Book Series Guide

Nikki Erlick

Author guide

Nikki Erlick Books in Order

Nikki Erlick is an American novelist, journalist, and travel writer. She graduated summa cum laude from Harvard University, where she edited The Harvard Crimson, and earned a master's degree in Global Thought from Columbia University. Her journalism and travel writing have appeared in publications including New York Magazine, Newsweek, Harper's Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Literary Hub, Indagare Travel, BookTrib, The Huffington Post, and Vox Media. Her debut novel, The Measure, was published in 2022 and became an instant New York Times bestseller; her second novel, The Poppy Fields, followed in 2025.

speculative fictionliterary fiction

Catalog record updated .

Nikki Erlick's Newest Book

Cover of The Poppy Fields

The Poppy Fields

novel · First published 2025

From the New York Times bestselling author of the smash-hit The Measure--a runaway bestseller and a Read with Jenna TODAY Show pick--comes a stunning speculative story of healing, self-discovery, forgiveness, and found friendship that will appeal to readers of Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow. Welcome to the Poppy Fields, where there's hope for even the most battered hearts to heal. Here, in a remote stretch of the California desert, lies a unique new research center, home to an experimental and controversial treatment that allows those suffering from the heartache of loss to sleep through their pain...and keep on sleeping. After they awaken from this prolonged state of slumber, they will finally be healed. But only if they're willing to accept the potential shadowy side effects. Journey to the Poppy Fields alongside four very different strangers, and one little dog, who find themselves thrust together on an unexpected road trip across the country to reach this mystical destination--and its brilliant, enigmatic founder, Ellis. As Ava, a book illustrator; Ray, a fireman; Sasha, an occupational therapist; Sky, a free spirit; and a friendly pup named PJ attempt to make their way west, each of their past secrets and mysterious motivations threaten to derail their voyage. A high-concept speculative novel about heartache, hope, and human resilience, The Poppy Fields explores the path of grief and healing, a journey at once profoundly universal and unique to every person, posing the questions: How do we heal in the wake of great loss? And how far are we willing to go in order to be healed?

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Start with one of these

Cover of The Measure

The Measure

Erlick's debut novel and earliest published book.

Outside the series

Bibliography by category

Novels (2)
  1. The Measure

    novel · 2022

    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…

  2. The Poppy Fields

    novel · 2025

    From the New York Times bestselling author of the smash-hit The Measure--a runaway bestseller and a Read with Jenna TODAY Show pick--comes a stunning speculative story of healing, self-discovery, forgiveness, and found friendship that…

Frequently asked questions about Nikki Erlick

Who is Nikki Erlick?

Nikki Erlick is an American novelist, journalist, travel writer, and ghostwriter known for speculative fiction about fate, grief, love, and human resilience.

Sources: nikkierlick.com (opens in a new tab)cgt.columbia.edu (opens in a new tab)

What is Nikki Erlick’s educational background?

She graduated summa cum laude from Harvard University, where she edited The Harvard Crimson, and earned a master’s degree in Global Thought from Columbia University.

Sources: nikkierlick.com (opens in a new tab)cgt.columbia.edu (opens in a new tab)thecrimson.com (opens in a new tab)

What other writing has Nikki Erlick done besides novels?

Erlick has worked as a journalist, travel writer, and ghostwriter. Her writing has appeared in publications including New York Magazine, Newsweek, Literary Hub, and The Huffington Post, and she has reported from nearly a dozen countries.

Source: nikkierlick.com (opens in a new tab)

What inspires Nikki Erlick’s writing?

Erlick has said she is drawn to large questions about fate, destiny, and how much control people have over their lives. For The Measure, she drew on ancient Greek ideas about the Three Fates and Pandora’s box.

Sources: theglossbookclub.com (opens in a new tab)writeordiemag.com (opens in a new tab)

What recognition has Nikki Erlick received?

Her debut novel, The Measure, became an instant New York Times bestseller, was selected as a TODAY Show Read with Jenna book-club pick and a Barnes & Noble Discover Pick, and was chosen for Duke University’s summer common reading program.

Sources: nikkierlick.com (opens in a new tab)today.duke.edu (opens in a new tab)