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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
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What listeners say about The Measure

Overall ratings

  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    3,702
  • 4 Stars
    1,460
  • 3 Stars
    686
  • 2 Stars
    232
  • 1 Stars
    140

Customer reviews

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3 out of 5 stars
By AtticusAtticus on 04-29-23

Interesting premise but too political

I started out loving this book. The basic story line was so intriguing. What would I do? The story takes a 180 turn in the middle when politics and prejudice take over. I basically finished it bc I cared about the characters but not the message.

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2 people found this helpful

3 out of 5 stars
By Amazon Customer on 05-12-23

Incredibly boring

I kept waiting for something big to happen. It felt like a long boring soap opera. The only reason I listened to the end is because of Julia Whelan.

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2 people found this helpful

5 out of 5 stars
By TulsaTornado on 07-28-22

One of the most powerful books I've ever read!

I rarely take the time to post a review on anything but I can't help myself on this! The author presents a fictional scenario that leaves the reader in awe and appreciation of life itself. This book is a must read. I would love to reread tin a book club. Oh! The discussions we would have!!

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2 people found this helpful

3 out of 5 stars
By Bobbie Wilson on 01-13-23

I did not enjoy the writing or the story that is all I have to say for the review of required 15 words

I did not enjoy the story or the writing of this book is my required 15 word review

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1 person found this helpful

3 out of 5 stars
By kgww76 on 02-14-23

Deep

This was not what I expected. I saw the book on so many book club lists that I thought it would be good.
Not to say it was bad.
It just wasn’t what I expected… and I wish I had not wasted a credit.
It reads more like a dystopian style of writing.
It just wasn’t what I wanted to read after just finishing another deep read.
I am probably jaded because one can only tread so long in deep waters before tiring.
Great concept, very thought provoking… but not for me.

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1 person found this helpful

5 out of 5 stars
By Tanean on 12-12-23

What are remarkable creative storyline

I was cringing initially as this is not my typical kind of story. I listened to it as part of a book club at work. At first, I felt like it was nonsense. However, the authors ability to create scenes, change narratives and bring you nearer to the subjects was incredible! The ending had me saying “wow”! Several times!!! Great book!!

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1 person found this helpful

5 out of 5 stars
By Kristen Rutledge on 01-23-24

Poignant after living thru a pandemic

I loved the plot behind this story and the character development. The concept of this “ situation” coincides with having lived thru a pandemic recently and I found it interesting to read how each person and society adapted and reacted to it.

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1 person found this helpful

5 out of 5 stars
By Ellen Jordan on 07-21-22

Thought provoking!

I loved this book. It was thought provoking and moving without being too heavy. The plot was creative and believable. The narrators voice was perfect for the message.

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5 out of 5 stars
By Anonymous User on 07-26-22

Loved this!

Great book for book club discussion. Very thought provoking! I’m trying to decide if I would open my box or not.

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5 out of 5 stars
By Sharon on 09-29-22

Wow

This book was thought provoking and beautifully written. Add it to your read list immediately.

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