Pay it forward - Catherine Ryan Hyde

Trevor McKinney undertakes an assignment from his social studies teach to ‘think of an idea to change the world, and put it into action’. Trevor’s idea is simple, do a big favour for three people and instead of asking them to pay it back, ask them to pay it forward to another three people.

The writing style is very interesting as the book is ‘written’ by an investigative reporter Chris Chandler. His police friend tells him that gun crime in New York has dropped by 80% and he investigates what has caused it. So as well as consisting of 1st person narrative the book includes extracts from Chris’ interviews as he works his way back to Trevor. It also consists of other extracts from Trevor’s diary and two books written about the pay it forward movement. So as well as the book changing 1st person point of view each chapter, it also changes writing style, which takes some getting used to.

The idea is simple and could be very effective, however I think the writing lets it down. The writing seems rushed and not detailed enough so some of the characters don’t have the presence you’d expect. However it is an easy, moving and uplifting read and it is certainly worth discovering the effects paying it forward could have on the world.


Bookcrossing journal - controlled release (book ring)