The Measure

I had never read Nikki Erlick before and was fascinated by this book. This is definitely a story that will stay with me for a long time. Although the concept was simple, you turn twenty-two, and suddenly a mysterious box appears with information on your life expectancy based on the length of the string in the box. Yet Nikki Erlick tales this simple concept and presents many thought-provoking scenarios. Plausible concepts that echo life and demonstrate human vulnerability and prejudice.

Would you open such a box? Would knowing your own or someone else's life expectancy influence decisions about marriage, having children, or how you lived your life?

I also thought there were parallels to our recent Covid epidemic; resources were short, and there was talk of triaging the sick based on age. At the time, I felt like I was suddenly in another country.

The short string, long string concept also echoes sentiment on current-day discrimination issues such as mental health, insurance, and employment. In fact, the more you think about it, the more complex it becomes. It's brilliant. Excellent book club selection. Highly recommend.