The Measure: A Novel

Nikki Erlick
Skip to product information

The Measure: A Novel

Nikki Erlick
Release date:
Hardcover
Regular price $35.99
Sale price $35.99 Regular price $0.00
Final Sale. No returns or exchanges.
Oversized: This item will be shipped by appointment through our delivery partner.
Overweight: This item will be shipped by appointment through our delivery partner.

Digital download

Immediate access in your Kobo library

Deliver to

In stock online. Free shipping on orders over $49

Buy online, pick up at Bay & Floor

Free pick up today

Find it in store

Out of stock

Found in: FICTION, General Fiction

Earn 180 plum points and save more with plum Rewards. Learn more

View full details

Overview

368 PAGESENGLISH

Promotional Details
“A brilliant concept cleverly executed. I couldn’t stop reading.” - Christina Sweeney-Baird, author of The End of Men
"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
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
“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
“Despite its chilling premise, Erlick’s novel is an escape from—rather than a window into—our own terrifying reality.”  - New York Times
"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 compelling, heart-breaking story of life and love with a perfect, elegant premise.” - Bridget Collins, bestselling author of The Binding
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
“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
“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

Overall rating: 4.117647 / 5 from 17 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Summary topics

Review topics: [book, characters, copy, experience, read, perspective].

Review highlights

Reviews

Great characters

"Couldn’t put it down and would wake up only to read more. Even with knowing about the boxes, it always felt like I was there. The author has given me a reason to make sure every day is special and we are put on this earth to make it a better place😊"

Mcjanet (5/5)

I loved this book!

"The Measure is one of the best books I’ve ever read! I’ve given away 3 copies now and need to order another for myself. I literally hugged my hard copy when I finished reading it. Highly recommended!"

Sandee (5/5)

Cannot put this down!!

"Love the short chapters and alternating perspectives. The subject is soooo thought provoking. I cannot wait to discuss at our next book club!"

Tessa (5/5)

Thought provoking

"Absolutely loved this book and the characters. Makes you examine your life"

Lynn (5/5)

Life Experience is a Must for Quality Authors

"The premise is so promising that I would love to see a seasoned author take a crack at a rewrite. Niven & Pournelle grappled with an analogous premise featuring an equivalently large number of characters in ""Lucifer's Hammer"" and the contrast in writing quality is troublingly stark for a New York Times Best Seller. The characters feel less than one dimensional when they randomly contradict their previous actions. It is easy to image that each character started with five bullets points upon a notebook page that was then developed into the clumsy skeletons readers are given. Having characters that behave in unexpected ways could be delightful with a more savvy treatment, however the actions of these characters just do not sit right, a sort of uncanny valley experience that makes it hard to care about any of them. The characters overreact to trivial happenings and then make no reaction at all to among the most heinous of crimes, cold-blooded murder. This book appears to be the product of an author with minimal life experience and a confused, perhaps immoral, world view. Volumes of solid research could have shored up the author's apparent lack of life experience however there is no evidence of any. The buoyant handful of interesting ideas have no hope of arresting the sinking of this book by the mass of forgettable characters and senseless happenings. I cannot think of any market segment made up of readers with so little access to rational thought that the suspension of disbelief needed to enjoy this book would be possible. That this book is advertised as a New York Times Best Seller is either an attempt by the publishing industry to overhype a book that does not deserve it or perhaps I have just learned about the massive number of readers who are strangers to critical thinking and devoid of life experiences of their own. I will make note of those who contributed positive testimonials for this book and ensure that I do not make the mistake of reading any of their works, a useful time savings for me."

Wild B. (1/5)

One of my bookclub favourites for 2023

"A good read. Well written and got you thinking about an interesting world scenario. Lessons could apply to so many different areas of life."

Linda M. (5/5)

Mixed reviews from the book club

"This was chosen by my book club. not my cup of tea and me another DNF. Four others liked it and rated it 3. 5/5"

SarahS (2/5)

Knowledge is power… or a curse?

"What if you had the choice of knowing the length of your life? This book delves into the many ways such knowledge would impact humanity. A thought provoking read and great discussion starter."

Chill (5/5)

Kind of hokey

"It kind of felt like I was reading a Hallmark movie. Some thought provoking moments though."

Mikk (3/5)

Not bad, not great

"Book started off strong but didn't keep me as interested until the end. Could've leaned into the dystopia more."

Gabrielle (4/5)

Q&A

  • Published date: Jun 28, 2022
  • Language: English
  • No. of Pages: 368
  • Publisher: HarperCollins
  • ISBN: 9780063204201
  • Dimensions: 6.0" W x 1.17" L x 9.0" H

Recently Viewed