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
“So often, high-concept novels are all conceit, no heart, but Nikki Erlick gives us both in spades, a fascinating and timely setup buttressed by a compelling cast of characters finding their hard way through unprecedented times. It makes The Measure a heartfelt parable for our own unprecedented times but also its opposite: a lesson in what doesn’t change even when everything else does.” — Laurie Frankel, New York Times bestselling author of One Two Three
“What an incredible book! It’s truly original with an intriguing premise that’s beautifully executed. I loved the fact that it was written from so many POVs, each adding depth and perspective to the overall narrative which made it a rich and satisfying read. I found it gripping, poignant, and intensely thought-provoking.” — Ruth Hogan, bestselling author of The Keeper of Lost Things
“A compelling, heart-breaking story of life and love with a perfect, elegant premise.” — Bridget Collins, bestselling author of The Binding
“One of the most life-affirming novels I’ve read in a long while, The Measure is exactly what our world needs right now.” — Christina Dalcher, bestselling author of Vox
“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
“The Measure is an utterly original and hugely compelling story, which drew me in from the very first page with its beautiful writing. Weeks after reading it, I’m still thinking about this smart, uplifting novel and its wonderful characters.” — Freya Sampson, author of The Last Chance Library
"Nikki Erlick has created an irresistible hook about a question that everyone asks but no-one ever wants to answer. With thoughtful and compelling detail, she crafts a strange—and strangely familiar—world full of new moral and political conundrums. And while the novel is full of ideas, The Measure has a strong emotional heart—with an array of characters exploring their frightening, but sometimes beautiful new worlds. Ultimately, The Measure is about the power of human resilience, a new world where people get to choose their own kind of freedom." — Luke Allnutt, author of We Own the Sky
“A brilliant concept cleverly executed. I couldn’t stop reading.” — Christina Sweeney-Baird, author of The End of Men
"I doubt I will ever use the term 'life-affirming' when describing a novel again. No other book could ever measure up to what Erlick has done with this tender, original and gripping debut. I cannot think of a reader of any genre who would not find something to love in The Measure." — Bookreporter.com
A brilliant concept cleverly executed. I couldn’t stop reading.
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.
One of the most life-affirming novels I’ve read in a long while, The Measure is exactly what our world needs right now.”
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.
"Nikki Erlick has created an irresistible hook about a question that everyone asks but no-one ever wants to answer. With thoughtful and compelling detail, she crafts a strange—and strangely familiar—world full of new moral and political conundrums. And while the novel is full of ideas, The Measure has a strong emotional heart—with an array of characters exploring their frightening, but sometimes beautiful new worlds. Ultimately, The Measure is about the power of human resilience, a new world where people get to choose their own kind of freedom."
What an incredible book! It’s truly original with an intriguing premise that’s beautifully executed. I loved the fact that it was written from so many POVs, each adding depth and perspective to the overall narrative which made it a rich and satisfying read. I found it gripping, poignant, and intensely thought-provoking.
A compelling, heart-breaking story of life and love with a perfect, elegant premise.
So often, high-concept novels are all conceit, no heart, but Nikki Erlick gives us both in spades, a fascinating and timely setup buttressed by a compelling cast of characters finding their hard way through unprecedented times. It makes The Measure a heartfelt parable for our own unprecedented times but also its opposite: a lesson in what doesn’t change even when everything else does.
The Measure is an utterly original and hugely compelling story, which drew me in from the very first page with its beautiful writing. Weeks after reading it, I’m still thinking about this smart, uplifting novel and its wonderful characters.
★ 08/01/2022
What if you woke one morning to find the measure of your life sitting in a box on your doorstep? In Erlick's debut novel, every adult in the world receives these inexplicable, indestructible omens and faces unimaginable decisions. Some gain a new lease on life; others take it as a death sentence. The novel focuses on eight individuals, seemingly set apart yet indelibly intertwined, who must decide whether they want to live a long life or a deep one. Erlick compellingly and captivatingly explores each facet of human nature, from hatred to heartbreak to hope. Narrator Julia Whelan's placid tone is enchanting and sincere, drawing listeners into the character-driven narrative, and her steady pace will contrast and compound their urgent need to know what comes next. VERDICT The original and inspiring premise will appeal to listeners seeking magical realism blended with uplifting, emotionally intense literary fiction. Recommended for fans of Emily St. John Mandel and Chloe Benjamin.—Lauren Hackert
12/01/2021
One day, everyone on Earth receives a small wooden box bearing the inscription "The measure of your life lies within" and containing a length of string—with different lengths for different recipients. Terrified to contemplate how much time they have to live, people fall back frantically on past belief or forge bold new connections as debuter Erlick considers how best to live life. With a 150,000-copy first printing.
Golden Voice narrator Julia Whelan gives a thoughtful performance of a novel that focuses on a fundamental question: Would you want to know how long you’re going to live? One night a box is delivered to everyone age 22 and older. The box contains a length of string that tells the recipient how much longer they will live. Would you open the box? Whelan introduces listeners to characters who have diverse reactions to that question. She provides a sense of intimacy to their stories as she calmly explores the dramatic ways the world changes for each one. Whelan shares the intensity of their emotions and the camaraderie that develops, especially among the “short stringers.” Whelan offers a compelling performance of a thought-provoking debut novel. J.E.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
Golden Voice narrator Julia Whelan gives a thoughtful performance of a novel that focuses on a fundamental question: Would you want to know how long you’re going to live? One night a box is delivered to everyone age 22 and older. The box contains a length of string that tells the recipient how much longer they will live. Would you open the box? Whelan introduces listeners to characters who have diverse reactions to that question. She provides a sense of intimacy to their stories as she calmly explores the dramatic ways the world changes for each one. Whelan shares the intensity of their emotions and the camaraderie that develops, especially among the “short stringers.” Whelan offers a compelling performance of a thought-provoking debut novel. J.E.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
