Book Review: The Measure

A quick note: I’m trying a new approach to my book reviews, so you may notice a difference in the structure and style going forward. I’m in an experimental phase, but hopefully it still works. Now, onto the review!

What’s it about?

What if you knew exactly how long you had to live? Would it change how you live today, tomorrow, and the next day? This is the question at the heart of Nikki Erlick’s The Measure, a novel that dives headfirst into the philosophical quandary of whether knowing our fate would change our destiny.

Erlick’s debut novel presents a world where everyone over the age of 22 receives a mysterious wooden box containing a string. The length of this string determines how long the recipient has left to live. From this premise, The Measure explores the impact this knowledge has on individuals, relationships, and society at large.

What I Loved

So, let’s talk about the premise first—because wow, what a hook! This book taps into a universal curiosity we’ve all had at some point: Would you want to know when you’re going to die? And it takes that idea and runs with it, exploring the different ways people might react to this kind of information. It’s a thought experiment come to life, and that’s where The Measure really shines.

Erlick’s narrative is character-driven, and she introduces us to a diverse ensemble of characters, all of whom have different reactions to the boxes. There’s a couple who thought they had all the time in the world, a politician whose string length could change the course of his career, best friends grappling with what the strings mean for their future, and a doctor who’s faced with the ultimate irony—knowing he can’t save himself. Their lives intersect in meaningful ways, and Erlick does a great job of weaving these storylines together.

One thing that stands out is the way Erlick uses the strings as a metaphor for all the ways we divide ourselves and each other in society. The world she creates is quick to categorize people as “short-stringers” and “long-stringers,” and the discrimination that arises from this is all too familiar. It’s a powerful commentary on how we treat each other based on perceived value, and it’s a theme that feels especially relevant today.

Finally, the relationships between the characters are a major highlight. Erlick does a fantastic job of exploring how the knowledge of string length impacts friendships, romantic relationships, and family dynamics. The tension between wanting to protect loved ones and the fear of losing them is palpable throughout the novel, and it’s this emotional tension that keeps the story grounded, even when the plot itself becomes a bit predictable.

Aaaand, that brings us to the part where I discuss the things I didn’t think worked quite as well…

What I Didn’t Love

While the allegorical aspect of the story is compelling, it’s not without its flaws. The novel can sometimes feel a bit heavy-handed in its messaging. There’s little subtlety in how the themes are delivered, and at times, it feels like Erlick is spelling things out for the reader instead of letting them arrive at conclusions on their own. This lack of nuance might turn off readers who prefer a more understated approach to storytelling.

Another issue is the predictability of the plot. I could pretty much see where each character’s story was headed from early on. This isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker—it’s still an engaging read—but it does take away some of the suspense you might expect from a novel with such a high-concept premise. I did enjoy watching them go through their stories, even if I had a good idea where we were headed, but it’s worth noting.

Bigger Picture Stuff

Despite those two shortcomings, The Measure has a lot going for it. The emotional core of the story is strong, and the novel asks important questions about life, death, and everything in between. Erlick’s writing is fluid and accessible, making this a novel that’s easy to get into. The book’s tone is optimistic, even uplifting, which is impressive given the potentially dark subject matter. It leaves you with plenty to think about.

The entire book explores the practical implications of the strings, and this was something I found really interesting. Erlick explores how institutions like the government, workplaces, and even the insurance industry might respond to this new reality. It’s fascinating to think about how the strings could influence everything from hiring practices to healthcare decisions. It’s unsettling to think about, but perhaps only because it hits close to home with some things we’re already seeing in our world.

Final Thoughts

The Measure is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant novel that, despite some flaws, is well worth the read. If you’re someone who enjoys character-driven stories that explore big ideas, this book is definitely for you. It challenges us to think about our own lives and what we would do if we knew exactly how much time we had left. And really, isn’t that the ultimate question?

Would I open the box? Honestly, I’m not sure. In the past, I would have said yes. And I’ve dealt with something similar, having been diagnosed in my early 30’s with a life-threatening condition which, at the time, had a life expectancy of 37 years. Having that ticking clock certainly forced me to look at my life differently. But I’m not sure I’d want to know something like that now. What I do know is, The Measure has made me think about that question in ways I never have before, and for that, I’m grateful.

I give this book 4/5 stars.

If you decide to grab this book, I hope you’ll let me know your thoughts!

Happy reading!