Nikki Erlick: The Measure

Hi everyone

I finished The Measure by Nikki Erlick and this book made me cry.
So let's talk about it!
I got my book from Bol.com.

"It seems like any other day. You wake up, pour a cup of coffee, and head out.
But today, when you open your front door, waiting for you is a small wooden box. This box holds your fate inside: the answer to the exact number of years you will live.
From suburban doorsteps to desert tents, every person on every continent receives the same box. In an instant, the world is thrust into a collective frenzy. Where did these boxes come from? What do they mean? Is there truth to what they promise?
As society comes together and pulls apart, everyone faces the same shocking choice: Do they wish to know how long they'll live? And, if so, what will they do with that knowledge?
The Measure charts the dawn of this new world through an unforgettable cast of characters whose decisions and fates interweave with one another: best friends whose dreams are forever entwined, pen pals finding refuge in the unknown, a couple who thought they didn't have to rush, a doctor who cannot save himself, and a politician whose box becomes the powder keg that ultimately changes everything." 

I really enjoyed this book.
The premise is unlike anything I’ve read before, and it really intrigued me; which is why I bought it, obviously. The gorgeous cover didn’t hurt either. 

I loved reading about the inner struggles people went through, whether they received a long string or a short one. It’s so easy to imagine how your own life would change depending on the choice you make (whether to look or not) and the outcome. Nikki Erlick explores every possible scenario through her characters, showing how their lives, thoughts, and circumstances shift based on what they discover in that box. The characters all have their own distinct voices, and even though the story is somewhat predictable, it didn’t really bother me because I enjoyed the characters and their growth so much. 

There were two things I was less happy with. First, the last part is a bit too sentimental, but it does fit the story, so it didn’t bother me too much. 
Secondly, the story is very, very American. From everything I’ve seen and read online about the political situation in the USA, the story feels credible. The discrimination, the violence, and the political changes all fit with what I know of a country I’ve never visited. Here in Belgium, for instance, I imagine the reaction would be more subdued, at least initially. I doubt it would lead to the same level of public chaos or drastic new political laws. So, I didn’t really like the heavy focus on the politics; it felt a bit overdone for my taste.

Have you read The Measure? What did you think of the premise and the characters’ choices? Do you think the reaction would be different in your country or culture? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena