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Catherine Ryan Hyde

Pay It Forward

Catherine Ryan HydeFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999

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Book Brief

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Catherine Ryan Hyde

Pay It Forward

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999
Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Atascadero, California • 1990s

Publication Year

1999

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

630L

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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

4.4

31,895 ratings

81%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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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 this

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.

4.4

31,895 ratings

81%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Atascadero, California • 1990s

Publication Year

1999

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

630L

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