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If you were a fan of the author's previous novel, The Measure, I think that you will fund plenty to like about this novel as well. Interesting premise, complicated characters, and a structure that slowly reveals all of the pieces a reader needs to tie it all together. I thought it was well done!

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The Poppy Fields reminds me a lot of how I felt about The Measure, Nikki Erlick’s debut book. Her ideas and questions are very unique and interesting but then execution is just not there.
The Poppy Fields tells the story of three strangers traveling together to The Poppy Fields, an experimental site in California where grieving people can go to sleep for up to two months and subsequently forget their grief. The story of this road trip is interspersed with learning more about the Poppy Fields and Ellis, their mysterious creator.
My main criticism of the book, though it is well written and asks really smart questions about grief and memory, is that it’s simply boring. Really nothing happens. There are a few surprising reveals but they all prove ultimately inconsequential and the characters on the road trip are like paper cutouts. It may just be that Nikki Erlick is not for me.
The multi-narrator audiobook is excellent and really made listening to this book enjoyable even though I didn’t love the story. The different narrators are engaging and make the story go by very quickly.
Thank you to Netgalley and William Morrow and Harper Audio for an advanced reader/listener copy of this book.

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Thank you NetGalley and Harper Audio for the ALC.

Nikki Erlick did it again with another thought provoking novel. We all experience grief differently, but what if you didn’t have to experience it at all? This book explores the concept of healing grief through sleep.

The cast of narrators did an amazing job.

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The Poppy Fields was a little difficult for me to connect with at the start, but was tugging at my heartstrings by the time I was finished. I had a harder time connecting with the characters than I did with The Measure, but I did finally find my way there as I followed along with their journey.

Each of the novel's characters is navigating their own loss and path through grief when they are unexpectedly thrust together. They learn to build friendship while on an impromptu road trip amidst all kinds of tumultuous feelings that their individual struggles present. These new friendships help them to grow and to recognize just how much they still have to be grateful for.

My only small disappointment with the book was that I wanted a little more from all the Wizard of Oz nods, as that had been a healthy part of my initial interest in the story, but putting that aside it was a spectacular journey and absolutely worth the read.

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My first by Nikki Erlick and not my last. Although, next time I think I'll read rather than listen.

Deep in the California desert is an experimental and controversial treatment facility for those suffering from heartache and loss. This treatment allows "sleepers" to sleep through their pain and then awaken weeks later feeling healed. Four people find themselves on the same journey to this destination, all for different reasons, but all seek answers.

I was really intrigued by the concept of this novel: sleeping through the worst pain after experiencing profound loss. The plot was not what I was expecting but I found it interesting and deep. It made me think and feel and it is not a light story to mindlessly read after a long day. It required me to pay attention and while I love books like that, I think I went into this one not realizing that.

I listened to this book on audio and while I thought the narrator did a great job, I think this was a story I would have appreciated more if I had read it. I've had Erlick's other book, The Measure, on my TRB for a while and I'm hoping to get to that one soon.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperAudio Adult for the ALC. My review is honest and voluntary.

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I received the audio ARC from Netgalley. If given the opportunity to sleep off the grief from a loss you were feeling, would you take it? Even with the possible side effect of not being able to remember your emotional connection to the person when you would wake up? The Poppy Fields explores that question. Four unlikely travel companions take a road trip to the fields when their flight plans get canceled because of a tornado. Along the way Ava, Ray, Sasha, and Sky learn why they are traveling out that way and the reasons why someone may or may not want to sleep away their grief.

I truly enjoyed this speculative fiction novel by Nikki Erlick. How many of us have been through a loss of a loved one or a traumatic experience that has left us utterly gutted. Feeling lost, stuck and/or hopeless? If given a chance to sleep and wake up not as connected so you could move on, would you?

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A new clinic has opened up to help grieving humans through the process faster by "sleeping" for up to two months. Have you had to endure the loss of a partner, family member or friend? Have you found that therapy and time are just not enough? The Poppy Fields can help you "move forward".

Everyone grieves differently and the four strangers that embark on a road trip to The Poppy Fields are about to discover that.

This book forces you to think about grief and healing and love and life. It's beautiful and sad and thought-provoking, as only Nikki Erlick can do.

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The Poppy Fields is a beautiful and thought provoking story about grief and loss. I was sucked in from the beginning of the book. I was able to listen to the audio version of this book and the narrators all did an excellent job. I loved the multi-cast narration. I thought the story moved quickly. I was connected to the characters and thought they were well developed. I liked how the writer is able to connect them at the end.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

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"The Poppy Fields" by Nikki Erlick presents the unique idea of a haven for people experiencing grief. Upon entering the Poppy Fields they will be prepped for sleep, during their sleep they will process their grief and return to society relieved of their intense depression. While it sounds right out of the Land of Oz, the Poppy Fields is a medical facility and as during any medical procedure sometimes there is... side effects. During this story readers follow four different characters all with different connections to the Poppy Fields. Each with their own story of loss, perseverance and hope for a better tomorrow.

Erlick paints a world in a not so far off future where medicine is set to cure over manage. I came to really care for many of these characters as I read through their journey. Each has suffered a loss and seeks a solution, yet each stands out as an individual. As far as speculative fiction Erlick has really hit the nail on the head. I would not be surprised to see a similar treatment available in the next decade.

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What a unique premise- a medical facility where individuals who had suffered a great loss could volunteer to sleep for 1-2 months and wake up relieved of their grief. This book had so many layers to it-each character had their own deeply personal reason for journeying to the poppy fields, their own traumas and motivations that we got to explore through each of their chapters. And the way fate had interwtined their stories and brought them together, so good! I found this entire book so fascinating, can't wait to go back and read this author's first book (The Measure) soon too!

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Ava, Ray, Sasha, and Sky set off for the Poppy Fields. A new, controversial method to help those affected by grief . I enjoyed the concept of this , however felt the build up of actually getting to the Poppy Fields was drawn out much longer than necessary. I also felt there wasn’t a large sense of resolve after the story was said and done .

3 stars. Thank you to NetGalley for the Audio ARC.

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"What is there was a cure for grief" is one of the most fascinating plot lines I've ever heard of for a book; and THE POPPY FIELDS will resonate so very deeply with anyone who has experienced a personal loss. Speculative fiction is not what I typically gravitate towards; but I was a big fan of Erlick's debut THE MEASURE and I was so curious to give this a shot. There is no sophomore slump here my friends; in fact I believe this will go in my top 5 favorite books of the year.

The book opens up in a midwestern airport where three strangers are stranded following storms; and all headed toward California; decide to take the last rental car available and ride cross country together. What's in California? The Poppy Fields is a new treatment center for those suffering a loss where you are induced into to sleep for 4-8 weeks and when you wake up, are told that your grief will go away and you should be able to return to your normal functions of life. All of our passengers in the car however; have wildly different reasons for wanting to visit the fields and their secrets are slowly explored throughout the course of the novel.

I could NOT put it down. This would also make an incredible mini-series. HBO, where are you????????

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Nikki has some amazing stories! There is always some thought provoking elements in them. I loved this story! Make you really think how, if possible, this could truly benefit in real life!

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Oh my. I love The Measure. Unfortunately, this one didn't have the same impact. I made no connections and was bored for most of it. I thought the concept was fascinating and bits and pieces were interesting, but overall I was sadly disappointed. (2.5/5)

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“The Poppy Fields” by Nikki Erlick She does it again! Just like in “The Measure,” Erlick has this big picture, somewhat dystopian idea at play: the poppy fields. “Here, in a remote stretch of the California desert, lies an experimental and controversial treatment center that allows those suffering from extreme grief to sleep through their pain. After patients awaken, they will finally be healed. But only if they’re willing to accept the potential shadowy side effects. Then we have four very different strangers: Ava, Ray, Sasha, and Sky. As they attempt to make their way from the Midwest all the way to the Poppy Fields...each of their past secrets and mysterious motivations threaten to derail their voyage.” (Summary from goodreads)

I particularly enjoy the reading experience when reading Erlick’s books. We are not only trying to determine the effects the poppy fields will have on society, but we are also curious to find out how each character will resolve their own problems. Additionally, we are thinking about how we ourselves would react in the same situation. To reference “The Measure,” would you look at your string?!

So impressed with Nikki Erlick’s abilities from the overall mind-blowing concepts to her writing style, down to even the sentence structure. The overall organization of the book is structured brilliantly! There is a nice balance between the chapters on individual characters and their motivations versus the chapters with all the characters together caravaning to the Poppy Fields together. Newspaper articles and podcasts are sprinkled in providing the reader with more logistical information on the Poppy Fields. Many chapters end with cliffhangers, propelling the story forward. Life-affirming and deep thoughts on grief and how people individually deal with and process grief are sprinkled in throughout.

Despite the various chapters on the main plot, the multiple character backgrounds, and the overall ‘Poppy Fields’ concept, the audiobook was easy to follow. Marin Ireland does an excellent job narrating; though, I do think it would have been even easier to follow and get swept up in the story if there were different narrators for the four main characters. There were other narrators for the newspaper article and podcast interjections which was fun and added to the overall excellent audio experience.

If your mind was blown by “The Measure,” you will enjoy this, too! Furthermore, the story takes the reader on an emotional journey examining grief, and ultimately, I think, will leave you feeling grateful. 4.25 stars!

Thank you to HarperAudio and Netgalley for the ALC (advanced listening copy). “The Poppy Fields” by Nikki Erlick will be available June 17, 2025.

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Although interesting, I felt slightly disappointed. I expected more social effects and commentary as they there was in The Measure. This one is more character focused and the characters are just ok. There is good conversations on different types of grief and how those cope as well as makes you ask yourself what you would do in that situation. Would you choose to sleep away your grief even if there was a chance you loose emotions for that person altogether?

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Audio Adult for an advanced audiobook for review.

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The humanity of this book lies within the subtext— we travel with multiple different perspectives of what grief can and does feel like; how we are to shape it and ourselves around it. This book is one of my top reads of 2025. It’s both grounding and fascinating, you feel like you're making the journey with these characters.

One of my most favorite elements of this book is how it so beautifully portrays the experience of change. Nikki Erlick cannonballs us into a pool of thought and vulnerability and raw energy. I loved every second and the narration is SO well done!! If you’re looking for a top tier audiobook this is it! MARIN IRELAND YOU ARE THE NARRATING QUEEN!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to Harper Audio, William Morrow, and netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to listen to this ALC!!! Sitting here writing this review with tears pouring from my face from that ending!!!!

Nikki Erlick!! You owe me copays for my next 12 therapy sessions ma’am!

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Nikki Erlick's style of writing speculative stories is so unique and so special and so READABLE. I inhaled this book, and although I didn't love it as much as her last book (which is a very high bar to reach!), I loved every second of it.

I loved that we followed these four very different characters and got to know them while learning about their healing/grief journeys. I loved the way Erlick explored the many ways grief affects us and the ways we are changed by it. I loved the discussions about love and about remembrance and about the ways we keep the memories of those we miss alive. I loved watching these characters learn from each other and grow based on their experiences. It was such a fantastic story and made me so emotional!

In terms of the narration, Marin Ireland is one of my favorites and she did an incredible job as always. Her dry style lent itself to this story really well, and having the other narrators chime in to read the news articles and interviews was such a fun touch.

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“𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱𝘀. 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲.”

𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5

𝗣𝘂𝗯 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: 6/17/25

*Thank you @NetGalley and @williammorrowbooks and @harperaaudio for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

•Audiobook 🎧/ Digital book 📖 dual immersion read

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆: There is a facility in the California desert that promises to allow people to sleep through their grief, and wake once the worst of the pain is over. Thousands of patients have participated with great results. Ava, Sasha, Ray, and Sky all have their own reasons for wanting to head to California and the Poppy Fields, each learning more than they bargained for along the way.

𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:
🌹Multiple POV
🛏️Strong character development
🌹Introspective look into grief
🛏️Strangers forming a friendship
🌹Life paths all crossing
🛏️A cute dog

𝗠𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:
Erlick is a master with her writing, she has a stellar way with words and her ability to weave in and out of different characters POV. The premise was unique and one that almost anyone can identify with at some point in their lives. The characters were lovable and well developed and the main narrator did a fantastic job with each characters voice, bringing their personalities to life. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, more than Erlick's first novel, The Measure. There was even a little Easter Egg nod to The Measure mentioned in the book. Highly recommended read about grief, the forms it takes, how to push through, and come through on the other side.

#ThePoppyFields

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✨The Poppy Fields ✨
By Nikki Erlick

Genre: Literary Fiction, Magical realism
Format: 📖+🎧
Steam: None
Publishes: 6/17/25
Publisher: William Morrow
Audiobook: HarperAudio
Narrators: Fabulous full cast- Marin Ireland; Dan Bittner; Stacey Glemboski; Graham Halstead; Mia Barron; Callie Dalton; Janina Edwards; Shawn K. Jain; Christian Barillas; Jason Culp

In a remote California desert lies the Poppy Fields, a controversial center offering a radical cure for heartbreak: a prolonged sleep to awaken healed, though not without potential shadowy side effects. Four strangers, each burdened by loss and secrets, embark on a transformative road trip to this mystical destination, forcing them to confront how far they'll go to escape their pain and what it truly means to heal.

As a huge fan of The Measure, I was incredibly excited for Nikki Erlick's new novel! The Poppy Fields did not just deliver, it surpassed my expectations. This beautifully crafted, thought-provoking story features a cast of such rich and complex characters. I loved discovering how their individual stories and grief journeys wove together throughout. The writing itself is stunning, filled with countless lines I found myself wanting to jot down and revisit.

The audiobook is brought to life with a full cast narration. I primarily enjoyed it during my solo evening walks after the kids were asleep, and it proved to be a perfect walking companion, offering significant food for thought during my sunset strolls. For anyone seeking a character-focused, thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of grief and loss and its diverse effects on people, this book is highly recommended. This will be a book that sticks with me. I loved it.

After taking a few days to reflect on 'The Poppy Fields', I've found it's a book that truly improves with digestion time. My initial rating was 4 stars, but upon further thought, it feels much more like a 4.5-star read for me.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

📖Read The Poppy Fields if you like reading about:
-Complexities of grief
-Magical realism
-Character driven story
-Complex characters
-Ethical dilemmas
-Speculative treatment and consequences
-Multiple POV

🙏 Thank you to Netgalley, @williammorrowbooks, HarperAudio, and Nikki Erlick for this ARC & ALC in exchange for my honest thoughts. The Poppy Fields publishes 6/8/25. 💖

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