A review by tctimlin
The Measure by Nikki Erlick

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

I loved the premise:  what would happen if suddenly everyone knew how much longer they had to live?  The author explores this question through the lives of several initially unrelated New Yorkers - weaving in the political responses of various governments, the role of the media, themes of discrimination, and the effect on interpersonal relationships.  Yes - the characters all read as if they are upper-middle-class white, even when they are not.  Yes - the author ties up all the connections in a too neat bow at the end.  But I liked the way she played around with the question and I liked the ultimate resolution.  My work book club, with whom I read and discussed this, were much more harsh in their critiques.
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