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  • The Measure

  • A Novel
  • Written by: Nikki Erlick
  • Narrated by: Julia Whelan
  • Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (169 ratings)

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The Measure cover art

The Measure

Written by: Nikki Erlick
Narrated by: Julia Whelan
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Publisher's Summary

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - The Read With Jenna Today Show Book Club Pick!

"A story of love and hope as interweaving characters display: how all moments, big and small, can measure a life. If you want joy, love, romance, and hope—read with us." —Jenna Bush Hager

A luminous, spirit-lifting blockbuster that asks: would you choose to find out the length of your life?

Eight ordinary people. One extraordinary choice.

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.

Enchanting and deeply uplifting, The Measure is an ambitious, invigorating story about family, friendship, hope, and destiny that encourages us to live life to the fullest.

©2022 Nikki Erlick (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers

What listeners say about The Measure

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Interesting story idea

Although an interesting story idea, I didn't find this book particularly engaging. There's nothing especially exciting about the story line.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Clever story with a great message.

The story is another clever way to show that we are more than just an aspect of ourselves. Loved the narration and found the story very enjoyable.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Drags

I found it dragging , so many back and forth and jumping to ideas or thoughts . Not my thing!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great performance

Even though sometimes the author stretches the chapters, the narrator makes the whole book astonishing. It was a great narration and performance overall and I enjoyed the book.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wow!!!

Absolutely amazing book. The character development and story line was just so unique. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Loved it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A very unique story

I really enjoyed this book. I actually loved the slow and steady tone of the narrator. The story made me think of the “what ifs”. What if this happened to us?What if we knew our lifespan? What would we change about our lives? Would we choose to really live or just exist until our lives came to an end?

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great Story Important Topic

Well-told story and great topic to think about. Great character development. This is one for book club.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Loved it

There were negative reviews about this book, but like any work of fiction, you have to suspend your vision of reality and go along for the ride. It is a wonderful but also unfortunately, an accurate reaction to people’s need to judge others because of their differences. Read (listen) to it, it’s worth your time

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Very interesting book

Great story. Interesting . Great narrator. It left me thinking !
I will always remember this book !

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Interesting concept

Everyone receives a box containing a string that predicts the length of their life. This novel explores the changes that knowledge precipitates in relationships of a group as well societal changes. Great narration.

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