65 pages • 2 hours read
Pay It Forward
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Book Brief
336
Novel • Fiction
Atascadero, California • 1990s
1999
Adult
12-18 years
630L
Super Short Summary
Pay It Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde follows Reuben, a disfigured black social studies teacher; Arlene, a single mother grappling with alcoholism; and Trevor, her son who devises a system called Pay It Forward to spread kindness. Trevor's efforts to assist three people lead to a movement of altruism spreading across the country. The novel includes themes of addiction, crime, and violence.
Inspirational
Hopeful
Emotional
Heartwarming
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
31,895 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Catherine Ryan Hyde's Pay It Forward has received mixed reviews. Critics praise its heartfelt and hopeful message, engaging readers with its emotional depth and the concept of kindness multiplying through small acts. However, some found the narrative overly sentimental and the character development lacking depth. Overall, it’s seen as an uplifting, albeit sometimes predictable, read.
Who Should Read Pay It Forward?
Readers who enjoy uplifting, heartwarming stories with a message of kindness and altruism would appreciate Catherine Ryan Hyde's Pay It Forward. Similar in tone and spirit to Mitch Albom's Tuesdays with Morrie and R.J. Palacio's Wonder, this book appeals to those who believe in the power of good deeds and positive change.
31,895 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Trevor McKinney
Trevor McKinney
A kind and optimistic middle school boy with a tumultuous home life, who creates the "Pay It Forward" idea for a school assignment.
Arlene McKinney
Arlene McKinney
Trevor's mother, a recovering alcoholic with poor taste in men, who works multiple jobs and is fiercely protective of her son.
Chris Chandler
Chris Chandler
An investigative reporter from New York who pursues the origins of the Pay It Forward movement, becoming deeply invested in uncovering the truth.
Ricky
Ricky
Trevor's biological father, characterized by his absent, troubled presence and history of oscillating between relationships, which impacts the narrative.
Jerry Busconi
Jerry Busconi
A homeless, heroin-addicted mechanic whom Trevor tries to help as part of the Pay It Forward assignment, and who attempts to improve his situation despite frequent setbacks.
336
Novel • Fiction
Atascadero, California • 1990s
1999
Adult
12-18 years
630L
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