- Paperback: 384 pages
- Publisher: Pocket Books; Paperback Edition, First Printing edition (6 Nov 2000)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 067102860X
- ISBN-13: 978-0671028602
- Product Dimensions: 17 x 11.2 x 2.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 160,879 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Pay it Forward
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Product Description
Review
Hyde's tale offers a unique experience, and deals intelligently with a subject that could so easily be saccharine, and yet is treated with sympathy and insight. Twelve years old Trevor has a vision: he will do a good deed for three people, and in lieu of being paid back, he will request that they perform the same service for three more people. This altruistic version of the chain letter has surprising consequences: after initially encountering adult cynicism, it begins to have a life-changing impact on many lives. Clearly, this concept could quickly topple Hyde's novel into feel-good soft-centredness, but she is too intelligent a writer for that, and keeps sentimentality largely at bay. Trevor is a fully-rounded, sharply characterized creation, as are the adults he encounters. There will be those for whom the plot of this beguiling novel (and even the Americanism of the title) will be quite simply off-putting. Those readers will be doing themselves a disservice, as this is a truly unique tale. Whether or not this is a 'story to change your life' is beside the point: it is a truly seductive three hundred pages. (Kirkus UK)
Denver Post
'The philosophy behind the book is so intriguing, and the optimism
so contagious . . . a book that lingers long after the last page is
turned.' --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
so contagious . . . a book that lingers long after the last page is
turned.' --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A touching novel,
By A Customer
This review is from: Pay it Foward (Hardcover)
Pay it Forward (recently made into an inferior film) is wonderful and original novel about a less than ordinary boy changing the world for the better. Twelve-year-old Trevor lives with his poor, divorced mother, he has a hard life in which he is almost forced to act grown-up. When a new teacher starts at his school and gives the class a project to come up with an idea that will make the world a better place, Trevor is extremely enthusiastic. He comes up with this idea: do a good deed for three people and then ask them to do a good deed to three people, thus as the chain grows, it ultimately leads to a friendlier place and populace all round. Unfortunately, not everybody is trustworthy and honest.I really enjoyed his touching novel: the author really makes the idea come to life, as the diverse characters are completely realistic and the plot complex and layered. Many different stories are going on at once, but they all merge into a single idea. This book should be read by all, although it may not change our way of life, but it will give us all hope.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspiring, thought provoking and entertaining to the end,
By
This review is from: Pay it Forward (Mass Market Paperback)
I first read this book a few years ago - a chance purchase before going on holiday. The premise sounded interesting - a young school boy with a plan to change the world in a very real way by carrying out three considerable good deeds. The philosophy behind his idea - that you have to 'pay the favour forward' to three more people.
This occurs in the background - the main characters almost oblivious to the effects of his projetc until close to the end. Iin the meantime, the story involves an exploration into many facets of the human condition; families, racism, selflessness, unconditional love, the break-up of the family unit.. I defy anyone to read this book and not be touched by the ending. I finished it in two sittings (and got sub-burnt as a result!!) and I can honestly say the sunburn was worth it. It is one of those books whose philosophy, characters and impact will last for your lifetime. Oh i and I would give the film 3/5 as it really fails to invoke the emotional response of the book. A must buy!
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wow, the best book i have read for a very long time !,
By sarahthain2@tinyworld.co.uk (Hampshire, England) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Pay it Forward (Paperback)
All I wanted to do after finishing this book was phone someone and talk to them about it. I was in a daze and thought that I must do something, talk to someone, anyone!! I only bought the book to see what it was like before I saw the film. It is so easy to read,as it is in small chapters, which is brilliant for a mum like me, but I couldn't put the thing down. I very rarely cry at books but this had my sobbing and smiling at the same time. As you are reading it feels so real, as if you are looking at something that has really happened. It draws you in and won't let you go. Can it be so easy to change the world, but i speak like all the adults in the story who believe that human nature would not let it happen. But how do we know until we try. I have recommended that everyone i know read it and I feel that it should be used in schools to make children think about their actions. All I can say is FANTASTIC.
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