The Measure

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• The Measure features the stories of a number of different characters. Which characters’ stories resonated most with you? Which did you find least compelling?
• Discuss your reactions as the story unfolded, particularly to the ending. Which parts of the novel resonated most with you? 

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• Each character in The Measure has a completely different experience with regard to their string. Which experience did you connect with most? Would you open your box? Why or why not?
• Discuss the book’s exploration of the purpose of life and the meaning of mortality. Did it affect the way you think about these concepts?
• Explore the novel’s examination of happiness through the lives of the characters. Which characters, in your opinion, came closer to an understanding of happiness, and how? 
• The novel pays close attention to the issues of fate and free will. Did Erlick’s exploration of these concepts change your perspective on them?

3. Societal and Cultural Context

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

• In The Measure, the strings are a point of division in society, quickly becoming a political and even military issue.