The Measure
Available at Bookshop.org
5/5
The Big Questions:
What genre is this in? Urban Fantasy, science fiction, magical realism, adult fiction
Are there any swoon-worthy characters? No
Is it spicy? No
Is it violent or gory? No
Should I buy, borrow, or pass on this book? BUY IT!
“You don’t need a long lifetime to make an impact on this world. You just need the will to do so.”
Review: In the wake of COVID, this story hit home with multiple POVs of a world-changing event. I remember the world before 9/11 and after, then COVID before and after. Each time, most everyone had an existential crisis of wanting to live your best life because tomorrow is not guaranteed. But what if it was? As The Measure unfolds and each person makes decisions based on the knowledge, or lack thereof, of their numbered days, I found myself thinking about how I would approach knowledge that was once privy only to God. This book, these characters, their arcs and actions, the actions of governments, and the movements of people divided will be in my thoughts for quite a while. Personally, I would want to know the length of my life, map it out and live every day to the fullest. However, I do understand the characters who didn’t want to know. I understood the actions of those with long lives as well as those who’s lives were fated to be short. Everyone was just so incredibly human and each story was beautiful. Heartbreaking, humbling, beautiful. Every day is a gift.
“It takes real strength to keep on fighting, and yes, usually that’s the right answer. Keep fighting, keep holding on, no matter what. But sometimes I think we forget that it also takes strength to be able to let go.”