The Measure by Nikki Erlick
Eight ordinary people. One extraordinary choice.
It seems like any other day. You wake up, pour a cup of coffee, and head out.
But today, when you open your front door, waiting for you is a small wooden box. This box holds your fate inside: the answer to the exact number of years you will live.
From suburban doorsteps to desert tents, every person on every continent receives the same box. In an instant, the world is thrust into a collective frenzy. Where did these boxes come from? What do they mean? Is there truth to what they promise?
As society comes together and pulls apart, everyone faces the same shocking choice: Do they wish to know how long they’ll live? And, if so, what will they do with that knowledge?
The Measure charts the dawn of this new world through an unforgettable cast of characters whose decisions and fates interweave with one another: best friends whose dreams are forever entwined, pen pals finding refuge in the unknown, a couple who thought they didn’t have to rush, a doctor who cannot save himself, and a politician whose box becomes the powder keg that ultimately changes everything.
Review:
This novel presents an interesting and unique concept that hooked me from the first page.
What would you do if you received a small wooden box that held the key to the exact number of years you will live? That’s the question that every character in The Measure is faced with. The entire world is thrown into chaos from ordinary people in suburban neighborhoods to those living in more remote areas. Suddenly, everyone is faced with the choice of whether or not they want to know how long they have left to live and what they will do with that knowledge.
Erlick does a fantastic job of telling this story from multiple points of view, giving us a glimpse into the lives of eight ordinary individuals whose paths cross unexpectedly. Each chapter is dedicated to a different character, and their decisions and fates intertwine in a captivating way. The variety of perspectives allows for a rich exploration of human nature and the different ways people react when faced with something as profound as the measure of their own mortality.
One of the things I really appreciated about this book is how thought-provoking it is. It made me question my own views on life and death and what I would do if I were faced with the same choice. The Measure really dives into the ethical and philosophical implications of this concept, leaving me with a lot to ponder long after I finished reading.
However, I will say that one aspect of the book that didn’t fully resonate with me was the lack of a strong emotional connection to the characters. While I found their stories intriguing, I never felt super close to any of them. This made it a bit challenging for me to become as emotionally invested in their lives as I would have liked. Despite this, the concept and the overall storytelling were compelling enough to keep me engaged until the very end.
The Measure is a thought-provoking novel that explores the profound implications of knowing how long you will live. With its interesting concept and multiple perspectives, this book will challenge you to consider your own views on life and death. While I wished for a deeper emotional connection to the characters, overall, it’s a captivating read that will leave a lasting impression.
So if you’re looking for a thought-provoking book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, give The Measure a try!
- Nikki Erlick
- Book Club Selection: Read with Jenna
