Pay It Forward

By: Catherine Ryan Hyde

Narrated by: William Dufris

Catherine Ryan Hyde’s international sensation, Pay It Forward, is the moving story of Trevor McKinney, a 12-year-old boy who accepts his social studies teacher’s challenge to come up with a plan to change the world.

Trevor’s idea is simple: Do a good deed for three people and ask them to "pay it forward" to three others who need help. He envisions a vast movement of kindness and goodwill spreading beyond his small California town and across the world.

However, when Jerry, a bum to whom Trevor gave his allowance, returns to a life of dissolution, the project seems valuable only as a lesson on the dark side of human nature. But ultimately Trevor is vindicated. At first people don’t know how to explain the odd dip in crime rates across the nation, but a journalist with a story of his own tracks down the source of the epidemic of random acts of kindness and makes Trevor a celebrity.

Yet Trevor has problems closer to home: He wants his pretty, hardworking mother to see the softer side of his beloved teacher, Reuben St. Clair, a scarred Vietnam veteran who seems to come alive only when he’s in front of his class.

Anyone who has ever despaired of one person’s ability to effect change will rejoice in Trevor’s courage and his determination to see the good in everyone.

©1999 Catherine Ryan Hyde (P)2012 Simon & Schuster Audio

Critic reviews

"Powerful...with believable dialoque and shadings that make the characters seem more lifelike than they have any right to be." ( Chicago Tribune)

"A good read and an inspiring novel; fascinating in its implications. Catherine Ryan Hyde joyfully delivered me from 'if only' to 'what if?' to 'why not?'" (Richard Paul Evans, author of The Christmas Box)

I’ve loved this story for years...

I was excited to see this on Audible as I’ve loved the movie forever!! And the performance did not disappoint only enhanced my love for the author and the whole storyline... of course there are differences between the book and the movie but it just made me love it more!!!!! Thank-you, thank-you for bringing it to audible!!!!

Excellent narrator

One of the best I’ve ever heard, especially the last quarter. It didn’t hurt that the story is fantastic, stunningly beautiful and somber and uplifting all at the same time.

Heart warming

Narrative was amazing! Really brought all the characters to life and attached to me to them. This story had some unexpected moments that were a shock but it's one of the most heart warming stories I've ever heard. if you struggle with depression or alcoholism this story could really change your perspective.

Motivational

Not sure if this is a true story of this movement or made up. But either way, it is inspirational. It shows how one person can make a difference in this world. There have been a few through history but we can all make a difference to those around us. Narration was fine. And the story was enjoyable.

lovely book

Good message to remind us what is possible in the world.
Enjoyed it immensely & well narrated.

love it

I loved the story, the idea and the narration. This could really change the world. one person at the time.

Character development

Narrator was OK, but I didn’t like the voice he used for Trevor. Sounded too young.

Accept the challenge.

A book so needed right now. Do you think it could be possible to make it happen?

PAY IT FORWARD!

Loved it! I have seen the movie, but as usual there is so much more in the book. Wish that they movie makers would have followed the book. Reuben should have been played as an African American man. Totally changed the meanings for me.

Movie was better

It’s a terrific idea for a story. I was just put off by so much nudity and time spent in bed. I wanted to be able to recommend this book to young people, but I can’t even recommend it to old people because of that. It was such a distraction that I really couldn’t enjoy the real story, which was Trevor!