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Nikki Erlick
Nikki Erlick is an American author. Her debut novel, The Measure, is a work of speculative fiction that explores themes of fate and choice. She writes stories that make readers consider big ideas.
The Measure
Synopsis
"Age of Miracles meets The Immortalists in this spirit-lifting, high-concept blockbuster debut set in a world where people can find out how much time they have left to live"--
Genres
Characters
NinaProtagonist
A journalist with a long string whose relationship with her girlfriend Maura is tested when Maura draws a short one.
MauraProtagonist
Nina's girlfriend, who draws a short string and must decide how to face her shortened life.
BenProtagonist
A young architect with a short string who finds community in a support group for other short-stringers.
Anthony RollinsAntagonist
A congressman who exploits public fear of short strings to champion discriminatory policy.
AmieSupporting
Nina's younger sister, a schoolteacher who chooses never to open her own box.
Frequently asked questions
Is the book The Measure appropriate?
The Measure explores themes of life, death, and societal impact. It is generally considered appropriate for adult and young adult readers. The content does not contain explicit material.
What is the premise of The Measure by Nikki Erlick?
One morning, every person on Earth aged 22 or older finds a small wooden box on their doorstep. Inside is a string whose length precisely measures how long they have left to live. The novel follows eight interconnected characters in New York City as they decide whether to open their boxes and how the knowledge of a "short" or "long" string reshapes their relationships, careers, and society at large.
Is The Measure part of a series?
No. The Measure (2022) is Nikki Erlick's standalone debut novel and does not have a sequel. Her second novel, The Poppy Fields (2025), is an unrelated, separate story.