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katykelly's review against another edition
5.0
A book that if the world we live in was the one Trevor wants for us, WOULD change the world.
And it just could. I've seen the film years ago but don't remember feeling anywhere near as moved as I was in reading the novel. I finished having to wipe tears away so I could read the final pages.
A 12 year old boy, on being asked to come up with an idea to change the world in his Social Science class, creates the idea of 'Pay it Forward', doing good deeds for others and then rather than paying back the person who did one for you, helping someone else. Initially feeling his attempts aren't going well, the reader is treated to narrations by those he meets and just how they react to Trevor's good deeds and what then happens to them.
The story mostly stays with Trevor, his two-job-holding mum Arlene, and his Vietnam-vet teacher Reuben St Clair, and their changing relationships. Journalist Chris brings the story together with his investigations and articles.
To describe in any more detail is not necessary. If you're not sold on this book already, then there's little more I could say. It's an idea that by rights every human being should try to aim for - helping other people even when there's nothing in it for you.
Trevor is adorable. I just wanted to hug, protect and nurture him. Arlene and Reuben are a wonderful pair to watch pacing around each other, each damaged, each lonely, both awkward.
This won't take you long to read. It's inspiring, saddening and emotional, and I expect will stay with me for quite a while. Hope you can make time for it too.
And it just could. I've seen the film years ago but don't remember feeling anywhere near as moved as I was in reading the novel. I finished having to wipe tears away so I could read the final pages.
A 12 year old boy, on being asked to come up with an idea to change the world in his Social Science class, creates the idea of 'Pay it Forward', doing good deeds for others and then rather than paying back the person who did one for you, helping someone else. Initially feeling his attempts aren't going well, the reader is treated to narrations by those he meets and just how they react to Trevor's good deeds and what then happens to them.
The story mostly stays with Trevor, his two-job-holding mum Arlene, and his Vietnam-vet teacher Reuben St Clair, and their changing relationships. Journalist Chris brings the story together with his investigations and articles.
To describe in any more detail is not necessary. If you're not sold on this book already, then there's little more I could say. It's an idea that by rights every human being should try to aim for - helping other people even when there's nothing in it for you.
Trevor is adorable. I just wanted to hug, protect and nurture him. Arlene and Reuben are a wonderful pair to watch pacing around each other, each damaged, each lonely, both awkward.
This won't take you long to read. It's inspiring, saddening and emotional, and I expect will stay with me for quite a while. Hope you can make time for it too.
gmamartha's review against another edition
4.0
I never read the adult/ YA version when that came out. So I'm glad I got an advanced reader copy of this kids' edition. You are right - the kids will not enjoy the open-ended 'ending.' or the pages of common core applications in the back. That takes it out from being a kid's story to being something an adult wants a kid to learn. But the main story may be appreciated if it weren't for that. I hope so.
aspen_warner's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
It's a really sweet novel that questions human decency but from what I remember it was a little slow and preachy at times. I do really love this idea of paying it forward though so if people read this book and are inspired to do good things for others I can't fault that.
magnolia4ever's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
3.5
bookaddict75's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
barbaraskalberg's review against another edition
4.0
I wish I could have read this without the faintest glimmer of knowing the story (having seen the movie all those years ago). Still a great read.