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)
"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."
“Powerful…with believable dialogue and shadings that make the characters seem more lifelike than they have any right to be.”
“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.”
“[Hyde’s] book is…an uplifting, tear-jerking, and inspiring modern fable, with an extremely appealing young protagonist.”
“A quiet, steady masterpiece, with an incandescent ending.”
" 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. "
" 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. "
" 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. "
" 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. "
" Great idea, but wasn't impressed with the writing. Felt too confusing with the changing narrators and points of view. "
" 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. "
" 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. "
" It was a very good book "
" had read dis bout centuries ago... cool book! "
" Cool concept. But the book was just meh "
" I liked the book but the language was not good. "
" I would recommend this book to anyone. A great, but simple story about an act of kindness. "
" 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. "
" There have been a few books that have brought me to tears...this is one of them.Loved the story. "
" I did not like this book. I think its better than the movie but i dont like the movie either "
" 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. "
" 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. "
" 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. "
" It was okay, I think I would have liked the book more if I hadn't already seen the movie. "
" 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. "
" Cried my eyes out. I read the whole book in one day...fantastic and inspiring. "
" 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. "
" The end was a tough, but I loved the book a lot more than I liked the movie. "
" Nice writing creating the angst with new relationships and the commonly occurring misunderstandings that require some humility. "
" Loved the movie, loved the book, love the concept "
" 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! "
" 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. "
" Good story, great concept slightly diminished by average writing and clumsy litrary tactics. "
" i loved listening to this book. "
" You can nitpick the writing, but you are dead if you fail to be inspired by the concept of paying it forward. "
" Read this in 8th grade and from what I remember it was decent. Ending was unexpected! "
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.
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.
Cassandra Campbell has won multiple Audie Awards, Earphones Awards, and the prestigious Odyssey Award for narration. She was been named a “Best Voice” by AudioFile magazine and in 2018 was inducted in Audible’s inaugural Narrator Hall of Fame.
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