The Measure - Nikki Erlick

The Measure

By Nikki Erlick

  • Release Date: 2022-06-28
  • Genre: Fiction & Literature
Score: 4
4
From 1,093 Ratings

Description

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - The Read With Jenna Today Show Book Club Pick!

"A story of love and hope as interweaving characters display: how all moments, big and small, can measure a life. If you want joy, love, romance, and hope—read with us." —Jenna Bush Hager

A luminous, spirit-lifting blockbuster that asks: would you choose to find out the length of your life?

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.

Enchanting and deeply uplifting, The Measure is an ambitious, invigorating story about family, friendship, hope, and destiny that encourages us to live life to the fullest.

Reviews

  • Wow

    5
    By Katlovesbooks
    What an amazing book. I couldn’t put it down once I started and was sorry when it ended. I could have read this book forever. I was invested in the characters and the message in the story. It made me cry and smile at the same time. Well worth the time. I highly suggest reading this book.
  • Really interesting.

    4
    By paige<33
    I did enjoy this book although it took a while to get to the point but you have to get to know the characters. The way the story strings (lol) together is really nice and cohesive. I think the way the lives of all these strangers come together is really special. Feels like a metaphor for Covid which was interesting to consider.
  • Wow

    5
    By Fuzzyerin
    Inspired to read the book from the Holderness podcast interview with the author, I started and couldn’t put it down. It also inspired conversations with friends and family last night as to if you would open your box and what you would do with it.
  • One of my favorite books!!

    5
    By grabber2
    Loved the way this booked flowed. Kept me wanting more and couldn’t put it down. A must read!
  • Really really deep and thought provoking.

    4
    By Majicreds
    This book too me a while to get into. I’m not really sure why- I was initially intrigued at first by the concept of the strings. But I felt the character development was excruciatingly slow and there were so many characters that I didn’t understand their connections for the first half of the book. I’m really glad I stuck with it though. I think this will stay with me for a long while. I do t want to give any spoilers but if you’re in for a seriously thought provoking read about life and society then this is for you. Definitely a tear jerker.
  • Provocative

    4
    By Gogetlo
    Definitely made me think about life and death and the consequences of having a more definitive answer to your future. What changes would you make? Book stays with you.
  • Honesty

    5
    By colo barb
    So much of the division in the book is really present today. Such a novel focus strings. I enjoyed the differentiated interpretations of the impact. They are the thoughts we all have on a daily basis.
  • Nice idea but poor execution

    1
    By m.kratzat
    The writing is good, characters relatable and the problem is enticing but even after 50 some pages there’s nothing to show the characters finding a solution or making something work. I give books 50 pages to show me some plot arch as I believe that to be enough and this one did not pass the test.
  • Meh

    3
    By Astrid J.F
    It was like a lifetime cheesy movie
  • Fantastic

    5
    By VSpink_partyanimal!
    A modern day 5 People you meet in heaven. Really thought provoking.