The impact of a good teacher lasts a lifetime, and this novel is evidence of just that. I absolutely loved both Michael’s and Mr. Dunning’s characters. A beautiful, poignant story about self-acceptance and love.

I was delighted to see there was a new Catherine Ryan Hyde book out and thrilled to be approved to get an early copy. Michael is a young man who has just started college. He's handsome but he has deep insecurity about some physical scars on his torso. The book flips back and forth between Michael now, learning to accept himself and when he was a child and the accident that caused them. Its an easy read though predictable.

Michael Without Apology by Catherine Ryan Hyde was such a powerful story. A five star read! I loved it!

This is a story of Michael learning to accept himself with his scars and becoming a person, as Mr.Dunning put it. I loved Michael and Mr. Dunning, his teacher in his film class. Yet another example of how great Hyde is at drawing characters.

Mr. Dunning has the insights that Michael needs. I was so invested in the characters not just Michael and Mr. Dunning, but all of the people who helped Michael make his movie. I didn't want to put the book down to go to bed. It was just that good.

This book will make you think not just about the characters, but about the scars everyone carries, even if they hide them. I am very much like Mr. Dunning, I accept my body for what it is and I make no apologies for it, but others may not be so kind as to accept me as I am.

I wish people everywhere could read this book and see just how words can have such a huge impact on someones life, be they good ones or bad.

Go grab this book, you won't regret it!

Special thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of this book. Catherine Ryan Hyde is one of my favorite authors and this book just re-iterated why I love her so much. I could not put, 'Michael Without Apology' down and it will be one of those books that stick with me for a long time. This book is so much more than an entertaining story; it is a lesson for all of us about the 'scars' that we all carry and how we can learn to accept and love despite these flaws. I'm at a loss for words on how to describe this fully because there is just so much to dissect and love. Do yourself a favor and read this book!

Thank you, Lake Union Publishing for the copy of Michael Without Apology by Catherine Ryan Hyde. This is a story of Michael learning to accept himself with his scars and becoming a person, as Mr.Dunning put it. By the time I reached 5%, I loved Michael and Mr. Dunning, his teacher in his film class. It showed how great Hyde is at drawing characters. Dunning has insights that Michael really needs and I wish I had this book or teacher like Mr. Dunning when I was younger. By 15%, I had already teared up twice because of Hyde’s compelling storytelling skill, and I was so invested in the characters. After I reached 25%, I knew I wouldn’t be able to put the book down until I finished it, and I didn’t. Don’t miss this book, I promise it will make you think not just about the characters, but about the scars everyone carries, even if they hide them.

I have not read a story quite like this. It was just absolutely beautiful. All the heartstrings pulled. I could not recommend this book enough. It’d be a great book club pick. A lot to discuss with it. So wonderfully done!!

I have loved Catherine Ryan Hyde books in the past and wanted to love this one. The thing is - the concept was great, the writing was solid , but I just did not click with the pacing. I also wished for more description. I couldn't get an idea of what anyone looked like (minus scarring/burns/etc). However, as always, Hyde's books make me THINK. Which is a gift of a book.

I read all the author's books; this latest one was terrific. I thought the connection between the main character and his professor was engaging and authentic. The way Hyde writes just sucks you in! I couldn't put this one down. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.