Overall Rating: 4 stars

Thank you so much @ HarperAudio, Netgalley, and Nikki Erlick for allowing me to listen to the audio ARC of this book!

This book was my first Nikki Erlick book and I really enjoyed it. I really liked the unique storytelling featuring the different characters and each of their perspectives before and after their paths crossed. Getting into each of their heads and understanding the reasons for seeking out the Poppy Fields was very intriguing. Nikki Erlick did a great job of keeping details of each character mysterious until it was time to reveal the information. I really enjoyed the character development of each character throughout the book, and seeing how they’ve grown from the beginning to the end. I really love how the author wrote in a lot of realistic emotions and responses to loss, grief, and broken relationships within each character. Each character was uniquely their own and they all bring something different to the table for helping each other to process and recover from their current troubled time. I also loved how the author interconnected all the stories together in small ways, even with the more minor characters of the story. This story truly is a profound but easily tangible read of what it really means to love and lose someone, and how many paths the journey towards healing can take. While it was a bit slow at times, it was still a very enjoyable read!

Also just wanted to say that as an occupational therapist, I love reading books that have OT characters because they are few and far in between!

Rating: 5.0/5 Stars

Queen Elizabeth II famously stated, "Grief is the price we pay for love."


But, is grief worth it?  That's what The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick seeks to answer.


Four strangers, Ava, Ray, Sasha, and Sky, set out on a cross-country journey together after their plane is grounded. Their destination is an experimental facility in which a grieving person can sleep for one to two months and wake up with lessened grief. Too good to be true? Perhaps. In rare cases, patients awaken with complete apathy for the person that they were previously grieving. Ellis, the brilliant founder of the Poppy Fields, has to defend her life's work and deal with the questions surrounding the morality of her work. Each character experiences grief differently and questions if their sadness is something to be cured. Is grief a worthwhile side-effect of love? How much grief is too much grief? At what point is sadness a problem to be remedied?


I was completely captivated by The Poppy Fields. Nikki Erlick weaves a profound story with lyrical writing and richly developed characters. The reader cannot help but be immersed in each character's individual journeys. I found myself personally involved with each moral quandary that the characters battled. I was intellectually and emotionally challenged in the best way. I found myself questioning at what points I would remove grief from my life if given the opportunity. And, if grief can be mitigated, is the depth of love impacted? Wow! I cannot stop thinking about this hauntingly beautiful book!
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves thought-provoking storytelling experienced story through well-developed characters. 5 stars!!!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ALC of this title to review. I am a fan of Erlick so was very excited to see this approval. The concept of the novel appealed to me since she writes to encourage discussion about difficult choices. This book was no exception and as a reader I found myself missing the characters that we didn't know as much as had heartfelt feelings for the ones we did. If you are a reader that wants just easy breezy summer reading, this one might be one you overlook, but if you want to have some wonderful discussions about tough topics with a book club this one will be successful. I am still unsure if I would want to visit the poppy fields. Would society want to have options like this and how would they be able to select those who are able to visit? Seems like there would be competition to be one of those selected and personally I don't love things that can get twisted and sold to the highest bidder.

I would give this a strong three stars. I didn't love the book, but I enjoyed it. It's not a must read, but I would recommend it to a friend. I listened to the audiobook, thanks Net Galley and the publisher for the advance copy. This was a dramatic story bringing strangers together, who all had something in common, namely the poppy fields. As an audiobook, it was a little more difficult to get to know the characters, but they were all interesting and I could see this making a good movie.

The Poppy Fields is a thoughtful book about grief, how it shapes us and how far we as humans will go to escape the pain of it. It had me reflecting on significant losses in my life and grief in a way that brought tears to my eyes more than once. I could easily identify with each character's pain even if I hadn't experienced something similar myself, which is a testament to the writing style and character voices in this book. It that was difficult to put down and I found myself finishing it in only two sittings.

Erlick's second novel is about a new semi-experimental 'treatment' for grief. Those who are approved to stay at the facility sleep away a month or two of their lives, waking up feeling the sharp pain of loss dulled with time... But as in all good Science Fiction, this can come at a cost. This book follows multiple POVs as each character navigates their relationship to the institution that calls itself the Poppy Fields.

Read this book if you like:
-Road trips
-Multiple POVs
-A bit of a mystery
-Unlikely friends

In my personal opinion, the treatment offered at the poppy fields didn’t have a strong enough case to be as controversial as the book made it (not for lack of the author trying) I think this story offers a really beautiful perspective on the lines between love and grief. There were multiple times during the story that I felt happy to be surprised at some of the small twists.

I listened to this as an audiobook and I think the narrator did a really great job.

I loved Nikki Erlick's last book and her newest is just as good. The Poppy Fields was awesome. Pick it up on publication day.

How do we deal with grief? Is there a right or wrong way to handle grief? The Poppy Fields explores how people cope with grief and the ethics surrounding it. In the novel, four strangers and a dog are all connected by the Poppy Fields, a therapeutic grief center where people go to sleep through the darkest stages of their grief. The plot of the novel was original and engrossing. The connections between the characters reminded me of a Fredrick Backman novel. However, that may have been due to both authors using Marin Ireland as their narrator. Ireland does a great job of bringing the characters and storyline to life. She added personality to each character of the novel and built a strong relationship with the reader. I recommend The Poppy Fields to anyone seeking a reading/listening experience that is a little different or unique. 4.5/5 Stars!

Speculative fiction is one of my favorite genres to read, and Nikki Erlick does such a great job with it. This was my second book I’ve read by this author and I will continue to seek out her work in the future. This book imagines a company that allows you to sleep through your heartache, grief, or trauma, and awake after your body and mind have processed it. While this new technology is helpful for many, for some it comes with a cost. We set out on a journey with 3 individuals set on finding The Poppy Fields, each for their own reasons.

Marin Ireland once again nails the narrative of this audiobook. She always delivers on a unique listening experience.

This book was heavily focused on grief and loss and how it can be all consuming for a person. What would you do to overcome those debilitating feelings? Each character in the book is dealing with those feelings stemming from very different reasons and it was difficult at times to go through the process of uncovering why. I thought this book was a great dialogue on grief and loss, the many forms it can come in, and the mental health crisis we can face because of it.

Thank you Netgalley and Harper Audio for the ARC of "The Poppy Fields."

"The Poppy Fields" by Nikki Erlick is a speculative fiction novel that dives into the complex themes of grief, healing, and the lengths people will go to find peace after loss. The story revolves around a controversial treatment center, the Poppy Fields, located in the California desert. This center offers a unique solution to heartache: patients can sleep through their pain, potentially waking up healed. However, this treatment comes with a risk – some patients experience a side effect that causes them to lose affection for their loved ones.

The novel follows four strangers as they embark on a journey to the Poppy Fields. Each character is grappling with their own personal grief and seeking solace at the center. Ray, a firefighter, is driven by the mysterious death of his brother, Johnny, after he underwent treatment at the Poppy Fields. Ava, a children’s book illustrator, hopes to reconnect with her sister after the death of their grandmother. Sasha, an occupational therapist, carries guilt over ending her engagement. Along the way, they encounter Sky, a teenage hitchhiker whose zest for life encourages the others to confront their reasons for seeking help at the Poppy Fields. A friendly dog named PJ also joins the group on their travels.

Nikki Erlick, the author of "The Poppy Fields," is also known for her New York Times bestseller, "The Measure". "The Measure" was a popular book club pick and has been translated into multiple languages. Erlick herself is a graduate of Harvard University and Columbia University and currently resides in Los Angeles.

Reviewers have noted that "The Poppy Fields" is a thought-provoking exploration of grief and healing. The novel delves into the question of how far people are willing to go to alleviate their pain and whether the potential risks are worth the promise of healing. The story also explores the individual nature of grief, highlighting the different ways people navigate loss.

Some critics have pointed out that the novel has a slow start, with lengthy setups and detailed backstories for each character. However, the character development is generally praised, as the seemingly different travelers find common ground in their resilience. The interactions between the characters and their shared experiences create a poignant road novel that many readers find engaging.

While the novel explores the concept of the Poppy Fields facility, it primarily focuses on how the existence of the facility affects people. The story incorporates various perspectives, including those of podcasters, influencers, news outlets, and scientific papers, providing a broader view of the Poppy Fields and its impact on society. These diverse perspectives add depth to the narrative but also contribute to the heavy and emotional tone of the book.

Some readers may find the ending of "The Poppy Fields" somewhat anticlimactic. While there are a couple of surprises, the stories of the main characters don't have a grand resolution. Instead, their journeys gradually fade out, with a brief epilogue that provides a final update. Despite this, the novel evokes empathy and sympathy for the characters and their struggles.

The audiobook version of "The Poppy Fields" features a full cast of narrators, enhancing the listening experience. The different narrators bring the characters to life and add expressiveness to the story, particularly during the "pop-in" perspectives. "The Poppy Fields" is narrated by Marin Ireland; Dan Bittner; Stacey Glemboski; Graham Halstead; Mia Barron; Callie Dalton; Janina Edwards; Shawn K. Jain; Christian Barillas; Jason Culp

Overall, "The Poppy Fields" is a unique and original story that explores the complexities of grief, healing, and human connection. While it may have a slow start and a somewhat unresolved ending, the novel's thought-provoking themes and well-developed characters make it a worthwhile read for those interested in speculative fiction and stories about the human experience.
#Netgalley #ThePoppyFields

The premise of this book was intriguing. And I think it would have hit differently if I were currently grieving. But nothing really happened? Four people take a road trip, yes. But it was mostly reflections of relationships impacted by grief. It kind of felt like a Liane Moriarty book with the multiple POVs and simultaneously lived experiences. The writing is beautiful and the author is clearly talented. I loved her debut novel. But this one fell short for me. I think it could be quite poignant if I were in a different headspace, though. Maybe if you’re actively grieving, this a book that helps you process?

Grief is a universal emotion that affects us all at some point in our lives. What if you could accelerate the grief process? What if it meant sleeping for 4-8 weeks? Would you do it?

Ellis discovered a medicine that would lessen someone's grief. Unfortunately, they had to be asleep to allow the medicine to work. Thus began the Poppy Fields- a place to sleep for 4-8 weeks to be cured of your grief. If you are a suitable applicant, sleeping could pull you from the depths of despair and leave you with fond memories of your loved one without overwhelming grief. The book follows three people (and one cute dog) on their journey to the Poppy Fields. Each has their own reason for going to the fields, and each has their own unique grief. The ever cheerful and adventurous Sky joins the trio on their journey to California. Follow along on their quest for peace.

Nikki Erlick does it again! The Measure was a phenomenally written book exploring life and love. Every adult receives a box telling them how many years they have left to live. How would your life change if you knew how long you would live? The Poppy Fields proves that Nikki Erlick has a knack for exploring deep questions through captivating fictional characters. This book explores grief and love. For me, it was a bit of a roller coaster. I had never considered what I would do if I could skip the grieving process. Would the benefits outweigh the cost of disappearing from my life for weeks? I had to grabble with my own thoughts of grief and whether the process (and steps) are a necessary part of life or just something we suffer through because there is no alternative.

If you liked The Measure, you'll love The Poppy Fields! The book is perfect for those who wish to read an interesting book just for the vibes or those that are looking for a fiction book requiring introspection. Either way, this is not a book you'll soon forget!

I received an advanced copy of the audiobook. The narrators did a fantastic job. If you prefer audiobooks as your medium for reading, don't miss this one!

The Poppy Fields is where you can manage your grief by being medically put to sleep for four to eight weeks. You should wake up remembering your lost one, but feel less pain. You have to apply and be accepted. This book is about strangers coming together to travel to the Poppy Fields after their flight gets cancelled. They all have different circumstances of losing someone. You learn about their lives during their travels. I liked the way this author wrote. She had a way with words. I did feel like it was slow in some parts, and that nothing major happened, but there were some twists and a happy ending.

Such a unique and beautiful story. The Poppy Fields had me laughing, crying and full on sobbing. Grief is such a tough subject to approach and Nikki Erlick does so with grace and care. I loved the inclusion of science fiction, the little bit of romance, all of the tension, intrigue and emotion. The story had me reflecting on my own grief, thinking of my Grandparents and my Dad and imagining if I would want to step into The Poppy Fields to help lessen that pain of their loss. With the possibility of the side effect, I don’t think I could. As much as grief can strip you raw and lay waste to your very soul, at times, I wouldn’t want to risk losing those people, those memories even more. I can definitely understand why someone would choose to sleep though.

I enjoyed the multiple POVs, they added great depth to the story. All their different levels of grief, their different motivations, their different perspectives led to a greater understanding of the story as a whole. The ending for each character was lovely and I am so happy with how the last chapter played out. Simply beautiful. Erlick created an absolutely lovely book and allowed me not only see a different side to grief but to also take a look at my own grief. To reflect on my own memories with my Grandma like Ellis does at one point. I’m tearing up just writing this review and I don’t think a book has ever done that for me before.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperAudio for a chance to hear and review this story before publication on June 17, 2025.

Nikki, baby, another great novel. If you could sleep away your grief, would you? Not only was the book itself wonderful, but the narrator of the audiobook was perfection.

Big thanks to NetGalley and HarperAudio Adult for lending me the audiobook!

What an incredibly powerful and poignant story. Beautifully written, the depth the characters, their pain, their grief, their joy, and their love truly shines through. I never would have thought a book with the theme of people grief would be something I’d absolutely love.

The audio narration was superb, and added even more depth to the characters and the story.

Thank you to NetGalley, Niki the author, and the publisher for the ARC audio.

First, thank you so much to NetGalley for allowing me to preview this book! I was so excited to read the second novel written by Nikki Erlick, since The Measure is still a book I think about often.

This book follows travelers on their way to The Poppy Fields, an experimental treatment facility founded by the brilliant Ellis where people go to sleep off the grief and hopefully wake up on the other side of the mourning and be able to enjoy life again.

The book did a great job of diving deep into the meaning of love, loss, and grief in the world. It was very self reflective just like her first book where you constantly revisited the main question, would you visit the Poppy Fields if it meant possibly never feeling love for that person again?

I really enjoyed this book! I thought all the characters had such great stories and I loved the journey they took together. I also loved how the author sprinkled in podcast interviews, interviews from potential patients, and reviews online to show the public’s outside opinion on the controversial place.

At times, the story was a little bit slow but it was still overall enjoyable and I definitely recommend this book!

This was just fabulous. Having a cast of great narrators made this really enjoyable to listen to. I loved the concept and the mixed media of interviews along with the prose.

Thanks William Morrow Books and Harper Audio for the ARC / ALC.

This author writes stories that make you really think about what you might do if faced with the choices in the book, which I absolutely love. Like The Measure, this was another really interesting and unique idea that uses a near future technology but still relates to societal issues we see today.

I loved the use of mixed media and wish there had been a lot more it. It was an interesting way to get backstory, but also to know more about the poppy fields and how the world was responding do it. It helped break up the monotony of the many internal thoughts as well.

While the idea behind the Poppy Fields in the story was fascinating, the book focused mostly on the character’s pasts and their journey to get to CA instead, which just wasn’t as interesting for me. The characters were somewhat bland and Sky felt randomly added to the story compared to the other three. There are also some repetitive aspects to the writing which is never my fav. It’s uses the same word to start all sentences in a row (as if, as if, as if…) or repeats information told to us a few chapters back. It’s also very internal thought heavy, even with the characters traveling together it often is random thoughts or remembering things from the past instead of dialogue between the characters.

While this didn’t reach the same level as The Measure for me, it’s still a thought provoking, interesting and fun read that would make for an excellent book club discussion.

I split time between the book and audiobook and enjoyed both formats. A note on the audiobook - the multicast narration is only for the mixed media mentioned above, so 95% of the book is one narrator, Marin Ireland. She is fantastic, but given the multiple POVs which change mid chapter, I think having additional narrators for each character would have been easier to follow and more enjoyable to listen to.

The story was interesting and the plot was a fascinating concept. Unfortunately, it was a bit slow moving and anticlimactic for me.