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Pay It Forward (Abridged): A Novel Audiobook
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(4.00) - 6,310 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Pay It Forward is a wondrous and moving story about Trevor McKinney, a twelve-year-old boy in a small California town who accepts the challenge that his teacher gives his class, a chance to earn extra credit by coming up with a plan to change the world for the better -- and to put that plan into action.
The plan that Trevor comes up with is so simple -- and so naïve -- that when others learn of it they are dismissive. Even Trevor himself begins to doubt when his "pay it forward" plan seems to founder on a combination of bad luck and the worst of human nature.
What is his idea? Trevor chooses three people for whom he will do a favor, and then when those people thank him and ask how they might pay him back, he will tell them that instead of paying him back they should each "pay it forward" by choosing three people for whom they can do favors, and in turn telling those people to pay it forward. It's nothing less than a human chain letter of kindness and good will. But will it work?
In the end, Pay It Forward is the story of seemingly ordinary people made extraordinary by the simple faith of a child. In the tradition of the successful and inspirational television show Touched by an Angel, and the phenomenally successful novel and film Forrest Gump, Pay It Forward is a work of charm, wit, and remarkable inspiration, a story of hope for today and for many tomorrows to come.
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"I enjoyed this book because I enjoyed the message. I saw it after the movie and this is one of the first times where I can say I liked both equally. The book's characters were not entirely realistic or believable, but the story was as cute and touching as the movie. Now, if only the author knew anything about a complete sentence, perhaps the book may have been fantastic."
— Bob (4 out of 5 stars)
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“Powerful…with believable dialogue and shadings that make the characters seem more lifelike than they have any right to be.”
— Chicago Tribune -
“This novel has a steely core of gritty reality beneath its optimism: yes, one person can make a difference, can help to make the world a better place, but sickness, pain, heartache, and tragedy will still always be a part of the human condition.”
— Amazon.com, editorial review -
“[Hyde’s] book is…an uplifting, tear-jerking, and inspiring modern fable, with an extremely appealing young protagonist.”
— Library Journal -
“A quiet, steady masterpiece, with an incandescent ending.”
— Kirkus Reviews
Pay It Forward Listener Reviews
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" I read this one in one sitting. It was not at all what I thought it would be, and I enjoyed the interactions between the characters. "
— Joanne, 2/19/2014 -
" This book was not at all what I expected. I guess I thought it would be sweet and sappy- all about nice people doing nice things. But instead, it is gritty and raw. It is full of real life. "
— Lea, 2/14/2014 -
" While I like the idea of a social studies assignment to do something good, the whole story is just a little too smug for my taste. "
— Kaethe, 2/12/2014 -
" Very simple and contrived story, which is ok because the author is trying to make a point, however, I found it a bit tedious. I like the message though, which is why I give it 3 stars instead of 2. "
— Jenifer, 1/27/2014 -
" Great idea, but wasn't impressed with the writing. Felt too confusing with the changing narrators and points of view. "
— Nikki, 1/15/2014 -
" What would happen if every time someone is helped, they turn around and help 3 others? A 12-yr. old boy begins in response to an extra-credit assignment in his social studies class, and gets a surprising result. This is a very inspirational book, and an enjoyable read. "
— Guna, 1/12/2014 -
" It, like other books, had junk in it I really didn't feel was necessary. I had seen the movie a LONG time ago and enjoyed it, and I did enjoy the book as well. "
— Alyssa, 1/10/2014 -
" It was a very good book "
— Rachel, 1/2/2014 -
" had read dis bout centuries ago... cool book! "
— asti, 11/15/2013 -
" Cool concept. But the book was just meh "
— Luke, 10/13/2013 -
" I liked the book but the language was not good. "
— Shanna, 10/7/2013
About Catherine Ryan Hyde
Catherine Ryan Hyde is the award-winning author of more than forty books. Her novel Pay It Forward was adapted into a major motion picture and chosen by the American Library Association for its Best Books for Young Adults list. Becoming Chloe and Jumpstart the World were included on the ALA Rainbow List, and Jumpstart the World was a finalist for two Lambda Literary Awards. Where We Belong won two Rainbow Awards in 2013, and The Language of Hoofbeats won a Rainbow Award in 2015. Her stories have been honored by the Raymond Carver Short Story Contest and the Tobias Wolff Award and have been nominated for Best American Short Stories, the O’Henry Award, and the Pushcart Prize.
About Anne Pitoniak
Enid Graham is an American actress who has appeared in numerous television series, including Boardwalk Empire, Grey’s Anatomy, and Law & Order. In addition to her television and film performances, she has also lent her voice to several audio books, such as Standoff and Pay It Forward.