The Measure

The Measure - A Novel
by Nikki Erlick
published by HarperCollins B and Blackstone in 2022
audiobook narrated by Julia Whelan
genre: science fiction, suspense, dystopian fiction

Listening to this book could turn me into an addict of audiobook novels! What a work of art! A simple concept, idea, premise, storyline… expertly explored. There was a movie a while back that we watched as a family that became a favorite—”Vantage Point”. I found myself reflecting on this movie occasionally as I listened to The Measure. Nothing similar about the stories, but the similarity came from how many situations, characters, and perspectives the author created to examine the simple idea — each person on the planet receiving a box with a string that measures the fullness of their life. Simple and deep!!! I love the questions that the author, Nikki Erlick, brings up through the characters. I love how so many layers of society are explored. I love how the author incorporates art, music, literature, small details, letter writing, and issues of today like someone coming upon an archeological site - then setting the scene for the reader to be the digger and archeologist of their own thoughts and feelings about what was pointed to and poked at.

I love the usage of quotes from other authors that Nikki Erlick incorporates. One of my favorites:
”I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.”— E. B. White

I thank my college roommate of three years, Becky, for this solid recommendation.