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When Your Number Is Called
Hello.
My name is Emily Judith Fuller-Elms.
When I was born, my parents didn’t ask the doctor if I was a boy or a girl, or if I was healthy. Instead, they asked, “What’s the number?” You see, in my world, everyone is born with a 12-digit number on their right wrist. What does the number mean exactly? Well—the number gives us the day we will die.
My number is 152310232048.
This means that at exactly 3:23 PM on October 23rd, 2048—my heart will stop.
My name is Emily Judith Fuller-Elms.
When I was born, my parents didn’t ask the doctor if I was a boy or a girl, or if I was healthy. Instead, they asked, “What’s the number?” You see, in my world, everyone is born with a 12-digit number on their right wrist. What does the number mean exactly? Well—the number gives us the day we will die.
My number is 152310232048.
This means that at exactly 3:23 PM on October 23rd, 2048—my heart will stop.
- GenresShort Stories
62 pages, Paperback
Published February 24, 2018
4 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Courtney Praski
3 books14 followersCourtney Praski is a resident in the State of Michigan. Graduating from Ferris State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, and then a Graduate Degree from Saginaw Valley State University in Administration—Courtney always knew she wanted to do something that made a difference in the lives of young adults. As such, the concept of writing a book that could reach out to all youth’s in today’s word became Courtney’s way of making a far grander difference in the world.
Growing up surrounded by great literary works such as Harry Potter, Courtney realized that reading can quickly become not just a hobby but rather a place of escape for a child. Fantasy novels are meant to be an escape from reality—to go to a place where anything is possible, yet sometimes that journey can be incredibly lonely when there isn't anybody like you. This is why Courtney wrote this book. The Seven and the world of Oloris was created to provide a place of escape for everyone. So, whether you are gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, a person of color, live with a disability, or a young girl looking for a strong female influence—no matter who you are, you will find your place in Oloris.
Growing up surrounded by great literary works such as Harry Potter, Courtney realized that reading can quickly become not just a hobby but rather a place of escape for a child. Fantasy novels are meant to be an escape from reality—to go to a place where anything is possible, yet sometimes that journey can be incredibly lonely when there isn't anybody like you. This is why Courtney wrote this book. The Seven and the world of Oloris was created to provide a place of escape for everyone. So, whether you are gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, a person of color, live with a disability, or a young girl looking for a strong female influence—no matter who you are, you will find your place in Oloris.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 17, 2018
My number is 152310232048
This means that at exactly 3:23 PM on October 23rd, 2048, my heart will stop…
I have a good number — Had a good number.
And today, well today is the day I will die.
Courtney Praski is back once again to tear out my heart and leave me sobbing, and I couldn’t be happier about it! The gorgeous short story showcases exactly how well Courtney can set a scene and make you feel intense emotions with only words, it’s an amazing talent and so rare in new authors.
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Just like her first book The Seven, there are some spelling and grammar issues, overuse of certain words (literally/literal for example), and just some general inconsistencies. However, as I said in my review of The Seven, those things are easily fixed and don’t detract from the story at all in this case.
The premise of this story was so intriguing and beautifully executed. I’ve never come across another story with this same premise and I would have loved for it to have been a full 400 page book, but I also love short little stories like this because they’re able to make you feel so much in such a short space of time and they’re the perfect palette cleanser between larger books. They also allow for fans to get a small taste of one of their favourite author’s talent whilst they’re waiting for the next book in the series to be finished!
I know this review is pretty short compared to some of my others but I don’t have enough words to accurately describe this story and do it justice. No words, only emotions! Look, just trust me and go and read it ok? You won’t regret it, I promise.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; I will buy anything Courtney Praski publishes. She’s already so talented and she’s only just getting started! I’m excited to see what she comes out with in the future!
Anyone who stared at my number and looked at me with sadness, you were wrong…
Every moment of my life has been counted, cherished and loved. Can you say the same thing about yours?
May 13, 2018
I originally discovered this short story through Tumblr, and it piqued my interest enough that I decided to check out the whole book. As much as I enjoyed the section I read there within the post, this ebook greatly expanded and improved upon it. The other chapters on various people the narrator was reflecting helped add to the story and help me flesh out an understanding of the world she inhabits. Overall, I would recommend this. Plus, it only takes about a half hour to read.
March 7, 2018
I very much liked this book! It's short and sweet, and made me misty eyed during several parts. 3 Stars is "I liked it", and indeed I did. There were a few small technical aspects that detracted from my enjoyment, but the story itself is wholly solid and developed just enough to be a quick and easy read for anyone to jump in to.
Spoilers below:
The story itself is set up as a reflection on the narrators life as she is about to die, looking back at key events in her life, all dealing with the theme of dying, and what it means to actually live. The opening paragraphs introduce you to a world similar to ours with one key difference: every single person knows the exact date and time they are going to die. It's a gorgeous concept presented in small chunks, and the author didn't let the story get bogged down by explanations or rationales of the world they created-- they just let the story stand on its own, which I was greatful for, given how short it actually was. In a longer format, there may have been time to further elaborate on how exactly the idea of being born with your "number" makes this world different from ours (or how the numbers themselves came into being! Have they always existed since before humanity knew how to read and write? Do different countries have numbers with different date formats? How does traveling across timezones effect your number?) but going more in depth than just "You have a number on your wrist" would have taken away from the emotional impact of this story.
I did have a slight frustration with the tenses used in the book: the story is presented as the narrator looking back on her life shortly before death, and, often times, giving insights into her thoughts at the age she is flashing back to. But the writing style uses a simple past tense, so I ended up reading most of the flashbacks as if the narrator was describing the events as they were currently happening (when she was that younger age), which then was jarring when the narrator then made comments that seemed to come from a more omniscient viewpoint- presumably from when she is near death, and relating the past events.
I was also hoping for one last chapter from the narrator, minutes before she dies, just to tie back in to the opening chapter. However, even without that final tie-up, the author does a good job of showing several different reactions to "when your number is called" and the story doesn't feel incomplete.
Reading over the grammar choices, I did like this book, and, because it is so short and emotional, would recommend it for people to read.
Spoilers below:
The story itself is set up as a reflection on the narrators life as she is about to die, looking back at key events in her life, all dealing with the theme of dying, and what it means to actually live. The opening paragraphs introduce you to a world similar to ours with one key difference: every single person knows the exact date and time they are going to die. It's a gorgeous concept presented in small chunks, and the author didn't let the story get bogged down by explanations or rationales of the world they created-- they just let the story stand on its own, which I was greatful for, given how short it actually was. In a longer format, there may have been time to further elaborate on how exactly the idea of being born with your "number" makes this world different from ours (or how the numbers themselves came into being! Have they always existed since before humanity knew how to read and write? Do different countries have numbers with different date formats? How does traveling across timezones effect your number?) but going more in depth than just "You have a number on your wrist" would have taken away from the emotional impact of this story.
I did have a slight frustration with the tenses used in the book: the story is presented as the narrator looking back on her life shortly before death, and, often times, giving insights into her thoughts at the age she is flashing back to. But the writing style uses a simple past tense, so I ended up reading most of the flashbacks as if the narrator was describing the events as they were currently happening (when she was that younger age), which then was jarring when the narrator then made comments that seemed to come from a more omniscient viewpoint- presumably from when she is near death, and relating the past events.
I was also hoping for one last chapter from the narrator, minutes before she dies, just to tie back in to the opening chapter. However, even without that final tie-up, the author does a good job of showing several different reactions to "when your number is called" and the story doesn't feel incomplete.
Reading over the grammar choices, I did like this book, and, because it is so short and emotional, would recommend it for people to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2018
I have just finished reading a short story entitled “When Your Number Is Called” written by the young woman author Courtney Praski, which I recently discovered on her tumbler website blog, where she had published the first chapter of the story.
This is a sweet and beautiful little gem of a story, which contains wonderfully clever and inventive twists. But unlike the clever and inventive twists most young authors create simply to dazzle you with their facility, Ms. Praski’s inventive devices always serve the purpose of advancing her storie’s emotional impact -which is considerable.
This is a lovely first work by a very promising young writer, which I highly recommend reading, not just for the pleasure of a sweet and well-told short story, but also so that, at some point in the future, you may brag to your friends; “Of course I know Courtney Praski's work-I have been an enthusiastic fan of hers since her first short story “When Your Number Is Called”
Ms. Praski shows such great promise that I heartily look forward to her future endeavors.
Richard Salamanca
This is a sweet and beautiful little gem of a story, which contains wonderfully clever and inventive twists. But unlike the clever and inventive twists most young authors create simply to dazzle you with their facility, Ms. Praski’s inventive devices always serve the purpose of advancing her storie’s emotional impact -which is considerable.
This is a lovely first work by a very promising young writer, which I highly recommend reading, not just for the pleasure of a sweet and well-told short story, but also so that, at some point in the future, you may brag to your friends; “Of course I know Courtney Praski's work-I have been an enthusiastic fan of hers since her first short story “When Your Number Is Called”
Ms. Praski shows such great promise that I heartily look forward to her future endeavors.
Richard Salamanca
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March 14, 2018I loved it. It made me cry from almost the beginning and it’s just a little morr than 50 pages long.
The story is so simple that I think I’ll read it over and over again. The character are just as great and they didn’t need any big description which made every chapter flow easily in no time.
The story is so simple that I think I’ll read it over and over again. The character are just as great and they didn’t need any big description which made every chapter flow easily in no time.
I think this has a lot of potential to develop into something amazing
March 11, 2018
Read the short version on tumblr, then bought this
There are some grammmatical errors and a consistency error in the protagonist's name. But I didn't find myself caring all that much. It's the emotion and thought behind this that matter, and those pack a heavy punch.
There are some grammmatical errors and a consistency error in the protagonist's name. But I didn't find myself caring all that much. It's the emotion and thought behind this that matter, and those pack a heavy punch.
March 10, 2018
Creative and mesmerizing
Sometimes I feel like there aren't any new stories to be told, but then I find something amazing like this story. I just wish it was longer!
Sometimes I feel like there aren't any new stories to be told, but then I find something amazing like this story. I just wish it was longer!
June 10, 2018
This is really good!
I think I came across the beginning chapter on tumblr and was hooked. I wanted to know more. When I found out the author actually created a short story for it and had to get it. I was not disappointed. This short story is worth the read!
I think I came across the beginning chapter on tumblr and was hooked. I wanted to know more. When I found out the author actually created a short story for it and had to get it. I was not disappointed. This short story is worth the read!
June 1, 2018
It is worth a cry book and everyone should read it.
May 12, 2018
Wow. Just...wow. "When Your Number Is Called" is definitely the kind of story I'll recall and reread it's so phenomenal and moving. Moreover, it's the kind of story everyone should read, no matter who you are or what stage of life you're at. It's just so...powerful and provides such beautiful, beautiful sentiments of indefinite value for such a quick read.
So please, please give "When Your Number Is Called" a try. I'm certain you'll gain something worthwhile from it. I know I did.
So please, please give "When Your Number Is Called" a try. I'm certain you'll gain something worthwhile from it. I know I did.
September 30, 2018
One of the best short stories I've ever read!
I learned of this book on Goodreads and read it using Kindle Unlimited. I read another book by this author called The Seven. I checked her page on Goodreads to see if a sequel was out and found this short story. It was absolutely amazing! It's a short read (less than 30 minutes), but that brevity helps the theme of the book. I don't want to give anything away, the blurb tells you everything you need to know. I can't endorse this story enough. Now it really makes me wish I had the sequel book I was looking for. This amazing author got her hooks into me with this story.
I learned of this book on Goodreads and read it using Kindle Unlimited. I read another book by this author called The Seven. I checked her page on Goodreads to see if a sequel was out and found this short story. It was absolutely amazing! It's a short read (less than 30 minutes), but that brevity helps the theme of the book. I don't want to give anything away, the blurb tells you everything you need to know. I can't endorse this story enough. Now it really makes me wish I had the sequel book I was looking for. This amazing author got her hooks into me with this story.
March 5, 2018
Beautiful.
I'm in love with it, every syllable of the creation paints such a poignancy and it's so poetic yet at the same time we've...all been there. It's an emotion we've all been through, captured so masterfully I've been crying for literal hours on the end. Devastatingly beautiful, I rather say it was. I love the conclusion, quite inevitable, though. You brought to life a whole new world, a world we've often hoped for the existence of. It does tug at your heartstrings but at the same time makes you *think*. About life and death and love and what not. (And, on a side note, kudos for the lgbtqia+ representation. It matters.) It's incredibly poignant, and the 5 stars in it aren't enough to describe it's worth, a definite must read. ^_^
I'm in love with it, every syllable of the creation paints such a poignancy and it's so poetic yet at the same time we've...all been there. It's an emotion we've all been through, captured so masterfully I've been crying for literal hours on the end. Devastatingly beautiful, I rather say it was. I love the conclusion, quite inevitable, though. You brought to life a whole new world, a world we've often hoped for the existence of. It does tug at your heartstrings but at the same time makes you *think*. About life and death and love and what not. (And, on a side note, kudos for the lgbtqia+ representation. It matters.) It's incredibly poignant, and the 5 stars in it aren't enough to describe it's worth, a definite must read. ^_^
March 15, 2018
Needed This
I read the original short story by a random chance of coming across ot on tumblr. I sobbed while reading about Oscar. When I saw this longer version was available for purchase, I didn't waste time, I bought it immediately. But I didn't read it right away. I read it one year and 1 day after a good friend died of complications from a clotting disorder. I read it 4 days before what would've been my grandfather's 103rd birthday, he died in May of last year. With all of the hate and division in the world right now, I needed this beautiful story to remind me that we're all ticking our lives away. I have to thank the author for the brilliant reminder that life is precious and short.
I read the original short story by a random chance of coming across ot on tumblr. I sobbed while reading about Oscar. When I saw this longer version was available for purchase, I didn't waste time, I bought it immediately. But I didn't read it right away. I read it one year and 1 day after a good friend died of complications from a clotting disorder. I read it 4 days before what would've been my grandfather's 103rd birthday, he died in May of last year. With all of the hate and division in the world right now, I needed this beautiful story to remind me that we're all ticking our lives away. I have to thank the author for the brilliant reminder that life is precious and short.
March 3, 2018
God, this was gorgeous. I sat there crying as I read. It's genuinely challenging to word how much I enjoyed reading this, the way it was written was wonderful and emphasized the emotion of it all. Not to mention, when I heard she had a wife I ran to my mother saying "There's two women in love in this!" in excitement. It was incredibly immersive, as well. It brought you into a world and gave you a taste of what it felt like to live there. I told my friends the story of Oscar and cried as I got towards the end. The way everything is portrayed is wonderful. This story makes you think about life, and the inevitability of death. And while it's heartbreaking, it's beautiful at the same time. This book deserves a standing ovation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2018
Really thought provoking.
I discovered this short novel on Tumblr, and was able to get the full thing.
It's short, (about 50-60 pages thereabouts) but at the same time manages to be really well written and interesting.
10/10 would certainly recommend to someone looking for a quick read. It's a bit sad though.
I discovered this short novel on Tumblr, and was able to get the full thing.
It's short, (about 50-60 pages thereabouts) but at the same time manages to be really well written and interesting.
10/10 would certainly recommend to someone looking for a quick read. It's a bit sad though.
April 7, 2018
While definitely heart-wrenching, this was a really great read. A beautiful piece of writing that gets its message across firmly and loudly.
June 19, 2018
Great
This was a great short story . Very thought provoking . Make sure you have tissues . I recommend .
This was a great short story . Very thought provoking . Make sure you have tissues . I recommend .
March 18, 2018
WARNING: THIS IS NOT A HAPPY ENDING BOOK.
It's been awhile since I've read a short story, so it took me a little bit to get back in the flow of that format. The chapters also threw me off a little bit, as the title of each chapter was a name, and at the end of that chapter, the person died. I started getting R exceptionally emotional right after Taco Bell guy, wondering, "WHY DIDN'T YOU GIVE HER YOUR PHONE NUMBER?!" The dog really had me broken up, as it made me remember when I lost my own fluffy baby from a nasty brain infection. I remember the feeling of how utterly unfair it was, he was only four and he had spent the last couple weeks of his life in pain. I related to that chapter a lot. One thing I didn't necessarily enjoy was that the story jumped vast amount of time between each chapter, but to me the main character was still a teenager. It definitely fit the story, I just didn't particularly enjoy t because I prefer to get to know a character through day-to-day interactions.
While it was incredibly sad (I'm tearing up as I write this), this story really put a lot of my life into perspective. The story of Oscar in the beginning showed me that I could be accomplishing what he did, and I have absolutely no excuse. I don't know what my life holds, when I'm going to die, so I need to make the most of every moment. I love the premise of the story, and I think I would have enjoyed it more if it was in the form of a novel: if I got to read more experiences with the different characters than just the times leading up to their deaths.
It's been awhile since I've read a short story, so it took me a little bit to get back in the flow of that format. The chapters also threw me off a little bit, as the title of each chapter was a name, and at the end of that chapter, the person died. I started getting R exceptionally emotional right after Taco Bell guy, wondering, "WHY DIDN'T YOU GIVE HER YOUR PHONE NUMBER?!" The dog really had me broken up, as it made me remember when I lost my own fluffy baby from a nasty brain infection. I remember the feeling of how utterly unfair it was, he was only four and he had spent the last couple weeks of his life in pain. I related to that chapter a lot. One thing I didn't necessarily enjoy was that the story jumped vast amount of time between each chapter, but to me the main character was still a teenager. It definitely fit the story, I just didn't particularly enjoy t because I prefer to get to know a character through day-to-day interactions.
While it was incredibly sad (I'm tearing up as I write this), this story really put a lot of my life into perspective. The story of Oscar in the beginning showed me that I could be accomplishing what he did, and I have absolutely no excuse. I don't know what my life holds, when I'm going to die, so I need to make the most of every moment. I love the premise of the story, and I think I would have enjoyed it more if it was in the form of a novel: if I got to read more experiences with the different characters than just the times leading up to their deaths.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2018
DEVASTATINGLY BEAUTIFUL... It was one of the most beautifully written books I've ever read.I really enjoyed this book. I went through a series of emotions while reading it and i got a little teary-eyed by the end of it.. LOVED THE BOOK
February 26, 2020
A quick read that revolves around a commonly used concept - people who know they don't have much time, and how they plan on using it. People learning to appreciate what they have in life, and to not take it for granted, all that jazz.
There was something very tumblresque about the story - which is probably no surprise because I discovered this book through tumblr. A character that cries while eating ten tacos at a taco bell. Almost all the characters were gay, a dog was involved.
I feel like I was reading a first draft - there were a few glaring spelling mistakes throughout the story. 'Then' when it should have been 'than'. 'Neck brack' instead of 'neck brace', 'would've had nodded' instead of 'would've nodded'.
A quick read, but in the end I didn't really feel anything. I didn't have any emotional connection with the characters. I feel that if there weren't as many characters, and the story focussed on a selected few, and developed the characters understanding of the inevitability of death, it could have packed a stronger punch.
There was something very tumblresque about the story - which is probably no surprise because I discovered this book through tumblr. A character that cries while eating ten tacos at a taco bell. Almost all the characters were gay, a dog was involved.
I feel like I was reading a first draft - there were a few glaring spelling mistakes throughout the story. 'Then' when it should have been 'than'. 'Neck brack' instead of 'neck brace', 'would've had nodded' instead of 'would've nodded'.
A quick read, but in the end I didn't really feel anything. I didn't have any emotional connection with the characters. I feel that if there weren't as many characters, and the story focussed on a selected few, and developed the characters understanding of the inevitability of death, it could have packed a stronger punch.
June 23, 2018
I read part of "When Your Number Is Called" on Tumblr and I was immediately blown away, by the story, the concept and the way it was written. It was beautiful.
Reading the complete version was even better. It was a short, but sweet and pleasant reading and made me cry a couple of times. I'm not particularly good with words or at reviewing stuff, but I highly reccomend reading this story.
Reading the complete version was even better. It was a short, but sweet and pleasant reading and made me cry a couple of times. I'm not particularly good with words or at reviewing stuff, but I highly reccomend reading this story.
July 12, 2018
This is a series of short stories, I read half in one sitting then had to take a break before finishing the rest. They're beautifully written and address coming to terms with the inevitable - death.
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