The Measure by Nikki Erlick

How do you measure a life? Is it measured by how long you live or by what you leave behind?

This book held my attention. The novel is both science fiction and thought experiment. There are elements of love but also horror. The subject matter has led to great conversations with friends and family. It’s the book that keeps on giving.

One night, a box is delivered to everyone in the world (who is over 22). Inside is a length of string. The length of the string measures how long the recipient has left to live. Everyone now faces the same impossible choice, to look or not to look. The book follows a cast of characters whose fates intertwine in a clever way. The writing was good and the ideas thought-provoking. It would be a perfect pick for book groups.

The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells

If you enjoy science fiction fantasy, pick this series for your next vacation. Each book jumps straight into the plot, followed by non-stop action. The writing and character development are well done. The books are fast and easy to read with both humor and depth.

The main character, Murderbot, is a half-human, half-robot construct. Murderbot’s intended purpose (as a Security Unit) is to protect company clients on dangerous missions. All it wants is for the humans to stop trying to kill themselves (or each other) long enough for it to finish its entertainment media. (As a mom, I can relate!)

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

I couldn’t put this book down. I waited 8 weeks for my library copy and now I understand why. Here are some things I said while reading: “Hold on, mom is reading.” “Go ask your dad.” And “One sec, let me finish this chapter.” The storytelling gripped me from the beginning. The novel explores the relationships between Sam, Sadie and Marx. Is their love platonic or romantic? Are they friends or frenemies? They work together creating video games where success gives them fame and tragedy.

Do you need to like computer games to read this book? No. Do you have to know about programming? No. I think the discussions about gaming enhanced my experience because it isn’t something I’ve read about ad nauseum. I found it interesting, but the characters are the heart of the novel.

This isn’t a book I’d personally take on vacation. It’s what I would call heavy.