65 pages • 2 hours read
Catherine Ryan HydePay It Forward
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.
RecommendedReading Age
12-18yearsLexile Level
610L