If Adam Picked the Apple: A Book of Poems

by Danielle Coffyn

Pushcart Prize-winning poet Danielle Coffyn’s collection, “If Adam Picked the Apple” is where accessible poetry meets profound craft and metaphor.

Originally hailing from Belgium and now residing in St. Louis, Missouri, Coffyn blends her cultural background with her perspectives on the challenges faced by women today. From the complexities of aging and body image to the nuances of relationships and the weight of patriarchy, this collection invites readers to explore their own narratives through her relatable vulnerability.

Coffyn’s poetry resonates with anyone navigating the intricate landscape of womanhood, delivering gut-punching truths wrapped in stunning imagery. Her work reflects the journey of self-discovery and healing, making it a perfect companion for those seeking solace and empowerment. In her poignant verses, readers will find echoes of their own experiences, as Coffyn masterfully captures the highs and lows of modern life.

With titles that challenge conventions and provoke thought, "If Adam Picked the Apple" is a celebration of resilience.

Genres: Poetry

106 pages, Paperback

Published January 24, 2025

Reviews

[Prudence Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this collection. I read it twice over the course of three days, because I just had to soak it in. If Adam Picked The Apple is relatable & accessible poetry yet it is rich with gripping imagery and strong word choice. It's theme of feminine strength is inspiring and made me feel very seen. From the dedication to the last page it was goosebumps all throughout. Would recommend this to any angry woman, any wild woman, any scared woman, any tired woman. And to the men who love them.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this book. Coffyn writes with passion and insight about women, misogyny, love and activism. I will read and read and read these poems over and over!!

[Leslie Worthington · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Adam Picked the Apple by Danielle Coffyn, published by North Meridian Press, is a poetry collection that resonates deeply with the hidden and often unspoken experiences of women. From the very first glance, the book captivates with its beautiful, colorful cover, setting the tone for the journey of empowerment and self-discovery that unfolds within its pages. The collection's final proclamation, "she takes to the sky," feels like an anthem of self-acceptance—a soaring tribute to women reclaiming their strength and their voice.

Coffyn’s work reveals the secret lives of women—the thoughts, emotions, and dreams we often keep hidden. In her poem "Sensitive Girl," Coffyn writes, “I’m paying attention,” and it’s this acute awareness, this observation of the often-overlooked corners of life, that pulses through the collection. The poems gently remind us of how crucial it is to “pay attention” to our feelings, our bodies, and the quiet power that resides within us.

This collection is a brave, unapologetic endorsement of women’s lives—of the complexities, struggles, and triumphs that we experience. It feels like a war cry, not in the traditional sense of battle, but in the sense of standing proud and unyielding in the face of societal pressures and expectations. Coffyn’s poems are tender yet fierce.

For me, the most profound impact of this collection is its potential to heal. I know that I’ll return to these poems again and again for the balm they offer, for their understanding, and for the reminder of the power we possess as women. I want my daughters and granddaughters to read these poems, to see themselves reflected in the raw beauty of Coffyn’s words, and to feel encouraged to live boldly and authentically. As Coffyn says in “What If?” I hope after reading her poems, I will “agree to be in the picture’ more often.

[Sonja Ringo · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If Adam Picked the Apple" is a breathtaking poetry collection dripping with raw truth, aching beauty, and the softly resilient defiance of womanhood. Every poem in this book is a mirror, reflecting the complexities of being a woman in a world that so often demands silence. I lost count of how many times it brought me to tears from how seen I felt with these pages.

Danielle weaves together themes of autonomy, desire, grief, and reclamation with stunning lyricism. Each line lingers like an incantation — both intimate and universal, speaking to wounds we've all carried and the strength we’ve forged. This collection doesn’t just invite you in; it wraps itself around you, refusing to be forgotten. I want to buy a copy for everyone I know.

If you have ever felt the weight of expectation, the sting of being underestimated, or the fire of wanting more, this book will find you right where you are -- and stay long after you close it.

[Wes Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read the poem "If Adam Picked the Apple" on Danielle's IG account. I was immediately blown away by the deceptive simplicity of the piece, how it challenged so much of our modern narratives, and how it spoke to this rage we have at the double standards of our society.

Fortunately, Coffyn agreed to let us publish the poem at our journal North Meridian Review. From there, it won a Pushcart and then became a full length collection.

To date, this book has been the biggest seller we have at North Meridian Press. We are a small artist and academic led project, but to see how these poems have taken a life of their own online speaks to the talent of a new emerging writer.

I am honored to have been part of that journey and highly recommend this title to everyone who is fed up with the sexist double standards of modern American life.

[Blair H · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best way I can describe these poems is that each one feels like a well-designed arrow. You watch the poet draw, aim, and fire, and within 100 words, not only did you follow her arc to the target, but you’re surprised at the quick and clean impact. And the targets are a myriad of expectations, conventional wisdom, and problematic messages still heaped on women in 2025 (maybe especially in 2025). I’m glad I bought it rather than checking it out from the library, because the poems are so thought-provoking I know I’ll enjoy re-reading.

[Chrissie Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danielle Coffyn's poetry is, to borrow a word from Glennon Doyle, "brutiful"... In some moments, it feels like a punch to the gut because she holds nothing back and the world is such a brutal place. But her words flow so beautifully that the brutality didn't stop me from reading on. Get this book if you are an empath, or want to understand what that feels like... If you identify as a woman, or know someone else who does... Basically, if you're a human being who doesn't want to ignore all of the reality around you but rather to better understand how it makes people feel.

[Trenena Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book of poetry immediately when I received it, and I will re-read it many times over. The truths, the fears, the honesty, the struggles and victories contained in Danielle Coffyn's works are those that every woman can understand and relate to. I am so appreciative of authors like her, in times like these, who remind us that we are not alone, and that we are strong--both individually and collectively.

[Kate Creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Danielle in the Summer of 2023 during a retreat in Sedona. Prior to meeting her, I had started following her social media and became entranced with her poetry. Having read “If Adam Picked the Apple” cover to cover, and also gifting to some friends, I must express how endearing, relative, inspiring, and honest this book of poetry truly is.

Don’t hesitate. Buy this book!!!! You’ll be glad you did!!

[Stephanie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coffyn’s collection of poetry is not only enjoyable to read, but serves as a handrail to support women moving from self-critical to unapologetically self-accepting. Her writing creates an ambiance that reflects the natural world while also addressing modern topics. I love it when you can feel that a writer went through a bit of their own catharsis in their writing process. Writing changes us, and with her poetry Coffyn pulls back the curtain so we can witness a slice of her own journey.

[Dan Curran · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Adam Picked the Apple is a tremendous collection. Grounded in empathy, the poems cut to the core of what it means to be human while traversing the complexities of the modern world. With a keen eye for injustice and hypocrisy, the author weaves a narrative where resistance and resilience are discovered in community and an unabashed determination to be true to who we are.

[Matt Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danielle Coffyn perfectly captures so many needed sentiments in this moment in time. Each poem in this collection is so relatable for folks who feel like we are living in a precarious world. They’re also timeless. I’m so glad I discovered this artist and I’m looking forward to seeing her future work.

[Maz Bangs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book of poetry captures all the feminine rage, beauty, friendship, heartache, and joy in its pages. Ms. Coffyn uses her eloquent and raw language to express the complexities of being a woman within the patriarchy in a way that’s accessible and moving. I cannot wait to read this book again and again.

[Nicole Adair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this collection! For a full discussion of the many ways these poems are part of the resistance, check out my Substack essay, "Mad Bad Wild Woman," all about Coffyn's book.

https://open.substack.com/pub/thebook...

[Cimoreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blown away by these poems that perfectly capture what it is to be a woman today. So much depth of emotion. Brilliantly putting my feelings into words. I’m planning to buy copies for all my friends.

[Patrick Quigley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is poetry that gets your attention. There is often an undercurrent of injustice-fueled anger, paired with a lovely, relentless spirit in the words, asking “Yes, but do you really feel what I’m saying? Read it again.” It’s a voice challenging itself (and you), wondering if life is really the way it’s supposed to be, instead of being chained to old, toxic, useless ways of existing.
I loved it. Give it a read, you won’t regret it.

[Catherine Miele · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If Adam Picked the Apple” is a tremendous debut collection. It embodies the challenges, fears, hopes, and joys of womanhood in a way to which readers can relate. Coffyn’s use of imagery, metaphor, and brutal honesty captures the reader.

4.75 stars.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first learned of Danielle on Instagram and loved her poems so much that I pre-ordered her book. This is the first book of poetry I've ever bought! Each poem is incredibly relatable, thoughtful, and thought provoking. I will be buying more as presents for friends!

[Jack Seator · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad that I have friends who recommend new poets! I love Danielle Coffyn’s poetry, this collection has a permanent home on my desk.

Buy it, love it, Danielle is the poet for this time in our collective history.

[Samantha Bradshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trying to think of words that I want to use to review this collection and the first ones to pop into my head are: decadent, rich, devour. And honestly, that's pretty accurate.

I didn't know I was hungry for this book until I read it.

[Linda Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant book of poems that speak to my soul. I don't generally read poetry but somehow came across If Adam Picked the Apple. That poem was why I ordered the book. Danielle Coffyn did not disappoint with the rest of the poems in the book.

[Katy Luxem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and heart-bending collection that features the author’s Pushcart-winning poem. Highly recommend!

[Madi Macera · Rating 5 out of 5]

lovely feminist poetry that encapsulates the often repressed, shared aspects of womanhood

[KellI Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can not put into feelings into words as well as Danielle. This is beautiful, amazing, honest. Just read It.

[B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of poems

[Allison Renner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, realistic, empowering book of poems. I highlighted so many phrases and dog-eared so many pages (in my own copy!) to come back to when I need them.

[Lesley Buermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous prose that reminded me of all the truths I hold in my bones

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, moving, lovely collection that I read cover to cover the first time I held it in my hands.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetry that speaks to us now, today.

[Ms. Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this compilation of poems that speak of feminist strength and celebrate what it is to be a female in the world.