Pay It Forward

A beautiful story of redemption. How one person can change the world with a big act of kindness. This kindness lives on forever in changed lives. If only it were so. Yet it could be if our actions reflect our beliefs. Highly recommended!

Pay It Forward, the movie in 2000, greatly impressed me. 20 years later, I read the book and found it much better and more impressive in so many ways, as it touched on more social and world issues. I wondered if the Young Readers Edition would be appropriate for my 9-year-old granddaughter, so I read it, too. Then I purchased it for her birthday. I can't wait to hear what she thinks about the story!Catherine Ryan Hyde is one of my favorite authors. Pay It Forward, the original story, was an early work for her and boosted her writing career. Each of her novels is better than the last, and I'm glad I still have a long list of them to read.

Ms Hyde used a boy to reach us all. The characters aren’t terribly complex but they were able to get us to see ourselves… with a hope to be better people. Well done Ms Hyde.

From the very beginning I was hooked. Although at points it was s little difficult to follow,the story tied everything together brilliantly. All I know is I will work on being a better person. This book taught me a lot. I've never considered myself a bad person, but now I want to be even better. Thank you Catherine Ryan Hyde for another wonderful book!

I hardly ever do book reviews- but, I loved this book so much I have re-read it a total of three times(skipping certain passages that bored me occasionally). The idea for the book itself is interesting- A kid changing the world to the point where acts of kindness are considered "everyday" rather than "newsworthy" through a method of helping others and have them pay the kindness forward rather than return it.I orginally saw the movie and fell in love with the idealism behind it so much I knew I had to read the book- Now, I kind of wish I had just read the book- the movie leads out major details and creates HUGE gaps that the story only fills- Hyde talks in very simple terms and breaks the chapters up into first person narratives jumping from main characters to minor characters and back again- this might seem a little tedious- but, I found it extremely personal- it gave me extreme insight into what one character was feeling versus another- It also makes you feel as though everyone involved/behind the pay it forward movement is IMPORTANT.The book focuses on some points/areas the movie just does not go particularly the relationship between Arlene and Reuben... which the movie touches only the tip of the iceberg with. Their is also a major bond between Trevor and his teacher Reuben reflected better in the book than the movie... The book also covers the "Pay It Forward" method that becomes a NATIONALLY known/ effective method- in which Trevor meets the President is the focus of many news shows and newspapers... he becomes very well known and a revolutionary hero of the hour.The book is dated in the 90s- Clinton is president. One of the characters was affected by the Vietnam War and suffered burn scars. But I don't see the "liberal" agenda that so many other readers seem to have seen in it. The book is very idealistic in subject matter but, I couldn't help but WISH the world would really change for the better- if we ourselves would only change for the better. This is DEFINATELY one of those books that sticks with you long after you read it- a definate keeper in your book collection!I would not let children read this unless they are maybe fourteen or above the book- seems to appeal to the older teenagers and adults and talks about some tough issues- such as homosexuality, thugs, sex, and some other inapporiate issues for younger readers. However readers will LOVE this story about human kindness, the power of love, giving to others, and imperfect people doing extra-ordinary things. The book is PERFECT and a real treat to read. Definately hit the buy it-now button and think about PAYING IT FORWARD yourself.

a very good book differs from the movie a bit. Pay It Forward a very good concept.

To me, this was not a book to be read as entertainment, but rather as a thought provoking, learning experience. I believe it is a read that will stick with others as much as it has with me; it sets thoughts for continuing Trevor's odyssey.

This was another of Catherine Ryan Hyde's books, and the first one she wrote. I resisted reading it, because I remembered the movie and remembered not liking it much. But I've read everything else she wrotee, so I thought 'why not?' Given that I read all of her books, it is clear that this was her first. It isn't as clear and easy to read as the others...Lots of characters to keep track of, and the flipping back and forth between them was not helpful. Several times I had to do a search in the book to find out who the current character was.Overall I liked the book, but the ending was predictable and not especially believable.

What an amazing book. I totally loved the fact that the concept was told through a child's eyes. The way the world is today, it can certainly benefit from a pay it forward attitude. I definitely recommend that this book be read by everyone.

So inspiring and well written!

A book with beautiful content on enriching livescwith goodness. Lived the writing style of Katherine.A must read for all ages.

I really enjoyed this book. I'd read a chapter each night sometimes laughing, sometimes angry or sad, until nearer the end when I could not put it down and it moved me to floods of tears. Loved the characters and their individual, believable stories. Highly recommend it and will explore Catherine Ryan-Hyde's other works in the hope that they are as well written as this.

libro emozionante umo dei più belli che letto storia avvolgente di un sogno che abbiamo tutti : rendere la vita di tutti le. persone miglioreanche il film e un capolavoro con Kevin spacey helen hunt joel osment