Num8ers

Since the day her mother died, Jem has known about the numbers. Numbers that pop into her head when she looks into someone's eyes. They're dates, the numbers. Dates predicting death. Burdened by such grim knowledge, Jem avoids relationships. Until she hooks up with Spider and decides to take a chance. But on a date to London, Jem foresees a chilling chain of events. The city's a target. The clock's running out. The countdown is on to a blowup, and her world is about to explode - Back cover of Num8ers

I really enjoyed the uniqueness of this book. I found it refreshing how Jem is dealing with something she did not ask for, but she is not some sort of paranormal being! She is living with a curse everyday. How awful would it be to look into someone's eyes and see the date they will die? It gives me shivers just thinking about it. I could not blame for Jem for not wanting to get close to anyone, even her foster mother. Jem struggles everyday with not getting too close to anyone. Jem is a bit rough around the edges, but you can't really blame her. She lost her mother at an early age and is now dealing with the fact that she can see the day everyone will die. I thought her character was strong, but not really sure she is a good role model for girls. But, once again you can't blame her for the way she is because her life is not normal.

Spider is also unique. He is a likable character and I really admired how he stands up for Jem and loves her despite of her attitude and aversion to relationships. I really commend how Jem and Spider looked out for one another. I enjoyed reading how Jem started to embrace her feelings for Spider and how she realized that it is okay to get close to people.

I guess this book was a bit much for me to take overall. Jem's life is pretty sad and I was kind of depressed while reading it. Nothing seems to go right for her. Her relationship with Spider was a positive thing in her life, but she knows when he will die! I mean good grief, how can you truly be happy knowing when the person you love is going to die? I hope this doesn't come out snobby, but I had a hard time following Jem's hard life. I think the author did a great job of explaining her life and helping the reader see how hard it was, but it was just rough on me. I hope that all makes sense. I thought the book was powerful and I look forward to reading the sequel. a strong 3 out of 5 for this one.