Pay It Forward: A Novel
12 journalers for this copy...
Out of curiosity, I did a search on this book to see what other BCers thought of it, and for the most part they seemed to share my opinion: a little sappy, more than a little contrived, but surprisingly quite the page-turner. However, I was surprised that so few people mentioned how wholly unfathomable an idea it was. It's a noble concept, yes, but realistically, it wouldn't fly.
One character in the book mentioned that people are unresponsive and selfish. Not everyone, of course, but that seemed accurate to me. Another character said that it would never fly in L.A. Also accurate, although it could apply to pretty much any city in the world. But the main character himself said that he was afraid people would want to pay it forward, even mean to, but ultimately not bother. Aside from a select few people, I think that's exactly what would happen, and the idea, good as it is, would die almost as quickly as it was formed. I could see it succeeding amongst BookCrossers, whom I have determined to be the nicest people on the Web, but overall it just couldn't happen. Some say it's the pessimist in me; the more I think about it, the more I believe it's actually the realist in me. I suppose it says something when I can believe the "superflu" from Stephen King's "The Stand" spreading throughout the world more than I can believe "paying it forward" doing it.
One character in the book mentioned that people are unresponsive and selfish. Not everyone, of course, but that seemed accurate to me. Another character said that it would never fly in L.A. Also accurate, although it could apply to pretty much any city in the world. But the main character himself said that he was afraid people would want to pay it forward, even mean to, but ultimately not bother. Aside from a select few people, I think that's exactly what would happen, and the idea, good as it is, would die almost as quickly as it was formed. I could see it succeeding amongst BookCrossers, whom I have determined to be the nicest people on the Web, but overall it just couldn't happen. Some say it's the pessimist in me; the more I think about it, the more I believe it's actually the realist in me. I suppose it says something when I can believe the "superflu" from Stephen King's "The Stand" spreading throughout the world more than I can believe "paying it forward" doing it.
Journal Entry 2 by Hawaiianheat at -- Controlled Release in Edmonton, Alberta Canada on Thursday, June 19, 2003
Released on Wednesday, June 18, 2003 at by mail to another bookcrosser in Edmonton, Alberta Canada.
After a bit of a delay (so, so sorry!) this is being paid forward to jodie-jo-jo. Enjoy-joy-joy! (sorry...)
After a bit of a delay (so, so sorry!) this is being paid forward to jodie-jo-jo. Enjoy-joy-joy! (sorry...)
Journal Entry 3 by jodie-jo-jo from Darwin, Northern Territory Australia on Tuesday, August 12, 2003
came today from hawiianheat thanks
TBR
TBR
Journal Entry 4 by jodie-jo-jo at -- By Hand Or Post, Ray/Ring, Meet-Up, RABCK in Chicago, Illinois USA on Tuesday, October 14, 2003
Released on Tuesday, October 14, 2003 at postal release in Chicago, Illinois USA.
sent to fellow book crosser :-) enjoy
sent to fellow book crosser :-) enjoy
Just received this book from Jodie-Jo-Jo. Thanks! Looking forward to reading it!
This was a lovely, heart-warming book. I had not seen the movie, but knew the premise. The book's only fault is that it gave enough hints as to the ending, that it did not come as a surprise. However, it is an uplifting story of hope and how one person could make a difference. I plan on offering this book on the forum as a RABACK to keep the book going forward.
Journal Entry 7 by Amusedbythis at -- By Hand Or Post, Ray/Ring, Meet-Up, RABCK in Chicago, Illinois USA on Sunday, October 26, 2003
Released on Sunday, October 26, 2003 at Controlled Release in Chicago, Illinois USA.
Being sent to wickedwordz today! Enjoy!
Being sent to wickedwordz today! Enjoy!
Recieved a couple of days ago, and can't wait to read it. Thanks a lot Amused! :)
Official bookring book! Please join!! :)
DESCRIPTION FROM BOOK: It all started with the social studies teacher's extra-credit assignment: come up with a plan to change the world for the better, and do it. Twelve-year-old Trevor McKinney began by doing something good for three people. But instead of paying him back, he asked them to "pay it forward" by doing a favor for three more people, who in turn world help three others, and so on, each act a link in a chain of human kindness.
And no one - not his teacher, his mom, or anyone in his small California town - could ever have dreamed of how far Trevor's plan would go...
Current List: IN ORDER
1) Babykittysmama (USA)
2) Saoirse (USA)
3) Booknhand (USA)
4) Eriko1908 (USA)
5) Butternut (USA)
6) Ixion (USA)
7) KatiedeMaio (USA)
8) Tnelson99 (USA)
9) Lauraloo29 (Canada)
10) KarinAlyssa (Canada)
11) MizzSmile (USA)
12) Q-cow (USA)
13) Lukutoukka (Finland)
14) Jford22 (Australia)
15) Cristina-pt (Portugal)
16) Firegirl (USA)
-----THEN BACK TO ME IN THE US!
DESCRIPTION FROM BOOK: It all started with the social studies teacher's extra-credit assignment: come up with a plan to change the world for the better, and do it. Twelve-year-old Trevor McKinney began by doing something good for three people. But instead of paying him back, he asked them to "pay it forward" by doing a favor for three more people, who in turn world help three others, and so on, each act a link in a chain of human kindness.
And no one - not his teacher, his mom, or anyone in his small California town - could ever have dreamed of how far Trevor's plan would go...
Current List: IN ORDER
1) Babykittysmama (USA)
2) Saoirse (USA)
3) Booknhand (USA)
4) Eriko1908 (USA)
5) Butternut (USA)
6) Ixion (USA)
7) KatiedeMaio (USA)
8) Tnelson99 (USA)
9) Lauraloo29 (Canada)
10) KarinAlyssa (Canada)
11) MizzSmile (USA)
12) Q-cow (USA)
13) Lukutoukka (Finland)
14) Jford22 (Australia)
15) Cristina-pt (Portugal)
16) Firegirl (USA)
-----THEN BACK TO ME IN THE US!
Finally got a chance to read this book over spring break, and really liked it. Very touching, and heartbreaking at the same time. I very curious though, as to the reason for some of the differences between the book and the movie. Hmmmm! Sending to kz4ufo, who, along with other great crossers, are helping me get my rings out the door. I am forever indebted to you all!
Journal Entry 11 by WickedWordz at -- By Hand Or Post, Ray/Ring, RABCK, Meetup in Miami, Florida USA on Friday, April 1, 2005
Released 19 yrs ago (4/2/2005 UTC) at -- By Hand Or Post, Ray/Ring, RABCK, Meetup in Miami, Florida USA
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Mailed to kz4ufo, who's helping me get everyone's rings out the door. Thanks so much :) I still haven't been able to get an address from those that I've asked, so she'll hold it for me until I figure out who still wants to read it. I wanted to send the movie out with the book, but I have no DVD+Rs to copy it. :( Oh well.
Mailed to kz4ufo, who's helping me get everyone's rings out the door. Thanks so much :) I still haven't been able to get an address from those that I've asked, so she'll hold it for me until I figure out who still wants to read it. I wanted to send the movie out with the book, but I have no DVD+Rs to copy it. :( Oh well.
I received this in the mail today from WickedWordz. There are several BookCrossers who have volunteered to help re-distribute some Book Rings and Rays in her possession.
These BookCrossers have generously offered their time (to ship) and provided postage or money to help keep this book moving. Please keep in mind just how much effort has been placed in getting this book to you.
It will be sent via media mail to the next participant.
These BookCrossers have generously offered their time (to ship) and provided postage or money to help keep this book moving. Please keep in mind just how much effort has been placed in getting this book to you.
It will be sent via media mail to the next participant.
received and read in a few days. I agree with Hawaiianheat - this is a page-turner, sappy, and contrived. The optimist still believes in just doing good for the sake of doing good.
Will look for the movie now and compare.
Will look for the movie now and compare.
Picked this up from the mailbox yesterday. Been waiting for this for along time - so glad it is here!!
Had to finish the book I was already reading when this one arrived before I started this one, so I could totally devote my attention to this one - it's such a great story (at least that is what I have heard and the premise leads me to believe). Luckily, the book I was reading was almost done and I was able to stay up last night and finish it.
Started this one this morning. Already almost a quarter way through it. So far it is as good as I had heard!!
Thanks for sharing Wicked Words and to everyone who has passed in on on behalf of WW. Thanks again :)
Had to finish the book I was already reading when this one arrived before I started this one, so I could totally devote my attention to this one - it's such a great story (at least that is what I have heard and the premise leads me to believe). Luckily, the book I was reading was almost done and I was able to stay up last night and finish it.
Started this one this morning. Already almost a quarter way through it. So far it is as good as I had heard!!
Thanks for sharing Wicked Words and to everyone who has passed in on on behalf of WW. Thanks again :)
I finished this book several weeks ago - within a week of receiving, but this is the first time I have had a chance to journal. I found this book very interesting and enjoyable.
I liked the concept and even though it can't be concretely measured - it is a great idea of doing good for others. It reminds us there is more to our world than just our immediate lives.
It was written in such a way it seemed very believable - not fiction at all - I actually thought it was a true story at first.
It will be off to Eriko1908 as soon as I get an address.
I liked the concept and even though it can't be concretely measured - it is a great idea of doing good for others. It reminds us there is more to our world than just our immediate lives.
It was written in such a way it seemed very believable - not fiction at all - I actually thought it was a true story at first.
It will be off to Eriko1908 as soon as I get an address.
Journal Entry 16 by booknhand at US Mail - Bookring/Ray in -- Mail or by hand-rings, RABCK, meetings, trades, California USA on Saturday, June 4, 2005
Released 18 yrs ago (6/2/2005 UTC) at US Mail - Bookring/Ray in -- Mail or by hand-rings, RABCK, meetings, trades, California USA
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Mailed to the next BCer on the Ring list along with a postcard for the recipient as well as the ring organizer :)
Mailed to the next BCer on the Ring list along with a postcard for the recipient as well as the ring organizer :)
This one arrived in the mail this afternoon...I'm 60 pages into it so far & have already cried two times...I will get it finished up & passed along soon...
Even though I started off the first 60 pages with two sets of tears, I found that they didn't carry through...Maybe it was because I realized the author was attempting to write a tear-jerker & I just refused to give in to that...I did love the story and the whole concept. I love that it took off without Trevor even realizing it had happened...it makes you wonder what ripple effect the things you are doing for others are producing...
I've PM'ed the next reader - Butternut - and I am just waiting for an address to pass it along...Thanks for sharing!!
I've PM'ed the next reader - Butternut - and I am just waiting for an address to pass it along...Thanks for sharing!!
This was a wonderful little book that I found in my mailbox a few days ago. I have just finished reading the book. It was a quick little read, that makes me want to go out and do something nice for someone, and tell them to pay it foward.
Unfortunatley I have been unable to register sooner. I will be mailing it out as soon as I get an address for the next person.
Unfortunatley I have been unable to register sooner. I will be mailing it out as soon as I get an address for the next person.
I went to my mailbox today, first day in 2 days because I was in a studying frenzy to find 3 books including that one. I'm currently reading another book, so I should start this one next week. I'll try to mail it before Christmas.
Thank you WickedWorld for organizing that ring, to Kz4ufo for helping out and to Butternut for mailing to Canada !
Thank you WickedWorld for organizing that ring, to Kz4ufo for helping out and to Butternut for mailing to Canada !
I PM'ed both MizzSmile and Q-Cow for the past 2 weeks, but they aren't responding. I'm not sure what to do, should I wait for one of them to return for the hectic Holidays period or not or should I sent it to Finland ?
MizzSmile finally replied today to let me know that she doesn't have the time to read anymore for fun, so she wanted to be skipped.
Update :
I PM'ed Q-Coq for the 3rd time, if she doesn't reply by next Wednesday, I'll be trying Lukutoukka in Finland, so I can finally mail that book.
Update :
I PM'ed Q-Coq for the 3rd time, if she doesn't reply by next Wednesday, I'll be trying Lukutoukka in Finland, so I can finally mail that book.
I've read that book in the beginning of December and have been trying since to find someone to mail it. It seems I have finally found THE one in Finland in the person of Lukutoukka. Sorry for the delay.
I seem to have forgotten to review the books though. This was a quick and not complicated book which is perfect during finals' season. I love the idea and I'm always trying to help people although in a smaller way like helping students around the campus when they are lost which I did today, people are looking at maps and they never find where they going because they have no idea where they're supposed to go... Anyway, in Quebec, there is a TV show called Donnez au suivant which is based on the concept of Paying it Forward and it's a successful program. I have never watched it, but I have heard a lot about it. I think the world could be much better place if we could help each other out like Kz4ufo did for WW...
Thanks WickedWorldz and Kz4ufo for sharing this book ! It will be mailed on January 21 to Lukutoukka in Finland as I never had any contact from Q-Cow.
I seem to have forgotten to review the books though. This was a quick and not complicated book which is perfect during finals' season. I love the idea and I'm always trying to help people although in a smaller way like helping students around the campus when they are lost which I did today, people are looking at maps and they never find where they going because they have no idea where they're supposed to go... Anyway, in Quebec, there is a TV show called Donnez au suivant which is based on the concept of Paying it Forward and it's a successful program. I have never watched it, but I have heard a lot about it. I think the world could be much better place if we could help each other out like Kz4ufo did for WW...
Thanks WickedWorldz and Kz4ufo for sharing this book ! It will be mailed on January 21 to Lukutoukka in Finland as I never had any contact from Q-Cow.
Journal Entry 24 by Lukutoukka from Tampere, Pirkanmaa / Birkaland Finland on Tuesday, January 31, 2006
The book is here, well and safe. Thanks for sharing! :) I start reading it as soon as possible.
Journal Entry 25 by Lukutoukka from Tampere, Pirkanmaa / Birkaland Finland on Wednesday, February 15, 2006
After the beginning of this book which was perhaps somewhat slow, I really liked this book. Sometimes we have to think like children to see all the possibilities there are to help other people. :)
Journal Entry 26 by Lukutoukka from Tampere, Pirkanmaa / Birkaland Finland on Thursday, February 23, 2006
Sent to Jford22 today. Happy reading! :)
Recieved "Pay it Forward" this week from Lukutoukka. Just thrilled to recieve it all the way from Finland! Lukutoukka emailed for my address and I had completely forgotten that I was on this bookring. Gave me a couple of days to finish the book I was reading so I was ready to devote my attention to "Pay it Forward" and get it onto the next person on the list. This is my first bookring experience!
I have also found the book is a bit slow to get into, probably the style of writing that is a bit haphazzard I guess. But I am enjoying it now. Hope to be able to pass it onto Cristina-pt in Portugal in a few days.
Will journal aagin when I am finished. Thanks for the experience!
I have also found the book is a bit slow to get into, probably the style of writing that is a bit haphazzard I guess. But I am enjoying it now. Hope to be able to pass it onto Cristina-pt in Portugal in a few days.
Will journal aagin when I am finished. Thanks for the experience!
