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Monday, May 12, 2025

REVIEW - The Measure (audiobook)


 The Measure by Nikki Erlick (audiobook)


OVERVIEW

Firstly, I normally do not read "popular" books when they are released because I read and borrow so much from the library. Even as a three-year-old digital book, it has a wait of 19 weeks!

I am certain that I would have enjoyed this book more as a physical or digital copy. Since I was looking for an audiobook that was available when I wanted it, I decided to read it this way. 

For me, this book is like candy. It was sweet and just what I needed after some very heavy books. It is not great literature, and not every book has to be great literature. I enjoyed it, and that is what matters - no guilt or shame for reading it

Most importantly, thank you to my niece, Julia, for recommending this book. I love you, sweetie! 💜


OVERALL REVIEW: 3.5 stars

 

Writing: 3.5 stars

The writing was the weakest part of this book for me. Since it was a debut novel, I understand that writers have to find their footing, their voice, and their style for a book. 


Narration: 4.0 stars

Nikki did not narrate the book, which I totally get with a novel, as it requires a professional narrator. Julia Whelan narrated who is a professional actress and has a lot of accents and voices to perform. 

I wanted and needed more emotion in this audiobook, but that may have been how the narrator was directed. It just missed the mark just a little for me. 


Character development: 3.5 stars

There were too many characters! It was really hard to keep track of them all, plus the character development wasn't as strong as I normally like in a novel. I wanted fewer characters with more before and after the threads were received. 

Everyone around the world (aged 22 and over) received a box that contained a piece of thread. But once the magnitude of the threads is determined, the reactions of the characters don't seem extreme enough. I truly believe that there would have been rioting in the streets, marches, and mass suicides/murders. 


Memorable3.5 stars

This audiobook will not be extremely memorable for me because it is not my typical audiobook, as it was a novel. But it was a good escape from the world, which is what books are supposed to do.  

I liked this book, but didn't love it. Sorry, Julia! But, it is a PERFECT book club pick as it will foster a lot of discussion!


Entertaining/Educational:  4.0 stars

This was an entertaining book with so much promise. Unfortunately, the book underdelivered on the fascinating premise. It could have been so much more meaningful and powerful. 

The biggest takeaway is that society ALWAYS has prejudices and needs someone to tell them that they are being "mistreated". The parallels to this current administration are shocking. 

Finally, I liked the idea of living like you were a short-threader. Read the book to understand it and why!


Book cover: 4.5 stars

Pretty!

 

Book title: 4.0 stars 

On point. 

Recommend


Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow: audiobook

The Measure by Nikki Erlick

10 hours, 57 minutes 

HarperAudio

Release date: 6/28/2022

 

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Nikki Erlick

Goodreads review

The Storygraph review

HarperAudio

Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL)


TRIGGER WARNING: Cursing, classism, violence, blood, medical content, physical violence, prejudice


Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜



 

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