Goodreads Choice Awards Book Club discussion

Voted by members for Science Fiction additional read

The Measure by Nikki Erlick



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.

I started listening to this on audio. The narrator is fantastic!

I started this book yesterday, and I'm already done! Absolutely loved it.

Oh wow that was fast, Faith!

Looking forward to starting this, I’ve only heard good things about it!

Michelle wrote: "Oh wow that was fast, Faith!"
I got a little obsessed. Loved the premise. Definitely had my wheels turning long after I finished it!

I am going to read this one too. Glad to hear it is a good narrator because I am going to do audio this time.

I had read this book last Christmas, it was such a good read!

I’m about halfway in now. I’ve been wondering what I would do if I received such a box. My curiosity would probably have made me one of the early box openers. Plus, I think the not knowing would give me more anxiety.

Michelle wrote: "I’m about halfway in now. I’ve been wondering what I would do if I received such a box. My curiosity would probably have made me one of the early box openers. Plus, I think the not knowing would gi..."

I flip-flopped so many times while reading this book. Each perspective makes you re-think everything.

I read this book last year and recommended it several times during the year! I loved it.

I absolutely loved this, so thought provoking. I definitely would have opened my box too!

I finished this one today. It was very good. My mind was whirling all over the place as well. The book was very touching in many parts.
It is definitely readable, even for those of us who aren't strong in the sci fi genre.
I listened on audio and the narrator was excellent. Recommended.

I finished this too and enjoyed it. It wasn’t as sci fi as I thought it would be. Obviously the boxes are a mystery but other than that, the rest was pretty realistic and it made some important social commentary. The characters felt real too. I recommend it too.

I really enjoyed the premise of this one but felt it could have done a bit more without being preachy because I found it very unsubtle, if that makes sense?

So, I am very curious what people think about receiving the box at 22 years old. That is an interesting choice of age.

Younger than 18 would be hard. Receiving it on your 18th birthday brings up (potentially) more discussion with parents about ones box.

At 22 (at least in North America) people are typically out of the house so that makes it easier to not have to discuss with parents.

I am curious what others think about the choice of 22 years old.

22 is a rather odd age. I thought it was 21 at first. I wonder why there's an age requirement. What about people that die before they turn 22?

Faith wrote: "22 is a rather odd age. I thought it was 21 at first. I wonder why there's an age requirement. What about people that die before they turn 22?"

Thats a good point. I wonder why it's not 21. I guess people who die before they turn 22 don't get to find out in advance about it.

Brechmos wrote: "So, I am very curious what people think about receiving the box at 22 years old. That is an interesting choice of age.

Younger than 18 would be hard. Receiving it on your 18th birthday brings up ..."

I wonder if it's because if you are under 18, you don't really have legal rights so your parents could just open up and look inside your box without your permission? Still that doesn't explain why the box won't arrive at 19, instead of 22. Perhaps more emotional maturity to handle the contents?

I am curious, too, how the choice on age affects non-North American and non-European cultures.