The Measure

By: Nikki Erlick

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Eight ordinary people. One extraordinary choice.

It seems like just another morning.

Around the world, people wake up, check the news, open the front door.

On every doorstep is a box. Inside that box is the exact number of years that person has left to live.

Whether they open it or hide it under their bed, each person must learn to live in this new world: a couple who thought they didn’t have to rush their life together, a doctor who cannot save himself from his own fate, best friends whose dreams are forever entwined, and a politician whose box becomes the powder keg that ultimately changes everything…

Enchanting and deeply uplifting, The Measure is a sweeping, ambitious and invigorating story about family, friendship, hope and destiny that encourages us to live life to the fullest.

©2021 Nikki Erlick (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic reviews

"The Measure is a fantastic first outing for Nikki Erlick. […] It’s a timely, page-turning triumph and I can’t recommend it enough." (LoveReading)

"Perfect for book clubs, Erlick's The Measure is equal parts charming and thought-provoking. It takes a philosophical question – what if everybody on earth knew exactly how long they had left to live? – and explores, with compassion and pragmatism, how the implications would trickle down into every area of modern life, from politics to intimacy." (Marie Claire)

"The Measure is utterly original and wonderfully mysterious. Through Erlick's deft prose and clever logic, I threw away all disbelief and fully plunged into the unsettling but life-affirming world she creates." (Jessica Anya Blau, author of Mary Jane)

Thought provoking but light

The tale is told from the perspective of eight people, whose lives intertwine in both expected and unexpected ways after a world wide life altering event. There is a sort of dystopian theme, which highlights the manipulative and malicious nature of humans, as well as the beauty and love of it. Overall - the book remains fairly light hearted (if the theme of it is taken into account). There are a few twists here and there but somewhat connectable. All the stories ends are tied up neatly. It is a thought provoking book, and truly a great conversation starter. Perfect for book club. It does force one to evaluate your own thoughts and ideas on fate and humanity. Really the worst part of this audiobook is the downright awful South African accent the narrator attempted to deliver - luckily it only lasts a minute or so. Overall I'd rate it 4.5/5.

Fabulous story

Loved this book, such an original story, I hung on every word. Was sad to finish it, the characters were so real

Excellent

Interesting concept and very well delivered - thought provoking without being cliche or cloying in sentiment - timely themes

The first half was great.

The idea was good and it kept me interested until things turned syrupy midway through.