“The table of contents of Coconut reads like a poem I wish I could write. Patel’s words collapse well established defences into nothing but excuses. Poems entitled 'chai latte' and ‘father' are both gorgeous and gut wrenching, like a sunset over a tsunami. Readers will hold their breath. The exhale will not bring relief but rather, perspective.”
— Rebecca Thomas, author of I place you into the fire

“Coconut is a book of conversation-starters. It prompts questions we didn’t realize we needed to ask and challenges those answers we thought we knew best. Here, readers will find a collection that is by turn tongue-in-cheek, full of rage and longing, contradictory, defiant, and bold. Patel invites us to embrace all these things, these confessions and confrontations alike, to engage with the political and the poetic, recognizing that in her hands, they are one and the same.” full review
— Anuja Varghese, Hamilton Review of Books

“There may be no manual for being a woman, for being a person of colour, for being fat, or for being queer, but I believe this is as close as I will get to having one.” full review
— Namitha Rathinappillai, Plenitude Magazine

“Patel’s unapologetic voice in this debut collection of heart-wrenching, truth-telling stories screams into the skies to take up space where it has never been welcomed. As you inhale and exhale her words, they begin to give way to deeper, unique meaning-making and perspectives.”
— Amanda Jeysing, Arc Poetry Magazine

“Nisha Patel’s debut poetry collection, Coconut, is a much-needed and powerful exploration of racism, sexuality, and mental health.... After finishing this passionate and insightful debut, readers will be eager for more from this young, rising talent.”
— Matthew Stepanic, in Quill & Quire

“Nisha Patel deftly channels her thoughts and feelings into dazzling texts that are powerful, political, confrontational and heartbreaking.” full review
— Christopher DiRaddo, Xtra Magazine

“vulnerable, political, feminist."
— CBC Books