A lovely, raw, inspiring book of poems/thought fragments for difficult times and emotions. Nikita Gill offers powerful words to help deal with complex feelings trauma, guilt, loss, and nuanced relations with family and friends. Written in a simple and straightforward style, this book contains insightful analogies (often beautifully evoking nature) and lucid reasoning to help readers process and come to terms with grief and troubling feelings. Nikita's elegant and direct words instil positivity, hope, and self-love into minds of readers, offering comfort without trivialising their pain and struggles. This book will be a gift of optimism and courage and healing to anyone, young or old, who is need of validation and strength in the midst of life's injustices and feels burdened by distress or hopelessness.

‘These are the words’ by Nikita Gill is a beautiful collection of poems exploring what it is to be human. Perfect for young women although I think there would be a little something for anyone here. Her poetry explores trauma, grief, racism, beliefs, heartache, sexuality, friendship and more besides. There was a lot I connected with and wish I’d had access to honest, empowering writing like this as a teenager as I grappled with loss, finding my voice, self-image and relationships (of very kind) but no one was talking about these things. Not in this way. I know I will be passing many of these words along to my daughters at the right time.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

★★★★★ 4.5/5


These Are the Words is Nikita Gill’s debut YA poetry collection, and within the pages you will find some beautiful prose that finds words for the things and experiences a lot of teenagers feel and endure whilst growing up. Navigating life can be tricky for anyone, but everyone remembers how much harder it was as a teenager, how trying to figure yourself out amidst the whole world was, and often still is, daunting. Yet Gill’s poetry offers a warm hand of reassurance, of understanding and acceptance.

Not only this, but even for myself as an adult, I found the poems hit home many times, and I don’t doubt this will be the same for many people who needed to and still do need to hear words of encouragement whatever their age. And due to this, despite it being YA, many people could benefit from reading this poetry collection, so don’t let the intended audience put you off from reading it.

The collection as a whole focuses on many of life’s challenges, from first loves, to coming out, and even the end of a friendship. Each poem is crafted with care and precision, acting as a friend to let you know that you are seen and your feelings and emotions are valid.

If you’ve read any of Gill’s previous poetry collections, you already know what you’re in for, and this doesn’t disappoint. There was never a moment when reading where I thought a poem was too heavy, or barely scratched the surface of a topic, Gill knows exactly what to say and how to say it, and it’s another of my favourite poetry collections. It’s one I’ll re-read and pass along, recommending over and over, because everyone deserves to have someone who understands, and each word does just that.



Did I like the book? Yes

Did I love it? Yes! I knew I would, but somehow I loved it even more.

Would I recommend it? Definitely! If you’re a fan of Gill’s previous collections, this won’t disappoint. If you’re new to her and her works, and within the targeted audience, this is the perfect place to start, but be mindful of the content warnings.