Take a photo of a barcode or cover
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Grief
Minor: Chronic illness, Gun violence, Suicide, Terminal illness, Mass/school shootings, Car accident, Death of parent, Pregnancy
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
3.5 stars
Recommend
I totally get WHY this book was and is so popular almost three years after its release. This novel is a thought-provoking book that is PERFECT for book clubs. It was an easy read on audiobook. But, I think this book was perfect for readers and book clubs after the pandemic. It was escapism in a speculative and dystopian way.
The writing and character development were the weakest parts of this debut novel. I wanted more of the before and after "thread times". Plus, there were just too many characters!
The premise was great, but just not executed. This book could have been so much more. Unfortunately, I could correctly foretell what would happen after reading/ about halfway through the book.
For a more detailed review, check out my blog - booksbydorothea:
https://booksbydorothea.blogspot.com/2025/05/review-measure-audiobook.html
Recommend
I totally get WHY this book was and is so popular almost three years after its release. This novel is a thought-provoking book that is PERFECT for book clubs. It was an easy read on audiobook. But, I think this book was perfect for readers and book clubs after the pandemic. It was escapism in a speculative and dystopian way.
The writing and character development were the weakest parts of this debut novel. I wanted more of the before and after "thread times". Plus, there were just too many characters!
The premise was great, but just not executed. This book could have been so much more. Unfortunately, I could correctly foretell what would happen after reading/ about halfway through the book.
For a more detailed review, check out my blog - booksbydorothea:
https://booksbydorothea.blogspot.com/2025/05/review-measure-audiobook.html
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Gun violence, Hate crime, Terminal illness, Violence, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Dysphoria, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Moderate: Bullying, Chronic illness, Blood, Medical content, Medical trauma
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The Measure
By Nikki Erlick
4 Stars
Nikki Erlick takes on an incredible feat by examining how humanity may react to being given a chance to know about how long they may live. She tells the story of several people and how their lives and the world around them handles this I formation. Erlick’s book really makes you think.
I went into this book expecting something more exciting, however, I was still drawn to the story and kept reading because I wanted to see what came next. I don’t want my previous statement to be conceived as saying the book is boring. It certainly is not. It’s masterful. It’s a story that draws you in by tugging at your own compassion, empathy, and humanity. I fell in love with the characters. The story itself really made me think.
This story takes on a huge concept and yet keeps you in a small space close to the characters in the book. I think this book is a good read, thought provoking and enjoyable.
There are a few trigger warnings to check out before you commit to this book.
By Nikki Erlick
4 Stars
Nikki Erlick takes on an incredible feat by examining how humanity may react to being given a chance to know about how long they may live. She tells the story of several people and how their lives and the world around them handles this I formation. Erlick’s book really makes you think.
I went into this book expecting something more exciting, however, I was still drawn to the story and kept reading because I wanted to see what came next. I don’t want my previous statement to be conceived as saying the book is boring. It certainly is not. It’s masterful. It’s a story that draws you in by tugging at your own compassion, empathy, and humanity. I fell in love with the characters. The story itself really made me think.
This story takes on a huge concept and yet keeps you in a small space close to the characters in the book. I think this book is a good read, thought provoking and enjoyable.
There are a few trigger warnings to check out before you commit to this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Suicide, Terminal illness, Violence, Grief, Mass/school shootings
Minor: Car accident
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This may be my favorite book of this year. The plot is simple, but the ramifications of it are well-explored omniciently and through the eyes of several characters. Each character is easy to distinguish and well fleshed-out, and you grow to love, respect, and/or understand each one. Everything is woven together so nicely, and you just have to keep reading because, like life, you're not quite sure how things are going to end. I could easily recommend this to anybody
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Classism
Minor: Terminal illness, Grief, Mass/school shootings, Suicide attempt, Injury/Injury detail
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief
Moderate: Bullying, Homophobia, Suicide, Terminal illness, Suicide attempt, Murder, Pregnancy, Lesbophobia, War
Minor: Ableism, Cancer, Drug use, Racism, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Car accident, Outing, Pandemic/Epidemic
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Summary:
One morning, every adult across the world receives an identical small wooden box, each containing a string of varying length. Soon, the world discovers a profound truth—the length of the string corresponds to the length of one's life. As people grapple with this revelation, society divides into "long-stringers" and "short-stringers," leading to shifts in relationships, careers, government policies, and even love. The novel follows a cast of interconnected characters—each facing the decision of whether to open their box and what to do with the knowledge it holds. Ultimately, The Measure explores fate, free will, and the ways we define the meaning of a life well lived.
Review:
I have always been drawn to character-driven books, especially those that challenge the way we think about life and mortality. The Measure is one of those rare novels that does both, offering a deeply emotional yet thought-provoking reading experience.
What makes this book so impactful is its ability to reflect the anxieties, hopes, and ethical dilemmas we all face. It forces us to ask: If you knew how much time you had left, would you live differently? Would society treat you differently? The way Nikki Erlick weaves together multiple perspectives—each grappling with their own choices—adds a layer of realism and complexity that lingers long after the last page.
One morning, every adult across the world receives an identical small wooden box, each containing a string of varying length. Soon, the world discovers a profound truth—the length of the string corresponds to the length of one's life. As people grapple with this revelation, society divides into "long-stringers" and "short-stringers," leading to shifts in relationships, careers, government policies, and even love. The novel follows a cast of interconnected characters—each facing the decision of whether to open their box and what to do with the knowledge it holds. Ultimately, The Measure explores fate, free will, and the ways we define the meaning of a life well lived.
Review:
I have always been drawn to character-driven books, especially those that challenge the way we think about life and mortality. The Measure is one of those rare novels that does both, offering a deeply emotional yet thought-provoking reading experience.
What makes this book so impactful is its ability to reflect the anxieties, hopes, and ethical dilemmas we all face. It forces us to ask: If you knew how much time you had left, would you live differently? Would society treat you differently? The way Nikki Erlick weaves together multiple perspectives—each grappling with their own choices—adds a layer of realism and complexity that lingers long after the last page.
That the beginning and the end may have been chosen for us, the string already spun, but the middle had always been left undetermined, to be woven and shaped by us.
At its core, The Measure reminds us that life isn’t defined by its length but by its depth. We often hear this sentiment, but in the rush of daily life, it’s easy to forget. This book serves as a powerful reminder that what truly matters is how we choose to spend our time, love the people around us, and shape our own stories.
A beautifully written and moving novel, The Measure isn’t just about fate—it’s about resilience, human connection, and the courage to live fully, regardless of what the future holds.
Content warnings: grief, murder, death (moderate), mass/school shootings (moderate), terminal illness (minor), war (minor)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Murder
Moderate: Death, Mass/school shootings
Minor: Terminal illness, War
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Classism
Moderate: Death, Terminal illness, Grief
Minor: Chronic illness, Suicide, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Outing, War, Injury/Injury detail
emotional
reflective
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I think I'll be thinking about this book for a while. It made me pretty existential (and I already am an existential person so...) anyway. I thought the premise was really interesting and really well written. SO MUCH better than the Midnight Library although somewhat similar themes. Overall I really enjoyed this one and may have to purchase it
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide, Terminal illness, Suicide attempt
Moderate: Bullying, Drug use, Gun violence, Grief, Murder, Outing
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I can’t begin to describe my love of this story. I was a bit overwhelmed with the sheer amount of characters while listening to the audiobook, but the book is so well written that I didn’t get lost ever.
The idea of “if you could find out when you are gonna die, would you” question was painted in such a fun and unique way with the webbed narrative.
The parallels between modern day stereotypes and fear mongering of politicians and media did not go unnoticed.
Can’t wait to recommend this to everyone. 🙌🏻
The idea of “if you could find out when you are gonna die, would you” question was painted in such a fun and unique way with the webbed narrative.
The parallels between modern day stereotypes and fear mongering of politicians and media did not go unnoticed.
Can’t wait to recommend this to everyone. 🙌🏻
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Xenophobia, Grief, War
Moderate: Violence, Car accident, Pregnancy
Minor: Cancer, Terminal illness
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Hate crime
Minor: Drug abuse, Suicide, Terminal illness, Pregnancy, War