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chikithareddy's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
“The Measure” by Nikki Erlick presents a captivating premise and delivers some very good moments throughout. However, the political aspects didn’t resonate with me, and while the idea is intriguing, the book as a whole felt average. A mix of highs and lows, it’s a decent read but didn’t fully meet my expectations.
sgbblondie's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-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? No
4.5
knightkittyreads's review against another edition
4.0
I was late to the party on this one. When it first came out, I was busy reading other things. By the time I had a chance to read it, I figured I had already heard so much about it, that reading it would be anti-climactic. When it started winning end of year “Best of” accolades, I decided I needed to try it.
Wow. This has been a magnificent year for debut authors, and Nikki Erlick hit a home run with this one. The premise is simple. Everyone in the world over the age of 21 receives a box with a string indicating the length of their life. Simple. But also profound. The trajectory of their lives changed in an instant. This is the story of 8 people living in the first days, months, years of this new reality and responding to the impact of this knowledge for them and their loved ones. In this new normal, “long stringers” are revered, and “short stringers” are reviled and the implications of this are both far reaching, and intensely personal. What choices do you make if you know you don’t have much time left, or if you know you won’t die until you are old? The author does a great job of depicting the deeply personal stories of each of the 8 characters, and also imagining what the impact of this might be on the world stage – politically, socially, and economically.
The device of the string also works magnificently as a larger metaphor for discrimination of all kinds. The “short stringers” in the book rally to prove that all life has value regardless of its length, and that all people have worth. Substitute string length for skin color, gender, race, etc. and the author’s message to the reader is clear. Despite the apparently hefty topic, the book goes down easy. The book is NOT about where the strings came from, you just need to accept that reality and move on with the story. I did not find this the least bit distracting, as the characters themselves were not focused on this question. This book definitely made me want to embrace the life I have been given, and was more inspirational than oppressive.
This was a wonderful book, and I can’t wait to read more from this author. In case you are wondering, a younger me would probably have opened the box. Current me would definitely not
Wow. This has been a magnificent year for debut authors, and Nikki Erlick hit a home run with this one. The premise is simple. Everyone in the world over the age of 21 receives a box with a string indicating the length of their life. Simple. But also profound. The trajectory of their lives changed in an instant. This is the story of 8 people living in the first days, months, years of this new reality and responding to the impact of this knowledge for them and their loved ones. In this new normal, “long stringers” are revered, and “short stringers” are reviled and the implications of this are both far reaching, and intensely personal. What choices do you make if you know you don’t have much time left, or if you know you won’t die until you are old? The author does a great job of depicting the deeply personal stories of each of the 8 characters, and also imagining what the impact of this might be on the world stage – politically, socially, and economically.
The device of the string also works magnificently as a larger metaphor for discrimination of all kinds. The “short stringers” in the book rally to prove that all life has value regardless of its length, and that all people have worth. Substitute string length for skin color, gender, race, etc. and the author’s message to the reader is clear. Despite the apparently hefty topic, the book goes down easy. The book is NOT about where the strings came from, you just need to accept that reality and move on with the story. I did not find this the least bit distracting, as the characters themselves were not focused on this question. This book definitely made me want to embrace the life I have been given, and was more inspirational than oppressive.
This was a wonderful book, and I can’t wait to read more from this author. In case you are wondering, a younger me would probably have opened the box. Current me would definitely not
thisislauraw's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Everyone in the world awakens one day to find a small wooden box with their name engraved on. Inside is a string, representing how long each person is going to live.
The premise is great, and the questions it raises are explored throughout the book.
The characters, their relationships and their stories are well developed. The themes are complex and there are some really emotional moments.
The book did feel overly long, and at times it felt preachy and as though the author was trying too hard to speak to the reader rather than carry the plot along.
jenniferthor's review
5.0
the most thought provoking book i have read in a long time! i loved the concept and it was very well written. and so emotional. and great characters <3
also.. i am pretty sure i would open my box even though the string would make me depressed
also.. i am pretty sure i would open my box even though the string would make me depressed
alisunflowerr's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
jojo_bean's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.25
hil_knecht's review
4.0
This is super thought provoking. It's fairly depressing too. But still fascinating.
Treatment of the short-stringers is a thinly-veiled comparison to how black people or LGBTQ/ not straight people have been treated throughout history.
I'd recommend it so long as you don't have triggers by young people dying.
It's gotten so much buzz and I can understand why.
Treatment of the short-stringers is a thinly-veiled comparison to how black people or LGBTQ/ not straight people have been treated throughout history.
I'd recommend it so long as you don't have triggers by young people dying.
It's gotten so much buzz and I can understand why.