Laura's Desires

by Laura Henriksen

Laura’s Desires is a diptych of two formally distinct long poems, each approaching various pop-cultural artifacts as a way to engage with longing, vulnerability, and the possibility of liberation. Referencing pop culture artifacts, from hit ’90s singles like Selena’s “Dreaming of You” to heroines of cult classic TV and films (Laura Palmer and Variety’s Christine), this dynamic collection looks to these iconic touchstones as sites for feminist analysis and intervention. Traveling through dreamscapes, fantasy, and the quotidian, Laura’s Desires forges a path away from fear and shame, guiding us towards liberation.

Genres: Poetry

96 pages, Paperback

Published March 12, 2024

Reviews

[Sierra Goldstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't imagine not wanting, I can't bear getting what i want

[Sian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dreams, Kathy Acker, David Berman, Hellraiser, movies... Everything I like.

[annika · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was seriously so so so good. one of those books where i will probably have to buy a copy so i can reread and annotate

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

laura henriksen going triple platinum while i eat popsicles in bed

[Mirah Ashton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers Corner Review

Laura's Desires by Laura Henriksen presents an intriguing blend of poetry, pop culture, and feminist reflection. Drawing inspiration from familiar cultural icons and music, the collection appears to transform everyday references into thoughtful explorations of longing, vulnerability, identity, and personal liberation.

What stands out from the description is its ambitious approach using well-known cultural touchstones to invite readers into deeper conversations about emotion, resilience, and self-discovery. For readers who enjoy contemporary poetry that encourages reflection and layered interpretation, this collection promises a distinctive literary experience.

[H · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Permanence in intimacy is an unnecessary goal, since each intimate exchange in some way forever alters all participants, regardless of what shapes they go on to maintain between them” (116)

“Sometimes i think all clarity is an accident, stumbling into a description or explanation of something I hadn’t previously understood, and maybe still don’t, and for a moment language somehow coalesced into a window, a mirror, a camera, a door. In which case I have equal control over moments of obscurity and lucidity, which is to say, no control” (147-148)

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

some interesting thoughts about analytical philosophy and how desire can be enmeshed with one’s life every day, but i’m not too sure about the use of poetic form here as it was mainly prose writing… there’s a flip flop between personal essay and verses, i much preferred the latter. the conclusion of the text is quite anticlimactic and doesn’t doesn’t do anything for me personally. essentially, i’m content I read this because the blurb sounded very interesting but this could’ve been shortened by 50% and the same effect would remain.

[tru · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot. It took me slightly longer to read than expected, partly because I decided I wanted to watch Variety mid-way through and then because so many things in this meditative long poem sent me free associating and drifting into breakout reveries...which made it feel like quite a participatory reading experience.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura's Desires is a book of two poems and I liked both quite a lot. I was unfamiliar with Laura Henriksen before this but the title and cover really do it for me. I'm still wondering what the red dot from the "i" in desires might mean.

[a l n · Rating 4 out of 5]

even as it skews plainly aphoristic, actually appreciate the impulse to put more musical references into poetry, and of the poem as itself a space not only for ekphrasis, but an individuated site for cultural criticism in a way?

[Georgiaboxed · Rating 5 out of 5]

One endorsement on the cover of this book reads, “…I’m personally grateful that Henriksen is on the side of women who fuck and think about it.” Yuuuuup! So there’s this thing… called thinking about stuff… and this writer and I.. well we’ve gone pro. Loved it girl

[Emily Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

i'm biased and i want to live inside laura's mind

[Sasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

have you reckoned with desire? with what it means to you, in your heart, your blood, your bones? if so then this book may be for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lovisa Lohmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this was so fucking good. Like my dream book. I got it bc I liked the cover and it was $2… little did I know it would be so amazing. Highlighted tons of good quotes.

[francesca]

brilliant and gentle

[Celine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous and brilliant and soft

[Mic Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need a part 2