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A review by literaryjunarin
The Measure by Nikki Erlick
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
5.0
I loved the premise of this book. One day, everyone in the whole world aged 22 and above, received a wooden box with a note saying "The measure of your life lies within". And it didn't stop on that day. The box continues to come to everyone who turns 22 years old. Inside the box is a single string representing their lifespan. Some have long strings meaning they will live to old age but some have really short strings and died in their 20s. Scientists collected thousands of samples and successfully created a program to convert the length of the string to the number of years up to the exact age when the owner will die.
Interweaving 8 characters, the story showed how different people and nations reacted when faced with their own mortality. Suddenly, couples broke up when they found out their partner has a short string. People with short strings can no longer take loans or insurance. Police and the military only allow people with long strings to take on dangerous tasks. The dating scene got more difficult with everyone sidestepping the "string" question because most don't want to date someone with a short string. When you don't know when you will die, it is easier to vow not to leave your partner in sickness and in health. But when you know exactly when death will come for you, it is hard to even start dating.
This is poignant, thought-provoking, heartbreaking but hopeful. It left me thinking: will I open my box?
Interweaving 8 characters, the story showed how different people and nations reacted when faced with their own mortality. Suddenly, couples broke up when they found out their partner has a short string. People with short strings can no longer take loans or insurance. Police and the military only allow people with long strings to take on dangerous tasks. The dating scene got more difficult with everyone sidestepping the "string" question because most don't want to date someone with a short string. When you don't know when you will die, it is easier to vow not to leave your partner in sickness and in health. But when you know exactly when death will come for you, it is hard to even start dating.
This is poignant, thought-provoking, heartbreaking but hopeful. It left me thinking: will I open my box?