If you are going to read just one book this year make, it this one. It is an amazing story about a young film student who comes to grips with his own upbringing by making a film about others and their perception of themselves. The subject matter is dealt with so sensitively and is put into a novel that is incredibly readable. You won't want to put it down, just make sure you have the tissues handy.

Catherine Ryan Hyde is one of my favorite authors. She continues to be one of those authors I read as a palate cleanser and trust her formula will generally be the same each time. Her latest book is entitled “Michael Without Apology” and it was another solid read for me.

When Michael Woodbine was seven years old he had a near-fatal accident involving fireworks. His life, as he knew it, was changed forever. Not only was he left with scars, but he was placed in foster care. The book primarily takes place while Michael is 19 years old, but there are a couple chapters that describe the accident and its aftermath.

The first three-quarters of the book were relatively fast-paced for me. I enjoyed how the chapters were primarily structured around his film class, his movie idea, and the interviews he does for the movie. I also liked how he found a mentor in his film professor and how the focus of his film was allowed to organically change by him. The last part of the book was satisfactory, but dragged slightly for me. However, I did like how the book ended.

Overall, I recommend this book. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.

Catherine Ryan Hyde is a master storyteller!

I loved ‘Michael without Apology’ on all fronts; storyline, characters, subject matter of the novel, as well as the depth and tenderness with which the author tackled body dysmorphia and other subjects that are usually hard to deal with in a such sensitive manner.

I highly recommend it, for it’s a book that will stay with me for a long time.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the e-ARC.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this story and was rooting for the main character- Michael all the way. As a child he was badly burned which resulted in foster care and his eventual adoption by good people. The title comes from his acceptance of his burns rather than shame. The story delves into how many of us have something about our physical appearance that we hate, or are ashamed of- something that makes us “less than” and how we tend to go though life apologizing for things we shouldn’t. It made me reflect on a boy with terrible acne in my high school, and how he was treated- as though it was some sort of fault of his. Though I didn’t participate in the taunting, I also didn’t stand up either and feel really bad about it now. We as a society place far too much value on looks and this book reminds us of it. Overall Good story with an uplifting message.

My primary challenge that kept this story from 5 stars was the lack of realism and complexity of the characters- Michael is saintly though out the book. As is his college professor, friends and adopted parents. I think they all become more accepting, but were all pretty great to start with so not much room for growth. His birth parents and brother remain unchanged also. It think it would have would have been more interesting to have seen Michael struggle a bit more with dating. A good relationship has nothing to do with looks- its just hard work and takes lots of compromise. His movie star handsome face opened doors for him that a less attractive person may have found closed. That struggle could have been interesting- acceptance of yourself even when others tell you that you lack.
Final pet peeve-instant success in the film industry including a lucrative job and a home purchase in California right from the start. Pure fantasy.

We all have scars, some are inward, some are outward, and some are both. We each handle them in our own way, and we often think that ours are worse than those of others. While this is a work of fiction, this is the premise that Michael researches due to the scars, both emotional and physical in his own life. It is an extremely thought-provoking story that may make you spend a little time thinking about your own scars and how they impact the way that you relate to others. Thank you to NetGalley for the advance read copy.

One thing you are guaranteed with a Catherine Ryan Hyde book is heart. This book has it and some. A great story with a message that will make you stop and think about your own life. And following my 5* rule as in shed more than one tear on more than one occasion this is a very strong 5* read from me.

Wow another great book from Catherine Ryan Hyde! Michael has felt different and like he doesn't belong most of his life. He tells his story and the story of others like him in a beautiful way.

With S0cial, Emotional Learning (SEL) being such a huge push in schools today, Michael Without Apology is a huge win! I am already a fan of Catherine Ryan Hyde, and her book Stay is my all-time favorite to date; Michael Without Apology is a tie with Stay! After reading the description of the book, I seriously wondered how the protagonist would have even survived, but survive he did, and when faced with a Capstone film assignment, he creates something memorable for his fellow characters and for us as readers. I literally could not put it down and read it in one sitting. As a high school media specialist, I have preordered and will be recommending this title for required Summer reading. It's REALLY hard not spoiling the really good stuff, but I will say, Catherine Ryan Hyde is one of--if not THE best--author when it comes to character development. You will not be disappointed.

Michael Without Apology” by Catherine Ryan Hyde is an inspirational, thoughtful, and engaging read that resonates deeply. Hyde’s writing style is captivating, weaving a narrative that is both poignant and uplifting. The characters are relatable and well-developed, making this book a must-read for anyone seeking a story about self-acceptance and personal growth.

The protagonist, Michael, embarks on a journey of self-discovery, navigating the complexities of body image and acceptance. His story is interwoven with powerful life lessons, including the importance of embracing one’s true self without apology. Hyde’s ability to craft characters that evoke empathy and understanding is a testament to her skill as a writer. Overall, this book is a compelling exploration of love, loss, and resilience, leaving a lasting impact on readers.

#thankyounetgalley

Another outstanding book by Catherine Ryan Hyde! I absolutely love everyone of her books! They are all so different and teach us so much!
This is another one that you don't want to miss out on.

Michael appears handsome to others, but, at 19 years old, he’s never gone swimming without a t-shirt or showered in the locker room with the other boys. On his first day of film class, his professor has scars that can’t be hidden with a shirt. He points this out and says there is no shame. Michael gets the idea that for his student film assignment, he can interview other people who have issues with their bodies. He quickly finds that almost everyone dislikes some part of their appearance, and the people he interviews for his film covers a variety of those topics: Too skinny, too many pregnancies, age, scars from surgery. By sharing these personal stories, it helps give other perspective and to know they are not alone.

I teared up more than once. There were a couple things that strained credulity, but I really enjoyed the characters, their journeys, and what they had to say about their experiences.

NetGalley provided an advance reader copy, which RELEASES MAY 6, 2025.

Catherine Ryan Hyde is one of my favourite authors. Her work is always honest, sometimes raw, but gripping. This book is no exception. Michael was seven when an accident involving fireworks scarred him badly and led to his being put in foster care. His scars were bad enough for him but even worse is not knowing the reason his parents abandoned him. There is heartbreak, humor, romance and the beginning of self awareness and self acceptance. Beautiful story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Michael, a nineteen year old student decides to make a film about body image for his class project. When he was seven, he had an accident with fireworks and was disfigured. As he interviews people the documentary becomes much more about acceptance of your self and others. The story was fast paced and teary at times.

Thank you to Lake Union and NetGalley for the digital early copy.

Through the perspective of the titular character, Michael, and a narrative told partly in flashback, we learn in detail the ramifications of his childhood trauma, adoption and abandonment issues but, despite the heavy subject matter, the book never strays into 'trauma lit' territory. The portrayal of Michael's childhood issues remains wistful and sensitive - the writer has a light touch, without trivialising the things that he has experienced, to paint in broad strokes a picture of a young man growing into himself - being set partly on a college campus, I was reminded of the same bittersweet tone of the film 'Good Will Hunting', the similar journey to understanding oneself that Will goes through, I could definitely categorise this novel as something of a Bildungsroman, and the novel satisfyingly concludes with Michael, grown-up and successful, a father himself.

Thanks you to netgalley and the publishers for the complimentary eArc.

Catherine Ryan Hyde does it again. It is a beautiful story about tragedy, love, and forgiveness. The reader meets Michael as a young boy when a tragic accident changes the trajectory of his life. The reader follows Michael as he attends college, creates films, falls in love, and becomes successful.
It is hard not to fall in love with the characters and root for Michael. I highly recommend this story; it will make you feel good about life and humanity

This is the first book I have read by Catherine Ryan Hyde and i have found a new favorite author. I love books that make you feel things and Michael without Apology was so well written I thought it was a memoir until I saw who wrote it.

When Michael was a kid, he had an accident that changed his appearance and his life forever. Fast forward to years later when Michael is a young man with autism who is navigating his first day of college. He meets a professor who challenges his way of thinking and leads him down an aspiring path.

This timeline jumps around to different times in Michael's life but is easy to follow and doesn't have more characters than is necessary to tell the story. This story is incredible! In navigates several tough topics, such as scarring, how we see our selves versus how others see us, how being a human is hard, how we all have things we dislike about ourselves, age-gap romances, second changes at love, adoption, child neglect, and being unapologetically yourself. This is one of those stories that everyone needs to read!

Special thanks to Catherine Ryan Hyde and Lake Union Publishing for working with NetGalley. I received this Advance Reader a copy in exchange for my honest opinion and review. This book has a publish date of May 6th 2025.

Another great novel by CRH. I read all of her books as they are released. I am always surprised that she finds meaningful issues to bring to my attention.
Michael without Apology deals with body dysmorphia. Michael suffered a disfiguring injury as a child that caused him to withdraw from emotional connections and hide his body from others.
Michael is inspired by a professor who has very obvious facial disfigurement and is very open and unapologetic about it. Michael learns during the process of making a short movie for his class that everyone has anxiety about his appearance and that there is no shame in being who you are.
Highly recommended.

Loved this book about accepting who we are, flaws and all. This is a tender hearted story about people embracing themselves and others for every part of them, the good, the bad, the ugly. Learning to love ourselves no matter what and extending that love to others. Thanks to NetGalley, publishers, and of course the amazing Catherine Ryan Hyde for this ARC in exchange for my review. This author never disappoints!

Michael is a 19 year old college student whose life is changed on the first day of his freshman film class when his professor, with burn scars all over his body, invites his students to stare and get their fill, with the words "this is me, get used to it."
When Michael, who's own chest and thighs are covered with burn and graft scars decides to make his film about body image we dive deep into subjects of self discovery and acceptance, empathy, grief and taking risks.

This is my third book by this author and I have enjoyed them all. They do at times come off as a bit like a Hallmark movie, but I'm ok with that. I loved many of the characters here, especially the 103 year old WW2 survivor, and the relationship between Michael and his professor was very well done. If you have enjoyed the authors previous books you will love this one too, and if you haven't read any and enjoy stories that are both heartwarming and heart wrenching, give this a try.

Thank you to net galley and Lake union publishing for the e galley in return for an honest review.

Catherine Ryan Hyde is so underrated. She really knows how to tell a story. I loved this book so much!

The book talks a lot about body image and accepting yourself. A great message! I highly recommend this one!

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