3.5 rounded up to a 4 -I really enjoy Catherine's story telling. She makes you feel so much for her characters. I was really loving this one most of the way though but the end seemed a little anticlimactic somehow to me. This one didn't wow me like some of her others but it was still a good read!

Michael Without Apology by Catherine Ryan Hyde shows again just how adept Ms. Hyde is at capturing the poignancy, the exhilaration, and the bittersweetness of being human.

In this novel, we follow young Michael Woodbine who was critically injured in a fireworks accident at age seven. He almost died, and he lost his family after he was placed in foster care as a result of the accident. In many ways, he has been hiding from the trauma of that event, from himself and from others ever since. Now nineteen and a college freshman, Michael meets film teacher Robert Dunning, a man with severe scars of his own and who is completely unapologetic about them. In fact, during the first class, Dunning acknowledges how shocking his appearance is/can be and tells the students to look at him as long as they need to so that they can all move on to the business of the class. Michael wants the self-confidence and self-acceptance that he sees in Dunning. In an instant, Michael's perspective of what is possible in life is changed. Dunning soon becomes Michael's mentor.

As a class assignment, each student is to make a short documentary film. Michael chooses body image as his topic and is quite surprised by the number and variety of respondents when he asks for people willing to be interviewed. It is an eye-opening experience for all who are part of the film, and for those who later watch the finished documentary.

Reading this book gives you a front seat in a roller-coaster of emotions. This is a sort of coming-of-age story as Michael expands his perspective of what is possible, experiences first love, learns to accept himself, and to live his life without apologies. A warm memorable read! I highly recommend it.

My sincere appreciation to all of the teachers and mentors who make a difference in the lives of others. Thank you!

Thanks also to Lake Union Publishing for permitting me to access a DRC via NetGalley. Publication is 5/6/25. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.

“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.”

Michael Without Apology is a beautifully heartwarming, emotional story and I am so glad I read it. When Michael was 7, he had a bad accident that involved playing with fireworks with his older brother. As a result of the accident, he almost died, was left with very intense scarring, and removed from his family’s home and put into foster care. Twelve years later, he’s a 19 year old college freshman, taking a beginner film course. He meets his new professor and notices that he is completely unapologetic about his own scars. Michael has always felt ashamed of his scars and feels like they make him less lovable. He has never gone swimming without a shirt or changed in front of anyone. He decides to make his student film about how others see themselves and the things they perceive as physical flaws. He learned that everyone has things that make them feel insecure and the resulting film changes his life and the lives of others. I’ve read a few books by Catherine Ryan Hyde and she has this incredible skill for writing characters and situations that truly touch your heart. Michael Without Apology highlights that skill perfectly. It had me in tears a couple of times and laughing in others. The strength of Michael and several of the other characters was absolutely incredible. This story has such an incredible message that I think most of us need to learn. I know I struggle greatly with scarring of my own. I know the sight of them can be shocking and feel self conscious when I see them by myself. It’s human nature to let that sort of thing to let color our self worth. But it doesn’t affect who we are in the ways that matter.

Catherine Ryan Hyde always delivers and her latest novel, Michael Without Apology, does exactly that. I found it to be a moving novel that explores themes of self-acceptance, trauma and especially the connections between characters. The author’s specialty is developing relationships between unique characters and in this novel you can’t help but fall in love with Michael. The story follows Michael Woodbine, a college freshman who has spent his life hiding the scars—both physical and emotional—left by a near-fatal fireworks accident that led to his placement in foster care. When Michael enrolls in a film class, he meets a professor who is unembarrassed about his own scars. Michael is inspired by his professor and embarks on a documentary project that examines body image and self-perception. Through interviews with people who feel rejected by society, Michael begins to see himself in a new light. His journey of self-discovery forces him to confront lingering doubts about his birth parents and their decision to give him up.
Michael really develops through his relationships with the other characters and at the end, each of the main characters have impacted the lives of those they’ve interacted with. This book has all the feels and it leaves you with such a wonderful heartwarming feeling.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC Advance Reader Copy of this novel for review purposes.

This novel is a powerful story about the beauty of human connection. Michael, marked by scars from a devastating accident, has spent his life hiding, burdened by shame. But when he meets a professor who wears his own scars openly, something shifts within him. Through their shared experience, Michael begins to understand that imperfections don’t isolate us; they unite us.

This was a really touching story about embracing the truth of who we are, unapologetically. It reminds us that vulnerability is not a weakness but a bridge—a way for people to see one another fully and deeply. The relationships Michael forms throughout the novel are rich with sincerity, reinforcing the idea of building connection when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable with others.

An absolutely beautiful novel! Catherine Ryan Hyde is one of my top three favorite authors.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

"Michael Without Apology" by Catherine Ryan Hyde is a heartbreaking and highly emotional read that explores themes of overcoming obstacles, love, loss, and self-acceptance. The book is powerful and raw, making it a relatable and lovely read.

The story is full of emotional depth. The main character is well-developed and complex. The author's writing is evocative and moving, making it easy to become invested in the story.

The book explores themes of love and loss in a way that is both poignant and thought-provoking. The author's portrayal of these themes is raw and honest, making the story feel authentic and relatable.

Overall, "Michael Without Apology" is a beautiful read that will resonate with readers who enjoy character-driven stories. The book's emotional depth and powerful themes make it a compelling read that will stay with readers long after they finish the book. I loved this book.

Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this Advanced Release Copy.

Every book I read of Catherine Ryan Hyde’s becomes my new favorite. I don’t know if it’s because she keeps getting better or if it’s the freshest in my mind. I guess it doesn’t really matter. I do know that she creates wonderful characters and puts them in unique situations. Michael is now my favorite character she has created. He grows so much as the story develops. It was a joy to go along for his journey.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an ARC of this novel.

Catherine Ryan Hyde is a remarkably prolific writer, turning out a new novel roughly every six months. Her stories are fast-paced, generally under 250 pages, gripping, and very human. Michael Without Apology is her most recent, and follows her winning formula. But even winning formulas have their drawbacks.

Considering that her main characters usually have plenty of struggles, they are very self-contained, even when they are meant to be expressing emotion. Michael, 19 and starting college, was seriously burned in an accident at the age of 8. His slightly older brother Thomas, a known troublemaker already, was the instigator. After a long hospitalization and much surgery, Michael was left with permanent scarring over his upper body. Thomas was in injured. Both boys were sent to foster families because their parents’ negligence was largely to blame for the incident. Thomas returned to them, but Michael was adopted by his fosters. Unlike his biological parents, who drink and use drugs, they are ideal, almost supernaturally understanding (dad) and over-protective but self-aware (mom). But Michael nurses a wound based on his childhood belief that they wanted his brother back but rejected him. Along with the trauma of the accident and his fear of revealing his physical scars, this hurt and anger are part of him.

Yet Michael could not be a nicer, more thoughtful, more compassionate young man. He is very handsome and just plain nice, but he functions by literally covering up. Until his first film class, when he meets a professor (Bob), who is severely facially disfigured, also due to a childhood accident. He is stunned by the man’s direct attitude—he tells his students to stare all they like. He is unapologetic. refuses to hide, and understands the feelings of curiosity, fear and pity his appearance arouses.

When Michael feels compelled to show Bob his own scars, they instantly form a tight relationship. The professor, without judgment or indeed emotion, teaches Michael to live without apology, and to be unafraid of others’ reactions. For each of us, he insists, ‘it takes practice to become a person.’

The rest of the story focuses on Michael’s class project. Telling all his students that their topics can be anything at all, so long as they care about them personally, Bob fully supports Michael’s decision to interview volunteers who have body scars. His campus poster quickly draws in half a dozen serious contenders, including Bob, the professor. All of them choose to appear naked (or mostly) on screen. Including Michael.

Each participant has their own reason for being there, but they each come through, learning much about their relationships with themselves and others. Michael, by the end, and not without struggle, comes ever closer to Bob’s ideal of living without apology.

Much of the action takes place in a calendar year, which helps to justify the clipped writing, quick decisions and instant choices about far-reaching issues, as well as the speed with which things develop, are processed as lessons, and then pass. Not only does Michael experience personal transformation, but also first love, a career path that develops as though ordained that way, and (admittedly a few years later by way of an epilogue), adulthood as usually defined. It’s as though Michael’s first 19 years were a form of stasis; in truth, he feared change, as traumatized people often do. This is a fine up-lifting story and, with such a charismatic main character, who could help but cheer him every step of the way? At the same time, though, it all seems a bit too facile. The main characters, including Michael, seem to rationalize their way through even the most dramatic moments. They are rarely alone with their own thoughts. The entire reading experience, although engaging enough, feels like a TV program: the characters react, change scenes, and shift responses rapidly. The dialogue occasionally feels scripted, as though everyone knows in advance what they should say. Even the young Thomas and Michael sound much older and wiser than typical kids. There is nothing inherently wrong with this approach, and I’m sure I’ll read the next offering by this author too. It’s just that, for such a tale of human suffering, compassion,and healing, I find it odd that I didn’t once shed a tear.

A split second decision. A life altering moment.

Michael, at a young age, experiences a traumatic event that impacts his life moving forward. As a young adult, he finds a creative way to channel his thoughts and feelings, leading to healing not only for himself but for many others. This is a moving look at trauma, grief, feelings of abandonment, love, friendship and acceptance. It challenges human tendencies to "judge a book by its cover". I found myself looking introspectively and asking myself questions such as...What holds me back? What are my discomforts? While I wasn't completely satisfied with the ending, this story will no doubt stimulate character related discussions.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for the advanced copy via NetGalley. These opinions are entirely my own. Now I feel the need to go and watch an inspiring documentary!

5 emotional stars for me. I felt this one in my core. I listened to the audio version (and switched to kindle at times) and raced through it (I'm usually much longer listening to audio books). The Michael Crouch, the narrator was wonderful and the story emotional and heartwarming.
I really enjoyed the relationship Michael had with his professor Robert Dunning and how he guided him througout his film. The relationships Michael made with his subjects was great, and I loved everything he learned along the way. He seemed like a sponge, soaking up all the information and opening up his mind. He had an up and down journey along the way, and the support from his (adoptive) parents was great to see.

Trigger warning - the fact I read this book the week I started a new chemo treatment may have impacted on my views - but I loved it!

Thanks to Netgalley and Brilliance Publishing for my audio version and Lake Union Publishing for the kindle version.

Reading a book written by Catherine Ryan Hyde always gives me a lesson in humanity. In Michael Without Apology, we meet a young boy from a troubled family who is severely burned in a fireworks accident. As he is placed in foster care and eventually adopted, he nurses the feeling that he is not wanted by his birth-family because of his injuries. When we meet Michael as a young college student entering the field of film making, we see him begin to evolve and want to face the world as he is, to no longer hide or be ashamed of what his body looks like to others. Which brings him to decide to do a documentary about people who worry and stress about their bodies and appearance. The stories that follow of the people who have volunteered to be a part of his film are at times both heart-wrenching and inspirational. The making of his film "Here I Am" teaches Michael many life lessons along the way, including love, shame, acceptance, understanding, and empathy. Along with that he knows he has to face his birth parents to be able to overcome the feelings of abandonment he feels towards them. The characters in Michael's life story play an important part in helping him to accept himself as he is, to see the world through the eyes of others, and to become an independent young man. This is a book well worth the read which will make the reader do a little soul-searching about their own imperfections and acceptance of those of others. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this advance reader copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. ##NetGalley #MichaelWithoutApology

Thank you so much Lake Union Publishing.

I love Catherine Ryan Hyde's novels so much. She tugs on heartstrings and writes such wonderful characters. Michael is no exception. I loved his story and how he used his creativity to tell the world about himself. I hope we can all learn empathy from him.

When I see Catherine has a new book coming out, I race to get an advanced copy because I know I’m going to love it, but I had no idea with this one!

“It was also intense and exhausting to be so directly seen.”

Michael is such a special young man. He has been through so much in his life. I love how he connects with people, even though he’s spent his life closing himself off. You want to hear everything he has to say. Every person he meets brings something so special into his life, and subsequently, the story.

“My accident. With the fireworks. It was like I did a wrong thing, but only for a second.... Like, it just seems wrong that I can’t undo it. Just walk up to that second and do something different.”

This is such a touching and beautiful read that will give you all the feels. It’s so thoughtful you’re going to find many things to love about it.

This book was so powerful from the very beginning. I think the main message and the thing that stuck out to me most was just CONNECTION. The connection between Michael and the nurse (As a former nurse) was beautiful. The connection throughout the book with Michael and so many people throughout this book was just amazing. Rex, Madeleine, Robert, every cast member, Caroline, his foster parents. As someone who has had 3 brain surgeries and literally had to grieve a version of my life that no longer exists, i resonated with every word of this book. This book had such a beautiful way of showcasing that everybody has different insecurities, whether it be with your body, your family, your history, grieving a past version of yourself and your life. I highlighted SO MANY quotes in here it's not even funny. As a nurse, one of the most profound moments was Michael reconnecting with the firefighter who responded to his accident because working in Healthcare, you most often treat and move on without ever knowing what happens with the people you help. This made me cry so many tears. I cannot tell you how many times I had to tell my husband to ignore me ugly crying. If you want to read a book this year that will genuinely move you, read this. Just read this. I can't give this infinite stars, so I'll settle with 5.
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This is a remarkable novel that imparts great wisdom without being preachy or condescending. It embraces the human condition with compassion and sensitivity engendering self-acceptance and, even, self-love. Finally, it explores the capacity to reframe experiences when given new information and new possibilities that support healing traumatic emotional wounding. While it is heart-wrenching in some respects, the overall message is inspirational and uplifting.

Michael (Costa) Woodbine sustains life-threatening injuries at age seven that leaves him with psychological and physical scars. The physical trauma is compounded by his birth parents’ relinquishment of their parental rights as Michael is adopted by the Woodbines. His disfigurement has led him to believe that he must hide his scars, never revealing them to anyone but his immediate family and health care professionals. All that begins to change when Michael encounters Mr. Bob Denning, his professor, in a filmmaking class. Denning, who has severe scars on his face and hands, unapologetically addresses the issue at the first class by encouraging the students to look, stare and ask questions. The story unfolds as Michael develops a documentary which reveals how much of our lives are limited by apologizing – both overtly and covertly – for who we are.

I thoroughly enjoyed accompanying Micael on his journey of self-discovery and healing. I seldom read books for a second time, but this is a book that I will revisit again. I am deeply grateful to the author for sharing her insight and wisdom.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

romance

****TRIGGER WARNING: Major surgery, burns, cancer, fostering, complex relationships****

I really loved Pay It Forward (book and movie), so I was eager to review another book by Catherine Ryan Hyde. Michael is scarred for life during a fireworks display when he’s seven. Years later, at 19, he meets a film teacher, Robert Dunning, who has physical scars of his own. I really enjoyed Michael Without Apology. Michael’s backstory was so strong, whether the fostering part or the part about filming. I liked how honest and open Robert was, too.

I felt like I was invited on a very personal journey. Michael Without Apology is a lesson in life. It’s about learning who and how you are and loving yourself. The struggle to accept past and present.

I really liked Madeline and her relationship with Michael. It shows age doesn’t matter. Rex’s backstory was interesting, as was his relationship with his wife.

Difference, and society’s attitude towards those of us they perceive as different is a theme.

I have scars from multiple brain surgeries because of hydrocephalus which is one of my disabilities. I identified with the feeling uncomfortable with your body and the struggle to feel comfortable with it.

Michael Without Apology is incredibly powerful, personal and raw. It’s immersive, happy, sad and hopeful. The fast-paced story is gripping and I was hooked. I finished it in an afternoon.

It is memorable and unforgettable. I think everyone should read this whether they’ve had surgery or not, as it shows that there are physical as well as psychological scars, and that the journey to healing can be a rollercoaster. It definitely is for each of the characters in this book. Friendship or love is very important too.

5 stars but it deserves more. Michael Without Apology is one of my favorite books of 2025.

Thanks to Catherine Ryan Hyde and Lake Union Publishing for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review

4.5⭐️
(ARC review) — Thank you to author Catherine Ryan Hyde and her publisher Lake Union Publishing. I received an Advanced Reader Copy for the May 2025 release of 𝘔𝑖𝘤ℎ𝘢𝑒𝘭 𝘞𝑖𝘵ℎ𝘰𝑢𝘵 𝘈𝑝𝘰𝑙𝘰𝑔𝘺 in exchange for my honest review.

This was unexpected. A coming of age journey of a young man who is physically scarred and how he’ll embrace the cards that been dealt to him. Acceptance from yourself and the grace to accept others treatment of you. It’s a heartbreaking but is also hopeful and uplifting.

Just a beautifully written story, the ending got a bit slow but really enjoyed this book. This was my first time reading this author.

I like how the story shows how we all look at life differently, it can be our bodies, our encounters with certain people and wishing it turned out differently or it could be how we think about what happens after we die, but it is in finding out about how others feel that made Michael accept what he went through. I found it brave for the character Michael to even approached the subject of his body at all but it is through talking with others about their bodies that he stopped hiding himself and allowed himself to have relationships with others. I could relate to the characters in the story because I had a lot of self doubt about my body too, until I discovered that everyone has them and you really can't stop it.
I like most of the secondary characters, but the ones that seem to stand out the most were those that were being taped and that talked about their body image and how their bodies effected how they related to others and how others related to them, some of them made me very sad. I also liked that when Michael reveal why he has hidden his body to those being taped that those people actually became more open about their stories and feel closer to Michael.
Although, there is a lot more to the story then the filming of how Michael feels about his body, they just don't seem as important as how Michael heals himself and other by telling his story and find out that he fine the way he is.

I want to thank Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an advance copy of a story of how we feel that we are the only ones with those feelings and we are not.

Hyde always knows how to write a powerful story and this one is no exception. Michael is taking a film class and decides to do a documentary about people who have a problem with the way their bodies look. He has major burns in his body so he is expecting those with trauma like his and to his shock, he gets a much wider variety of people than he expected.

This book is a kind, generous and honest journey Michael takes to find his way back to his own body and his own life so that he can live it to its fullest extent without apology. It's powerful and sweet and touching.

with gratitude to Lake Union Publishing and netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.