Reviews

Pay It Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde

thebeardedpoet's review against another edition

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5.0

The pages just melted away as I read. Characters I really cared about here.

kshea1's review against another edition

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4.0

4 stars

I didn't know this idea stemmed from this book and now I love this author even more! It's a nice reminder, especially in challenging times like these, to be kind.

permanme's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5


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dlohmann's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

lisaeirene's review against another edition

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5.0

It started as a school assignment for 13 year old Trevor. He invented the "movement" Pay it Forward. Doing something good and nice for someone in need just because they need it, with the stipulation that they "pay it forward". Trevor helped his elderly neighbor by fixing up her garden. She loved it and it made her happy to finally see her garden in it's glory again. Sadly, she passed away but her "pay it forward" good deed was to split her life insurance money three ways between the woman at the cat shelter and the two cashiers at the local grocery store who always asked how she was and actually listened. And then those three people paid it forward. It caught on and suddenly it was spreading everywhere!
There was more to the story, but I don't want to give it all away. I know this is an older book and a lot of people have already read it and have probably seen the movie based on the book, but the ending was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. I loved the book! 

illbefinealone's review against another edition

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5.0

I can't believe it took me so long to actually come around to reading this book, especially because it's such a beautiful story, and it so wonderfully executed.

aohkait's review against another edition

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hopeful reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5


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zoey5508's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

5.0

ruvalcabaje's review against another edition

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4.0

This book gives you hope to mankind

manadabomb's review against another edition

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4.0

My book reading mojo went away for a bit. I've just been consuming newspapers and magazines but, honestly, with the world the way it is now, I started getting depressed. Pay It Foward ended up on my doorstep and was the perfect remedy for the hate and fear running around outside.

I think most, if not all, people know the concept of paying it forward. You help out someone who needs it and, instead of asking for anything in return, you ask the person to help out three people. Those three people help out three other people and so on. A movement of kindness sweeps across the world, wars are ended, enemies hug it out and everyone lives happily ever after. That's the gist, anyways.

I try to regularly do something for someone and then hope they pay the kindness forward. It's an honor system and we know how those work. But I still do it and still hope. This novel is about Trevor, a 12 year old, who gets an assignment from his teacher, Reuben St. Clair, to think about how one person can change the world and then to go out and do it. Trevor's idea was very simple. Help three people then ask them to help three more, etc. etc. Trevor does his bit but he's certain no one else has until a reporter shows up asking about the kid who got gangs to stop killing each other.

The senseless violence at the end wasn't necessary to make this an impactful book and I wish the ending had been different. The book made it's mark, without that ending. I understand there's a movie based on the book but I have not seen it, nor will I :) Books are ALWAYS better than the movie.

Go pay it forward.