Another great book by Catherine Ryan Hyde. I just loved this story. This is such a wonderful story about loving yourself for who you are no matter if you have scars, body shamed by other people or just feel like you are different. This is all about not having to apologize for anything. I just loved Michael and loved watching him grow and learn that it doesn't matter how you look or feel. Just accepting you the way you are and no apology's for it. Just a wonderful written story. Thank you NetGalley and Lakeunion for the ARC and my honest opinion.

Like this author's previous novels, Michael Without Apology is a heartwarming story that is filled with conflict but that is ultimately uplifting. We initially meet Michael at age seven and learn of the tragic fireworks accident that left him scarred and placed in foster care. Now at age nineteen, Michael is in college in a film class with an instructor who provides Michael with the opportunity and the means to re-examine his life as he opts to make his film-project one that explores negative body image. Michael is surprised to learn that it's not just external scars that adversely affect how people view their bodies. Michael Without Apology is a fascinating study in human nature. Another feel-good novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde, well-worth reading.

Catherine Ryan Hyde is one of those authors that is bound to leave you with an emotional hangover after you finish one of her books... Her stories being part inspirational fiction and part what you can call a true emotional rollercoaster ride. The premise of Michael Without Apology sounded like it would fall under the same category, and I was especially intrigued by both the documentary angle and Michael's journey itself. And what a story it turned out to be!

Michael Without Apology is, like the title already suggests, Michael's story and journey to self-acceptance. This means both chapters set in the present when he is in college and a couple of flashbacks that take him to the time of his near-fatal fireworks accident and the aftermath... The flashbacks were very well incorporated into the plot and really helped add more dept to the story. It also helped explaining more about the man he grew up to be and why he thought he had to hide himself.

This isn't just Michael's journey though, as there are a couple of other characters that play a key role in his journey. These characters were all developed in a way that made it very easy to warm up to them, and I especially loved their interactions with Michael and how they contributed in his growth and journey. I don't want to give away too much, what can I say is that reading Michael Without Apology is a real emotional rollercoaster and it's definitely recommended to have some tissues at hand just in case... But I could appreciate how these moments felt natural instead of primarily being added to turn this story into a tearjerker.

There are a lot of inspirational quotes and messages to be found along the way, which can be seen as a bit over the top, but I think that in this story in particular it somehow just works. I could really appreciate the message that Michael Without Apology was trying to portray, and I loved reading about Michael's journey. This book has definitely reminded me how much I enjoy Catherine Ryan Hyde's stories, and I hope to pick up more of her backlist soon.

A beautiful story full of tragedy that will break your heart into a million pieces. Catherine Ryan Howard is such a wonderful storyteller and this one is no exception.

I am always in awe of stories by Catherine Ryan Hyde. Her characters have an innocence about them and there is always deep emotional impact with her themes. Michael Without Apology was another great moving story. Michael is a film student embarking on his first film. His past includes a great deal of trauma due to a firework accident he was in when he was young and he has always hidden the scars. Through the film and the people he encounters while making it, he is able to change his perspective. He never would have thought putting up a request on the board at the college asking for people who are uncomfortable with their bodies or how they look would result in those who answered the ad. This book delves into the body image and self-perception and how we shouldn’t have to apologize for everything when we have not done anything wrong. I highly recommend reading this book.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher, Lake Union Publishing, for an ARC of this book which I had the pleasure of reading. All opinions are my own. Publication date: May 6, 2025

This book drew me in right from the very start it is both thought provoking and heartbreaking and I found myself tearing up on several occasions it was so emotive. I loved it and can't wait to read more by the author

A favorite author of mine. This book is such a good one. Both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Catherine Ryan Hyde always gives you something to think about and makes you shed lots of tears. I've read so many of her books and will continue too.

There are a few characters that you will love. Each has a story. Tim is the janitor and has always been stick thin. He hates how he looks. Rex, who is 103 years old, was an olympic silver medalist during Hitler's reign. At the start of it. Rex was only fifteen at that time. Tanya is the mother of five and has a lot to say also. Madeleine is an older women who had a double mastectomy and whom Michael has a fling with. Then there is the professor who started it all, Robert Dunning. He is the professor of Michael's film class he's taking. The one who has scars of his own. Very visible scars that he calls attention to the first day. He refuses to hide them. Michael has scars too. He's kept them hidden though. He was afraid of people's reaction. Until he met Mr Dunning...

This book takes you through each of the of each people lives I named. How they came to meet Michael and how he interacted with each. Though he really only met them briefly they all left a huge imprint on his life. Made him into the adult and husband he was to be.

Michael is raised from age eight up by his adoptive parents. They were his foster parents and they loved him so unconditionally and adopted him. His birth parents gave them full freedom to do so. It hurt Michael and he felt like it was because of what happened to him. He loved his adoptive parents unconditionally also. He didn't want to see his birth parents ever. Michael had a good life. He was loved and loved his parents.

You find out everything about what happened to Michael and each of the people he interviewed and why he did this interview. How it developed and ended. All you need is there. No questions left unanswered.

This is a very emotional story that had me weeping in parts. You just never know what scars a person is carrying. Be wary of judgement as it could be something that can't be helped.

I gave Michael Without Apology three ⭐️⭐️⭐️. Thank you Catherine Ryan Hyde, Lake Union Publishing and Net Galley for the ARC. These are my honest opinions.

I enjoyed this book and it captured my attention from the very beginning. I immediately had empathy for Michael, the main character. The book takes him from the age of seven until he’s 25 and we get to see him grow as a person and figure some things out.

Things happen very fast in this book, but that’s to be expected since it’s less than 300 pages. So, some things are fast tracked.

I loved the story arc and the whole premise of the book as it’s different, in good ways, from other books lit there right now.

So, why three stars? I felt like most of the people Michael interacted with had some profound wisdom that was life altering. And that just isn’t realistic. At the end I found myself trying to skim over some of that profound wisdom because there was too much of it.

But, it’s an excellent story!

Michael Without Apology is my second book from Catherine Ryan Hyde she is now a must read for me! She explores tough topics that reminds me of Jodi Picolt but, in an easier and quicker reading format. All of us seem to be uncomfortable about the way we look and Michael, the MMC, has been involved in a life changing accident when he was 7 that has left him scared in many ways. Fast forward to his time in college when he takes a film making class and meets an inspiring instructor that supports him in making a short film for the course that explores his and many others' body image issues. The relationship between Michael and Mr. Dunning reminded me a little bit of Tuesdays with Morrie. The film takes Michael on a journey and the novel teaches the reader many life lessons and explores many relationships that were heartwarming and emotional. This is a must for the top of your TBR!

Thank you Net Galley, Catherine Ryan Hyde and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to preview this title. The opinions shared are my own.
Michael Without Apology is expected to be released May 6, 2025.

This is an intensely moving book, beautifully written giving pause for thought regarding body image and the fear and insecurity often felt by people who are damaged or scarred physically. Michael's scars came about after an accident with a firework when he was 7 years old. As a 19 year old film student he meets a college professor who is himself, badly scarred and this man becomes his mentor and example of living a life with a less than perfect body, making no apology for it and allowing people to have a good look on first sight and then move on and accept the person for who they are as the affected person makes no apology on behalf of himself for his imperfections. Michael makes a film about body image meeting people with various physical issues and showing their stories and their resolve to live life unapologetically. This is touching and thought provoking and it gently, but cleverly, raises important issues and gives wise counsel. I really enjoyed this book and thank Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for my honest review.
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The story follows 19-year-old Michael, a college freshman still grappling with the emotional and physical scars from a devastating childhood accident. Removed from his home and placed in foster care after a firework incident nearly killed him, Michael has spent years hiding his body and burying his pain. But a chance encounter with a new professor—who wears his own scars without apology—begins to shift Michael’s perspective.

When Michael decides to center his student film on how people view their flaws and insecurities, it becomes a powerful catalyst for transformation—not just for himself, but for those around him. Hyde skillfully balances moments of vulnerability and humor, crafting a narrative that’s both uplifting and thought-provoking. While the plot unfolds in a quiet, introspective way, it’s Michael’s emotional journey that leaves the strongest impact. His growth is authentic, his voice sincere, and his story universally resonant. The novel reminds readers that scars—visible or hidden—don’t define us, and learning to accept them is an act of bravery. Touching and inspiring, the novel offers a powerful message about finding worth beyond appearances.

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.