The Measure by Nikki Erlick

Title: The Measure
Author: Nikki Erlick
Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: Speculative Fiction, Contemporary Fiction
Year of Publication: 2022
Date of Publication: June 28, 2022
Pages: 368
ISBN-10: 0063204204
ISBN-13: 978-0063204201

Summary of The Measure by Nikki Erlick

Main Plot & Characters

The Measure is a novel that presents a world where, one morning, everyone over the age of 22 finds a box on their doorstep. The box contains a string that reveals how long each person is going to live.

The story follows various characters including family members, lovers, friends, and strangers. As a reader, you get watch each character decide on whether they would like to look at their strings.

Key Themes

• Life and Mortality: The novel examines how awareness of life’s limits changes one’s outlook and priorities. Essentially, would you do what you are doing today if you knew the exact length of time you had left.
• Choice and Acceptance: Very key in the book is the decision on whether or not you would like to look at the length of your string. Characters must decide how they face their fates.
• Connection and Empathy: Erlick looks into the impact of mortality on relationships and how often times there is compassion and unity.

Writing Style

The author tells the story from multiple perspectives. This allows us as readers to ponder existential questions.

Impact of The Measure

The Measure explores universal questions about life, death, and human connection.

What are your thoughts on this book? Would you look if you were given a box that told you how long you would live?