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Audiobooks > Fiction >  General Fiction > Pay It Forward (Abridged): A Novel
Pay It Forward (Abridged): A Novel Audiobook, by Catherine Ryan Hyde Play Audiobook Sample

Download Pay It Forward (Abridged): A Novel Audiobook

4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 (4.00) - 6,278 customer ratings
Pay It Forward (Abridged): A Novel Audiobook, by Catherine Ryan Hyde Play Audiobook Sample
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Author: Catherine Ryan Hyde Narrator: Anne Pitoniak, Michael McGlone, Enid Graham, Liam Norton, Leland Gantt, Sharon Quinn, Gordon Weiss, Debra Monk Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Audio Length: Release Date: February 2000 Format: Abridged Audiobook Delivery: Instant Download ISBN: 9780743519946
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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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Quotes

  • “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

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Customer Reviews

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  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " 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, 2/14/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Great idea, but wasn't impressed with the writing. Felt too confusing with the changing narrators and points of view. "

    - Nikki, 1/15/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " 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
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " It was a very good book "

    - Rachel, 1/2/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " had read dis bout centuries ago... cool book! "

    - asti, 11/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Cool concept. But the book was just meh "

    - Luke, 10/13/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I liked the book but the language was not good. "

    - Shanna, 10/7/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I would recommend this book to anyone. A great, but simple story about an act of kindness. "

    - Alexis, 9/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " At the risk of proving myself a complete girly wuss, I have to admit this book nearly got me blubbing. It's probably all highly improbable, but if you want heart-warming and life-affirming, this should do the trick. "

    - James, 9/17/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " There have been a few books that have brought me to tears...this is one of them.Loved the story. "

    - Carly, 2/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " I did not like this book. I think its better than the movie but i dont like the movie either "

    - Celina, 8/11/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Good book, especially for the beach. The biggest problem with the book is that I felt it skimmed the surface, rather than digging deep. But still a good, quick read. "

    - Robin, 8/10/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This was a fun book and an easy read. I didn't love the writing, but the premise of the story is a good one. It gave me a little bit of hope about the goodness of people. "

    - Andrea, 4/22/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " in the same sort of a vein as tuesday's with morrie. but it does kind of make you feel good about the world, even if its just fiction. "

    - Shelley, 1/5/2012
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " It was okay, I think I would have liked the book more if I hadn't already seen the movie. "

    - Christine, 1/4/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Real people, inspired by a young boy's school project, leads to a inspiring heart-break of a book. Vibrant. Beautiful. Real. I'm a huge Catharine Ryan Hyde fan and much of the reason why is because of this book. "

    - Aaron, 12/11/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Cried my eyes out. I read the whole book in one day...fantastic and inspiring. "

    - K, 10/7/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Great book, inspriring and should never be overlooked on the bookshelf.THis book will make a believer out of you that one person can make a difference- no matter how young. "

    - Michelle, 9/11/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " The end was a tough, but I loved the book a lot more than I liked the movie. "

    - Miss66, 8/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Nice writing creating the angst with new relationships and the commonly occurring misunderstandings that require some humility. "

    - Shauna, 6/23/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Loved the movie, loved the book, love the concept "

    - Lee, 6/18/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Oh My God & i thought the movie was sad! wat a heart warming and heart breaking story. a little confusing at times but a definite reccommendation! "

    - Rachel, 5/28/2011
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " I had to add this because while the movie was fantastic this book not so much. the basic concept is good but the overall story is just weird. in this one case I will say the movie is so much better then the book. "

    - Alex, 4/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Good story, great concept slightly diminished by average writing and clumsy litrary tactics. "

    - Ideiosepius, 2/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " i loved listening to this book. "

    - Mandy, 1/10/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " You can nitpick the writing, but you are dead if you fail to be inspired by the concept of paying it forward. "

    - Marilyn, 1/5/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Read this in 8th grade and from what I remember it was decent. Ending was unexpected! "

    - Ryan, 1/2/2011

About the Author

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, chosen by the American Library Association for its Best Books for Young Adults list, and translated into more than twenty-three languages. 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. Three have been cited in Best American Short Stories.

About the Narrators

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. 

Stuart Woods is a New York Times bestselling author. His first novel, Chiefs, won an Edgar Award for Best First Novel and was made into a television miniseries starring Charlton Heston. His other works include the Stone Barrington novels, the Holly Barker novels, the Ed Eagle novels, and a number of stand-alone works. A former president of the Private Eye Writers of America, he has been a finalist for an Edgar, two Lefty Awards, and three Shamus Awards. He earned his BA degree in sociology at the University of Georgia.