On an otherwise ordinary day, the world wakes up to wooden boxes outside their doorsteps. Each box contains the resident’s name and the answer to their fate: a string that indicates the exact years one will live. As the world devolves into a frenzy of interpreting the validity of the boxes, each person must make their own decisions. Do they wish to see their fate? What does one do if they are blessed with a long string? How do you come to terms with a short one?

THE MEASURE follows eight loosely connected people and their journeys after the boxes arrive. Some of them are blessed with a long string and decide to embark on world-changing journeys; some are hit with the surprise of a short string and must utilize their remaining time wisely; others simply choose not to look. With a simple concept, Erlick brilliantly asks the readers to confront our mortality and all the uncertainties within life.

I wanted to love THE MEASURE but am left wanting more after finishing the book. Part of it is due to the multi-POV style; I would’ve liked to see more focused character developments centering around fewer narratives that dig deep into the effects of the strings. With eight characters, the emotional intensity is sometimes diluted, and I struggle with connecting to a few narrators.

Unfortunately, I also guessed the ending, which impacted the buildup throughout the book. In the end, I only shed a few tears when I was expecting ugly snot-over-my-face crying. Overall, I still enjoy THE MEASURE, but I think WHEN BREATH BECOMES AIR (Paul Kalanithi) offers a more powerful introspection on mortality. These two books could be a great companion read!