My second novel, The Poppy Fields, is coming June 17, 2025!
Pre-order now to receive the DELUXE LIMITED EDITION— only available on the first printing while supplies last!
"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 out to the Poppy Fields—where they hope to find Ellis, the center’s 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?
The Barnes & Noble Exclusive Edition of The Poppy Fields features bonus content (a behind-the-scenes essay and playlist!), colored sprayed edges, special effects on the cover, a flower stamp on the hardcover case, and unique illustrated endpapers. Pre-order now!
A limited number of signed exclusive editions are also available for pre-order.
The Deluxe Limited Edition of The Poppy Fields is a beautiful collector’s hardcover featuring solid sprayed edges and illustrated endpapers. Pre-order now at your local independent bookstore, or wherever you get your books!
ADVANCE PRAISE
“If grief is unexpressed love, would you release the pain if it meant risking the love that endures? The Poppy Fields is a masterful, tender exploration of love, loss, and the poignant echoes of memory—one that will leave you contemplating life’s hardest questions and, perhaps, uncovering even deeper truths. A profoundly moving read.”
— Jamie Ford, New York Times-bestselling author of The Many Daughters of Afong Moy
“Nikki Erlick has created another deeply thought-provoking, fascinating story about the most elemental issues of humanity. The Poppy Fields is a beautifully moving exploration of the different paths we all take to grieve and build the strength to move forward. I will be thinking about this book and its enchanting cast of unforgettable characters for a long time.”
— Angie Kim, New York Times-bestselling author of Happiness Falls and Miracle Creek
“A thought-provoking and rewarding exploration of grief and loss, with wise and wonderful things to say about the healing power of friendship.”
— Gareth Brown, bestselling author of The Book of Doors
About the Author
Photo by Federico Photography
My debut novel, The Measure, was an instant New York Times bestseller upon publication in June 2022. It was selected as The TODAY Show’s #ReadWithJenna book club pick and the Barnes & Noble Discover Pick. The Measure has been translated into 24 languages worldwide. As a journalist and travel writer, my work has appeared on the websites of New York Magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Newsweek, Cosmopolitan, The Huffington Post, Literary Hub, Indagare Travel, BookTrib, and Vox Media. The Poppy Fields is my second novel.