wanted a lot more from this book.

There were a lot of slurs used by the narrator though, which I get, set in the time it is, but I felt uncomfortable every time one came up.

And I instantly went to Wikipedia to look up Federal Marshall Reeves, a totally awesome and real person. #lgtbqcharacters #charactersofcolor 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑

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readingwinds
Karen Memory | Elizabeth Bear
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Am enjoying the world that is Rapid City. And things are about to get interesting with a murder.

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silentrequiem
Karen Memory | Elizabeth Bear
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Some of my favorite #steampunk books. #seasonsreadings2016

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thec0zy
Karen Memory | Elizabeth Bear
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My #steampunk pick is Karen Memory! It has a killer voice that stuck with me for months. A fast-paced mystery, the novel focuses on the intersections and complexities of race, character, and sexuality. Karen is a sex worker who chose her profession and falls in love with another woman, but the novel does not exploit these facts for titillation, which is so refreshing. Check it out! #seasonsreadings2016 @RealLifeReading

72 likes11 stack adds
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TNbooklover66
Karen Memory | Elizabeth Bear
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18 likes2 stack adds
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dylanisreading
Karen Memory | Elizabeth Bear
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I don't read much steampunk, but when I do it's queer. #queerlit #fantasy #sexworkers

20 likes1 stack add
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bookishnerd
Karen Memory | Elizabeth Bear
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If I ever dress up for Halloween again, I would love to do Steam-punk. Maybe not this exact dress... #booktober

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Dvmheather
Karen Memory | Elizabeth Bear
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Pickpick

Great steam punk adventure with a multiracial cast and LGBT representation. Full review at http://www.spiritblog.net/Karen-memory

4 likes1 stack add
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Dvmheather
Karen Memory | Elizabeth Bear
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Sounds like the start of the most tacky of romance novels

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Dvmheather
Karen Memory | Elizabeth Bear
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Don't worry though. She hits the guy in the face with a bag of onions!

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Dvmheather
Karen Memory | Elizabeth Bear
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I've been having a hard time settling into a new book but this one sucked me in from the first page. Steam punk, western (which I usually hate), set in a brothel.

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Fullaboti
Karen Memory | Elizabeth Bear
Panpan

I had high hopes for this book. It was on a reading list i got at Geek Girl Con. It had a female main character. It was a YA novel with a little bit of mystery tossed in. Despite that all the elements didn't quite gel, the plot left me bored, and wishing I was reading anything else.

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Fullaboti
Karen Memory | Elizabeth Bear
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Spending a lazy Saturday drinking coffee and reading some YA.

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