Review: The Measure

The Measure by Nikki Erlick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one of the most intriguing books I think I may have ever read. The premise is that one spring evening, everyone in the world over the age of 22 awakens to discover a small box. For some it’s on the doorstep, for others it is outside of the homeless shelter where they are seeking refuge, while still others find it outside of their tents, apartments, etc. No one is spared the gift. Inside the indestructible box is an equally indestructible length of string, and the exterior of each is inscribed “The measure of your life lies within”. It doesn’t take long for people to postulate that the length of the string is equal to the length of one’s life. Scientists are eventually able to prove this theory, and the world is suddenly thrust into a society of “long stringers” vs. “short stringers”. How we as human beings square off and either lose or find our humanity when we know the exact time we will leave this earth is at the crux of the tale. Some turn to religion; some turn to one another. Some seek isolation and still others seek meaningful connections. There are those who take full advantage of the fear that grips the nation in an effort to further their own agendas. Some simply refuse to open the boxes at all. No matter the response, the fact remains that life for every living being is forever altered.

The characters brought to life by author Nikki Erlick are simply brilliant in their complexity. They each have just enough depth to be relatable without Erlick falling into the minutiae of their lives. Each has a story that is filled with heartbreak and hope, and though some of the plot direction is visible many pages in advance, the reader is nonetheless moved to shed tears for these fictional yet oh-so-real people whom Erlick breathes into being.

Whether or not you are a sci-fi fan, set aside any preconceived notions and allow yourself to get lost in the pages here. You won’t regret a single moment. Five big gold stars.

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