“Michael Without Apology” by Catherine Ryan Hyde is a story that touched my soul deeply. The story is about Michael, who as a seven year old very nearly dies after a horrible fireworks accident. He has spent his young life trying to hide the trauma of both his severe physical and mental scars because of the accident and because he was given up for adoption by his birth parents. Now as a college freshman, in his first film class he meets his teacher who is also cruelly facially scared and wears his scars “unapologetically”! The teacher encourages Michael to make a documentary about people who feel rejected and unattractive. Through his powerful mentorship we are taken on a journey from the past to the present where real life lessons of aging, loss, and self acceptance are taught. Everyone needs to read this book, it is the most remarkable heartfelt lesson in gratitude and perseverance I have ever read! This is going to be the best book of 2025!

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

When Michael signs up for a film class and is introduced to his professor Robert Dunning, he is surprised when Dunning addresses his scars the first day of class. He tells his students it is normal to be curious then states –‘Let’s get it out of the way so we can focus on filmmaking’. Michael, at the age of 7, was permanently disfigured in a fireworks accident. The story was written beautifully, captivating me from beginning to end. Love takes many forms and the initial love story of Madeline and Michael was heartbreaking. His next love story with Caroline gives the reader that despite tragedy, there is hope.
Thanks NetGalley for an ARC. Beautiful story and one that will stick with me for a long time.

I really enjoyed getting to read this book, it was written well from Catherine Ryan Hyde. I was invested in what was happening with Michael and going on this journey with them. The rest of the characters worked overall and was engaged with the plot of the book.

✰ 3 stars ✰

​​​“​Your life will be your own when you can do what I did today. Stand in front of whatever small segment of the world you find yourself facing and say ‘Here I am. Get used to it.’

That’s when you’ll truly be free.​”​

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Twelve years ago, nineteen-year-old college freshman and aspiring filmmaker, Michael Woodbine was heavily scarred in a near-fatal fireworks accident that ultimately led to him being placed in foster care away from his parents and older brother - scars so deep that he's spent his entire life trying to hide the trauma he's carried with himself since. But, when he meets his new film teacher, Robert Dunning, a man who is unashamed and unapologetic about his own scars, Michael is inspired to make a documentary that explores body image and how one perceives themselves. But, when a misspoken ad gets mistaken for something else - one that goes beyond just the visible physical scars, but a perception of how one perceives their body with any physical attribution - be it age or weight, his film takes an unexpected, but welcome turn, one that gives Michael the chance to not only finally accept his own scars and not hide away, but finally put to rest the lingering doubts that have stayed with him all these years.

​​“​You’re freaking alive, and you’re scared because everything is real and you can feel it all. Take it from someone who doesn’t get to have enough of the alive thing. Run with that feeling. Have a real life and take the risks. Live like living means something. Like you’re lucky to have the chance.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Michael Without Apology is a poignant and heartfelt journey of a young man's journey to embrace himself and life. To finally shed away the questions and challenges he's buried inside, convincing himself that because of how badly he's been scarred, he is never quite capable of love. But his chance meetings and interviews with those who approach him help him understand just how worthy he is of it; that there are those lacking on other counts, but still capable of finding it and living. ‘Being a person takes practice.’ His new relationships made him accept his body and not be ashamed to keep them a secret, and by doing so he was able to help others, as well.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ There are some beautiful intimate moments; ones that capture how we are most vulnerable when we are honest, ones that evoke empathy and sympathy and compassion. How we are defiant in who we are, despite the shame and rejection they've faced, only to learn to embrace it wholeheartedly - 'scars are a fact of life'. The search for closure about his parents' decisions and choices was also deeply cathartic, but painfully so. Michael's relationship with his adoptive parents vs his real ones was a stark contrast; one that made him fully realize his own misjudgement and give way for forgiving himself. In quick succession he learned what it means to love and to lose it , even if 'the love two people share has a life of its own'. He braved the storms of showing his most honest self that resonated deeply with his viewers. And he learned the importance of simply being himself - unapologetically so. Here I Am, This Is Me.

​​“​And yet in another way it felt right. More than right, actually. It felt triumphant. Like some wonderful thing he could have done ages ago if only someone would have told him he could.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ I did find that the story dragged towards the end; as much as I appreciated the need to show that Michael was able to succeed and find more ground to cover, I also did not feel that it added to the initial story. It felt a bit reaching, in my opinion, but I do appreciate how it did tie into his initial video, so it was not entirely out of the blue. And yes, one scene was uncomfortable, for sure, but it was smoothed over, deservedly so. I also struggled a bit with the dialogue; I know it's unfair to say that I need a way for the conversation to have some descriptive detail to how it's said, considering life itself is devoid of it. But, then I just feel like I'm reading a script and it lacks warmth; the tone runs very flat then, and almost robotic. Some authors succeed in capturing the inflictions in the tone, but I didn't quite feel that here.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Despite these complaints, my fourth go with CRH was not a solid one. Michael's accident was harrowing enough, but the way he grew as a person from these challenges was heartwarming and deserving. 'You’re better off being you.' It was a touching story with a beautiful and important message. One that makes you take stock of the things we take for granted, and realize where the true importance of the joy and beauty is to simply be grateful to be alive. Otherwise, you don't know what you'll be missing out on.

*Thank you to NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Michael Without Apology
Author: Catherine Ryan Hyde
Publisher: Lake Union Publishers
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Pub Date: May 6, 2025
My Rating: 4.4 Stars
Pages: 293

One 4th of July when Michael Woodbine was seven years old and under his brother Thomas’ watch he takes a fireworks rocket., they light it and when Michael see authorities he dives to hide the rocket which explodes which sends him to the hospital. He survives but is scarred forever both physically and emotionality. His parents are arrested for child endangerment and he is placed in foster care and later adopted by his foster parents. Now a college freshman, he is still trying .to hide the effects of his trauma.

When Michael signs up for a film class and is introduced to his professor Robert Dunning, he is surprised when Dunning addresses his scars the first day of class. He tells his students it is normal to be curious then states –‘Let’s get it out of the way so we can focus on filmmaking’

Another thing great about Prof is when he tells Michael -"Being a person takes practice."
I was a school guidance counselor for over thirty years. And wish I had this statement handy as most teens are busy trying to be what their parent’s want- others want to do the opposite but neither realizes that that they still need more practice being themselves.

Okay now ~ BACK TO THE STORY ~
Once Prof Dunning realizes that Michael is suffering from his own disfigurement, He asked if he would be willing to participate in making a documentary that explores body image and self-perception. Once Michael accepts he places an ad seeking anyone who feels rejected by society —Michael is surprised to learn that this is essentially everyone. Although some participants are recovering from injuries or surgeries, others are dealing with more everyday factors like aging or the changes to a body from giving birth.
One of his first volunteers is Madeline~ who become a very important person in Michael’s life.

Catherine Ryan Hyde| never disappointed- great story!!!!

This is only my tenth ninth -Catherine Ryan Hyde| novel. She has had 40+ book published. As well fifty of her short stories have been published in professional Reviews and Journals.
I got on the Catherine train when I read "Brave Girl, Quiet Girl” in May 2020 and I have been a big fan ever since!
Since then I have been willing to read anything she writes! When I saw this I knew I wanted to read it without knowing anything about it!

Catherine Ryan Hyde]'s writing style is different than any other author I read and I love it! Her stories are character driven but there is always a message and thoughts that linger with me and I am sure with other readers as well.

Want to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishers for this wonderful early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 6, 2025.

I will start by saying this is my favorite author so I may have been predisposed to like the book.. Regardless of that, it totally blew me away. It's suddenly become my favorite of her books. Beautifully written; it feels like it carries important messages for us all. I'm ready to reread it immediately because I probably have missed something really meaningful.

“Being a person takes practice”

This book and these characters I am not going to forget anytime soon, I think part of this story, is mine, and will stay with me for a long time.

We meet Michael as a college student, and we get his story as the book goes back-and-forth, we get to experience his growth, compassion, forgiveness, and love as he goes through it. The Michael we meet at the beginning of the story is not the same Michael we get at the end of the story and I think throughout every page we have all cheered him on and applauded him.!

Every time I read a book by this author, I learn more about human nature and myself, and she always makes me want to strive to be a better person, this was an extremely personal book for me and one of the best books I have ever read!

I love all of Catherine Ryan Hyde's books, but this one is a 10 star WOW!
Every single person should read this story; from high school age to the elderly. This is a definite MUST read!
There is something that we all need to learn or perhaps remember in life each and every day.
"Being a person takes practice." Yes, indeed, it surely does.
Michael Woodbine, main character has not had an easy life and after meeting his college teacher for a film class, decides he needs to help the world understand that maybe, just maybe he can help people to stop judging a book or person by its cover.

The emotion within these pages are raw, real and mixed with love, anger, hurt,humiliation and courage.

Thank you to @NetGalley and to @Lake Union Publishing for this ARC and allowing me the opportunity to read and provide my own review.

A remarkable tale of resilience and determination. It reminds us that we are not what you see on the outside. I loved the lessons that it has taught me. The impact it has had on my own mental health has been resourceful and innovative. A story that will leave you with a lot to absorb!

When I finished reading this fascinating and remarkable story of resilience, I had to pause to absorb its impact. Michael, a first-year film student, walks into his film class on the first day to a shocking sight: Professor Dunning, who has suffered severe burns over his entire face and hands, with several disfigured fingers. Dunning does not attempt to conceal his scars; instead, when class begins, he encourages the students to “Go ahead and look,” explaining that while he has scarring over his entire body, only his hands and face are visible.
At the age of seven, Michael experienced a horrific accident involving professional-grade fireworks. Although he survived, it came at the cost of multiple surgeries and being placed in a foster home, as both his parents were incarcerated for child endangerment. His brother also entered foster care but was ultimately returned to their parents, while Michael was fortunately adopted by a loving family. He has always questioned why his parents chose to take only his brother back.
Mr. Dunning, as he prefers to be called, encourages Michael to create a documentary about body image and self-perception. Michael is surprised by the enthusiastic responses to an ad he places at school, receiving applications from a diverse range of individuals, including a 103-year-old man and a woman who has given birth to five children, including triplets. As Michael gathers these diverse stories, he prepares to share his own, willing to take off his shirt and reveal the scars he carries.
This is an incredible story about how people persevere through life-changing tragedies and includes some heartwarming surprises.
I received a complimentary copy of this book; all comments and opinions are my own.

Thank you to #NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for my honest review. I am so pleased that I got to be an early reader of this book!

In #MichaelWithoutApology, Michael is injured in an accident with fireworks when he is just 7 years old. When he is in college, Michael takes a film class, and he decides to use his experience as the topic of his documentary. Through the experience, Michael learns more about himself than he ever expected.

Michael's story is at times heartbreaking, and at times inspiring. My favorite quote from the book comes from Michael's professor, Mr. Dunning. He says, "Being a person takes practice." Oh, such a true statement! I loved watching Michael grow and practice being a person.

This was a five-star read that I will be recommending to all of my friends and family who enjoy reading!

When I first picked up Michael Without A Apology: A Novel, I did so under a bit of a mix-up. I had confused the author with Catherine Ryan Howard, whom I had previously enjoyed. However, this mistake led me to a story that was unlike anything I’ve read before—and one that I ended up really loving.

What stood out to me was the distinct writing style. It’s not the kind of book that follows a traditional plot arc, and at times, it can feel almost abstract. But it’s precisely this unconventional storytelling that makes the experience so immersive. The characters are beautifully flawed, their journeys raw and real. I found myself invested in their struggles, desires, and mistakes, even when the plot didn’t unfold in the ways I expected.

Although I was initially unsure how to navigate this new narrative landscape, I was soon drawn into the emotional undercurrents of the story. The book’s pacing can be slow at times, but it allows for deep reflection on the characters’ lives and decisions. It’s the type of story that resonates with you long after you’ve closed the book, prompting you to consider its themes long after you've finished reading.

In the end, Michael Without A Apology: A Novel was a delightful surprise. I went in expecting something completely different, but I ended up with a story that felt fresh and thought-provoking. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a novel that challenges conventional storytelling.

If I could give this 10 stars I would! Another fabulous book by the great Catherine Ryan Hyde. She’s the perfect storyteller and this one was fabulous!!!! Thank you NetGalley for this early copy in exchange for my honest review. To be published May 2025.

What a beautiful story about how we see ourselves and how other people see us. The characters in this story are so real you can just see and feel them as they tell their stories.

This is my first Catherine Ryan Hyde book and all I can say is WOW! This book has such wonderful characters with Michael and Mr. Dunning drawing a lot of attention. However, there were many other characters that really completed the story . This story is very deep and really causes you to think. This one will stay with me for a long time. I highly recommend it!
Thank you to the author, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. All opinions in my review are my own.

Catherine Ryan Hyde is one of my favorite authors, so I was thrilled to receive an advance copy of her newest book. The story centers on Michael, a young man who has experienced more pain and heartache in his young life than you’d ever expect. But he’s also had the love and support of his family. Still, when he learns of a film making project in his college course, he knows exactly what his focus will be. He decides to interview people who, like him, are ashamed of their bodies for some reason. Michael has been scarred since experiencing a tragic accident as a child, and his scars have affected most every part of his life. His journey as a film maker connects him with people from all walks of life, all with amazing stories to tell. And one person in particular has a lasting impact on him. This was such a good story with a wonderful message about accepting ourselves and being our true selves. Five stars!

This is my fourth read by Catherine Ryan Hyde and after being underwhelmed with two of her other books I started this with no real expectations. I think Michael Without Apology is a sensitively written and a thought provoking story that touches on body issues, self esteem, grief and love. I love the authors writing style and was quickly lured into the story and characters lives right away. I got through nearly two thirds of this book last night in one sitting, for me it was that hard to put down. I think the author portrays her characters vividly, realistically and manages to capture their insecurities, thoughts and emotions beautifully. Michael Without Apology is one of those reads that will pull on your emotions and is a poignant and heart wrenching read at times. The issues raised are all too real in todays world and very relateable. I like how the story goes from past to present seamlessly and the ending is very fitting and gives good closure, and I'd recommend this book.

3.5 stars

A beautiful, unique story about love, self-image, difference and, above all, living unapologetically, “Michael Without Apology”, by Catherine Ryan Hyde, is also a journey of discovery and acceptance.
I loved the approach to scars, ugliness/beauty, age, difference, and how to accept our ageing, decaying, not beautiful, mutilated body: unapologetically, that is. No shame.
There’s a great message in characters like Michael, Robert Dunning, and Madeleine, and a lot to learn from them.
I also loved Michael’s character and personality: his honesty, humbleness and selflessness. The way his talent and creativeness develop and work is wonderful to watch.
I liked the relationships that develop in the story, particularly the non-romantic ones, with people that Michael befriends.
The relationship with professor Dunning is so interesting to watch, as they become more than student/mentor and develop a strong friendship.
There's loss and sadness in the story, but also a lot of love, tenderness and a very sweet romance.
I found the romance between Michael/Madeleine was too quick and the dialogue felt a bit forced sometimes.

Michael Without Apology by C R Hyde, published by Lake Union Publishing is an highly emotional, raw and gritty story that goes deep. A book that stays with the reader long after finishing it.
A story about loss, scars visible and invisible, healing, growing and love.
I highly recommend the book, 5 stars.
Blurb: A film student struggling with self-acceptance finally stops looking away from his traumatic past in a powerful novel by New York Times bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde.

Michael Woodbine was seven years old when a near-fatal fireworks accident scarred him and led to his placement in foster care. Now a college freshman, he is still trying to hide the effects of his trauma from his classmates, his adoptive family, and himself.

When Michael signs up for a film class, he meets Robert Dunning, a teacher who wears his own scars unapologetically. Robert encourages Michael to make a documentary that explores body image and self-perception. Michael places an ad seeking people who feel unattractive and rejected by society—and is surprised to learn that this is essentially everyone. Although some participants are recovering from injuries or surgeries, others are dealing with more everyday factors like aging or the changes to a body from giving birth.

As he collects these stories—and finally tells his own—Michael feels more connected to the world than he ever has before. But he knows his journey of self-acceptance has one more his crushing doubts about why his birth parents wouldn’t fight to keep him.

I love when Catherine Ryan Hyde comes out with a new book. Something about her writing and storyline that always touch you right there in the heart. A story that you can relate too . We all have scars of one kind or another and we should embrace them. I loved everyone of the characters. I'm sad this book is over
Definitely a book hangover.

Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book.