Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick

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.

“A masterful, tender exploration of love, loss, and the poignant echoes of memory… A profoundly moving read.” -Jamie Ford, New York Times bestselling author of The Many Daughters of Afong Moy

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 an experimental and controversial treatment center that allows those suffering from the heartache of loss to sleep through their pain…and keep on sleeping. After patients 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.

On a journey to this mystical destination are four very different strangers and one little dog: Ava, a book illustrator; Ray, a fireman; Sasha, an occupational therapist; Sky, a free spirit; and a friendly pup named PJ. As they attempt to make their way from the Midwest all the way to the Poppy Fields-where they hope to find Ellis, its brilliant, enigmatic founder-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

About the Author: Nikki Erlick’s writing has appeared on the websites of New York Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, Newsweek, Cosmopolitan and The Huffington Post. She graduated Harvard University summa cum laude and is a former editor of The Harvard Crimson. She earned a master’s degree in Global Thought from Columbia University. The Measure is her debut novel.

26 Aug 2025
 

The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick ISBN 9780063467637