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A review by _chrstnlvly
The Measure by Nikki Erlick
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? It's complicated
5.0
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 and Murder
Moderate: Death and Mass/school shootings
Minor: Terminal illness and War