Description

Book Synopsis

I learned the secret of serenity
by waterboarding daffodils.
My Buddha is landfill.
My mantra choked

from a bluebird’s neck.
It’s ruthless, the pursuit
of happiness. Eighteen
seconds have elapsed.

This collection is a universe where minimalism and maximalism work in harmony. Ethics, economics, glamour and alternative physics are just a few of the vehicles Besner uses in her jaundiced pursuit of knowledge and joy. At the collection’s core is a series of brilliantly illuminated poems patterned on a scientific study of synaesthesia and Fisher Price refrigerator magnets. Besner’s courageous comparisons and musicality provide the critical happiness we all need.

‘Besner’s imagination doesn’t appear to have an upper or outer limit … Reading her poems is a bad trip and a transformational experience.’

– Ken Babstock

‘Besner is one of the funniest poets writing in this country.’

– National Post

Linda Besner's first book of poetry, The Id Kid, was published in 2011 by Véhicule Press and named as one of the National Post's Best Poetry Books of the Year. She is the former poetry editor of Hazlitt. She lives in Montreal.


Feel Happier in Nine Seconds

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    £12.34

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    RRP £12.99 – you save £0.65 (5%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Mon 29 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Linda Besner

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      View other formats and editions of Feel Happier in Nine Seconds by Linda Besner

      Publisher: Coach House Books
      Publication Date: 01/06/2017
      ISBN13: 9781552453438, 978-1552453438
      ISBN10: 155245343X

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      I learned the secret of serenity
      by waterboarding daffodils.
      My Buddha is landfill.
      My mantra choked

      from a bluebird’s neck.
      It’s ruthless, the pursuit
      of happiness. Eighteen
      seconds have elapsed.

      This collection is a universe where minimalism and maximalism work in harmony. Ethics, economics, glamour and alternative physics are just a few of the vehicles Besner uses in her jaundiced pursuit of knowledge and joy. At the collection’s core is a series of brilliantly illuminated poems patterned on a scientific study of synaesthesia and Fisher Price refrigerator magnets. Besner’s courageous comparisons and musicality provide the critical happiness we all need.

      ‘Besner’s imagination doesn’t appear to have an upper or outer limit … Reading her poems is a bad trip and a transformational experience.’

      – Ken Babstock

      ‘Besner is one of the funniest poets writing in this country.’

      – National Post

      Linda Besner's first book of poetry, The Id Kid, was published in 2011 by Véhicule Press and named as one of the National Post's Best Poetry Books of the Year. She is the former poetry editor of Hazlitt. She lives in Montreal.


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