The storytelling was excellent and I loved rooting for Michael. The storytelling was heartwarming, sad, touching and profound. It dragged a little here and there but I really enjoyed the content and message throughout the book.

What a fantastic book with a wonderful cast of characters and a message that will surely impact anyone who reads it! Michael is a college freshman taking his first film class. His past is traumatic - he was severely burned over his torso in a fireworks accident at age 7 leading to removal from his parents and adoption by a couple who love and support him. When he meets his film professor, he is shocked to see a man who also has burn scars that are visible on his face and hands. Yet his new mentor invites people to stare and teaches Michael to be unapologetic about how he looks. Thus, Michael decides to make his first film about body image. But his subjects and participants are very unexpected and Michael learns that body image has many different meanings. As he interviews his subjects and works on his project, he not only learns compassion but also finds his first love, experiences tremendous grief and begins to find a way to forgive his birth parents and heal from his trauma. I have to say that this review can’t possibly describe how beautifully written this book is. Body image issues are so prevalent but usually only addressed in self help books or silly rom coms. This author manages to capture and convey so many thoughts and emotions behind the issues. Michael is a very mature nineteen year old but he also has emotional scars as well as physical ones that he must come to terms with. The character development is fantastic and Michael’s growth is inspiring. I really loved this book and highly recommend it!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own.

Do you have anything about your body or your looks that bothers you or causes you to feel insecure? Michael Woodbine does. When he was seven, he had a terrible accident, and since that night, he’s never felt the same about himself. Michael Without Apology by Catherine Ryan Hyde struck me as an odd title until I got much farther into the book. Eventually, it made sense.

Michael has body image issues, to be sure. That begins to change, however, the first day he steps into Mr. Robert Dunning’s classroom. Mr. Dunning is obviously scarred, and he unashamedly and boldy invites the class to go ahead and look, because it’s impossible not to see him. This is the beginning of a turning point for Michael, who up until now has never removed his shirt for anyone, never gone swimming since his childhood accident, never dated. Now, in this class, he has an assignment: Come up with a topic and make a movie.

He puts up a sign looking for volunteers. Who would be willing to speak to the camera about their body image? The results are unexpected and incredibly enlightening. Michael finds himself changing his view of others and of himself. Not only that, but he falls in love.

This story revolves primarily around Michael and his emotional journey. His scars are not just physical; they are also emotional because of what happened after his accident. As a twenty-year-old college student, he must choose whether he can face his birth family and hear the truth.

As usual, the author has created a story that readers can probably relate to. Likely, it will touch many readers, because if we’re honest, hasn’t there been a part of ourselves that we haven’t wanted others to see or that we didn’t wish we could change? No apologies. Here’s who I am. That’s the lesson Michael is trying to learn to accept and to live.

Thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and the author for an ARC copy of Michael Without Apology. My thought and opinions are my own.

5 stars

I was excited to be able to read Catherine ryan Hyde's new book. She is one of my very favorite authors and i have loved the books she has previously written. I recommend her books to all my friends.

Description:
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.

My Thoughts:
Hyde delves deep into characters and brings them alive. Michael's scars were terrible and he was so careful to hide them from everyone. I loved his journey of revelation through making his documentary and how it affected his own life and many others. As with all of Hyde's books this one makes you think about how you react to the situation and question how to do better - how to be a better person. I cheered Michael on throughout and loved the plot and the characters. Once again, I will be recommending to my friends.

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing through Netgalley for an advance copy.

Catherine Ryan Hyde has become one of my favorite authors in recent years, and I recommend her books every chance I get. I wasn't so sure how I would feel about Michael Without Apology, but once I started reading it I just couldn't stop. Her books are so full of human connection, something we seem to be drifting away from in this high-tech world. This book was a bit of a tough read because of its traumatic issues, but such a worthwhile read. Thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and the author for an advance copy to read and review.

I am giving this one three stars because, although I enjoyed most of it, it was not as good as the other books I have read by this author.

The story tells of Michael who was severely injured in a childhood accident. At that same time he was taken from his family and put into foster care. Luckily for him they were excellent foster parents and eventually adopted him. He is emotionally and physically scarred by his life's events until he meets a man who sets him on the path to recovery and success, and a woman he can love.

The book had highs and lows for me. There were times where it made me reach for the tissues but there were also times, particularly towards the end, when I felt the author was trying too hard to make sure I got the message.

As a child, Michael was involved in a fireworks accident, nearly losing his life. This accident left him with disfiguring scars and put him in a foster home. Though his foster parents are loving (and almost too caring, he sometimes thinks), Michael struggles with the knowledge that his birth parents chose to keep his brother, Thomas, and let him be adopted by his foster parents.

In college, at the urging of one of his professors, Michael makes a documentary about people with bodily insecurities, be it scarring, aging, etc. Through this project, Michael opens up to the idea of confronting his past.

I love the way Catherine Ryan Hyde tackles the subject of trauma. Her characters feel so realistic. Sometimes, it’s the little moments that add up to the big picture, and I feel like that illustration was exceptional in this book. Michael's growth was a treat to read.

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing a free digital ARC of the book.

I loved everything about this. From the very first page I couldn't wait to continue reading. I finished it in about a day. It was touching and entertaining and heartfelt. Highly recommend. Might be my favorite book of the year.

MICHAEL WITHOUT APOLOGY is the latest outstanding novel by one of my favorite authors, Catherine Ryan Hyde. I have read nearly twenty of this author’s books and loved every one. This one is a moving story of a young man’s journey to self-acceptance and fulfillment. Michael Woodbine suffered a near-fatal fireworks accident when he was just seven years old. The accident left him permanently scarred and placed in a foster home. He is eventually adopted by his loving foster parents, but he still struggles with the trauma of his injuries and having been rejected by his birth parents. At nineteen, Michael signs up for a filmmaking class at his college, where he meets teacher Robert Dunning, a man with visible scars of his own. When Michael decides to make a documentary about body image and self-perception, Mr. Dunning encourages him and even participates in his project. As Michael interviews people living with scarring, both physical and emotional, he gains a whole new perspective on his own life journey, filled with surprising and touching revelations. I couldn’t put down this emotional and thought-provoking book. The characters and the story will stay on my mind for a long time to come. Highly recommended! Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review an early copy.

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 obstacle: his crushing doubts about why his birth parents wouldn’t fight to keep him.

This book was a beautiful exploration of self acceptance. It's really ironic how we all feel so alone about all the same things. This was a fantastic book and I would highly recommend it to anyone, but especially those who struggle with themselves. Which is all of us. 5⭐

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

Catherine Ryan Hyde is one of my favourite authors, and she never disappoints. This one is poignant and powerful. I loved the themes of accepting oneself, healing from hurt and the power of love and human connection. Michael is dealing with a lot; he has both physical and emotional scars from an accident in his childhood. Hyde knows how to write emotional tales that pluck at the heartstrings, but she is also wonderful at creating interesting characters that are on inspiring journeys. Her characters rarely pity themselves and always draw on their inner strength. I loved the side characters as well; the ones Michael encounters along the way added different perspectives.

Hyde’s writing style is easy to read and always immersive; both the plot and the characters always have a way of drawing me into the story. She continually writes with compassion and is always inspiring. I enjoyed reading about Michael and watching him grow throughout the narrative, and facing his challenges of living with his scars both inside and out. While Hyde is sensitive about the issues, she doesn’t pull any punches and is always direct and never saccharine. And while some of Michael’s issues were hard to read about, Hyde managed to leave me feeling hopeful. Everyone has things they are dealing with and scars of some kind. Moving and very thought-provoking, this story is another testament to Hyde’s skill. All. The. Stars.

Michael Without Apology tells the story of a college student struggling with self-acceptance, and who finally stops looking away from his traumatic past. When Michael signs up for a film class, he meets Robert Dunning, a teacher who wears his own scars unapologetically. As he creates his documentary called "Here I Am," Michael learns that honesty, though often painful, can be profoundly freeing.

There was so much I loved about Michael Without Apology, but there was one thing that started to grate on me a little, and that was the fact that many characters in the book spoke in the same, perfect manner. It felt a little strange.

Don't get me wrong. This beautiful book about self-acceptance touched my heart. One of my favorite parts was when Michael was told he was too sensitive and he responded "Whenever I hear anybody tell anybody else they're too sensitive, all I hear is 'I want to feel free to say offensive things to you and it really inconveniences me when you mind.'" (I want a sign that states that!)

I believe there is something for everyone in Michael Without Apology, and I recommend it to one and all!

Big thanks, #LakeUnionPublishing, for providing this book for review and consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Michael Without Apology should be available for purchase in just two more days!

#CatherineRyanHyde #SelfAcceptance

Have you ever finished a book and thought how honored I am to have read this! This is my first Catherine Ryan Hyde book and I am not sure why I have waited so long. What a true blessing this book is, the message, the story, the characters just remarkable. This book shows us how meeting one person or several people in your life can send you down a path you never could have imagined. The main character Michael is on that journey and what a path he leads us down. The book starts with Michael and his brother Thomas and a life changing accident that Michael is so lucky to have survived, but injuries from this accident have kept him from being a normal kid. Michael´s journey is moving and thought provoking, this book will stay with me, a book I will recommend to many especially my children. Catherine Ryan Hyde you have changed my view of the world in the absolute best way, with so many profound tips, my favorite ¨Being a person takes practice¨.

Another great book by this author. I love how she gives us so much insight into many different themes and situations. The situations are usually between two different generations and how she brings them together so beautifully.
All of the books have a serious subject to portray, and make us think about things we know, but maybe have not paid that much attention to. I for one am glad to be able to feel, and relate to the different sides of these stories.
This story is about Michael Woodbine, who when he was seven yrs old ,had a serious accident with a firecracker, and now in college is still dealing with the aftermath and the scarring he has.
When Michael signs up for a film class, and sees that his teacher is scarred as well, and when the professor give the class an assignment to make a short documentary, he right away thinks about about that subject of scarring, or something that holds you back in life.
That brings the story to many different people and their interactions.
A great story with so much more to it.
I highly recommend this author, who has brought forth so many necessary topics, in a way that is easily told.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a copy of this book.

Michael is an amazing young man who has lived through childhood trauma. However, when he creates a film for his college class, he reaches a far audience and is able to truly begin to heal. Catherine Ryan Hyde’s books are wonderful! She pulls you right into the story and tugs at your heart. Once again, she has made me cry, laugh and cheer! Loved it!

Michael Without Apology is a novel by award-winning, best-selling American author, Catherine Ryan Hyde. Ever since a nasty firework accident when he was seven, Michael Woodbine has kept his scarred body covered. At nineteen, he’s an attractive young man with an interest in making films, and his first college film class is a revelation that has an unanticipated impact on his attitudes.

His teacher, Robert Dunning, has visible scarring which he doesn’t try to cover: “He tells people to look. He invites them to talk about it. He won’t be ashamed of it, and he won’t let anybody else be ashamed because of their reaction to it”.

The first assignment that Professor Dunning gives the class is a short film. Michael’s unusual idea, to film people talking about their body image problems, gets Dunning’s tick of approval, but he needs subjects to interview. The flier he puts on the college noticeboard is a little vague, with an unexpected result: people who call his number, interested in participating, aren’t scarred the way he is, but Dunning tells him “you can never go far wrong by following the direction in which the universe is pushing you.”

He learns a lot about life from his interview subjects, even though some of their problems seem less of a big deal; he decides he should listen to the other person’s reality, not mitigate it or minimize it or try to shape it in any way. “Our problems are our problems, and I think sometimes they get compared to other people’s problems in a way that makes us feel like we don’t have a right to feel the way we feel about them.”

Telling his own story: his parents giving up their eight-year-old son for adoption when they kept their older son, elicits from one subject, this insight “It must have made you feel like they thought you were damaged goods” and he sees that “it explains why I kept the scarring a secret. I guess I thought if people knew, they’d reject me”. She also offers “Sometimes people have scars. It’s not a deal-breaker for anyone who’s not shallow as hell. It just is.”

He makes his film, a powerful little piece, and what it has to say attracts the attention of others in the business. But including his own story, as it does, when it is more widely seen, it gets a reaction from those who knew him then, including his birth family. Can he confront this head on?

Again, his teacher has good advice: “almost without exception our regrets are made up of the things we didn’t do. Almost any mistake can be lived with, because you gave it a shot. But we regret the chances we let go by.”

As always, Ryan Hyde gives her characters wise words and insightful observations: “Whenever I hear anybody tell anybody else they’re too sensitive, all I hear is ‘I want to feel free to say offensive things to you and it really inconveniences me when you mind’” and “I don’t completely believe what I can’t prove, and I don’t completely rule out what I can’t disprove” merely two. Topical, thought-provoking and heart-warming: classic Catherine Ryan Hyde.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing.

When Michael is seven years old his brother bullies him into stealing fireworks from a professional display. When the fireworks ignite Michael is injured so severely he almost dies and is left with extensive permanent scarring. He is removed from his parent’s custody and placed with a loving foster family that eventually adopts him. Michael is left not only with physical scars, but also with emotional scars stemming from feeling that his biological parents discarded him.

The book opens on Michael’s first day of college. He walks into his film studies class and finds that his professor also has extensive scarring. Professor Dunning becomes his mentor and his friend. As a requirement of the class Michael develops and films a video, and chooses body image as his topic, since this has always been an issue for him. Filming this video lead to unexpected results and revelations for Michael.

This is a powerful book that stayed with me a long time. It deals with issues such as child neglect, addiction, self esteem and dealing with loss. You will love many of the characters, especially Michael. I highly recommend this book!

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.

A very emotional story about Michael who after a near fatal accident at 7 years of age, ends up in foster care and has been carrying his scars and hurt for many years.

Michael is encouraged, through his teacher, to seek out others who has similar feelings of despair and rejection to make a documentary.

A powerful story and one not to miss!

This book is a fantastic glimpse of boyhood and tugs at the heartstrings. Seeing Michael grow up throughout this book made me reflect on my life and my future.

This novel is a beautiful, heartfelt journey that left me genuinely moved. Michael’s struggles and triumphs feel so authentic—his quiet moments of reflection and his unexpected acts of courage really resonated with me. The writing is tender without being overly sentimental, and the pacing kept me turning pages.

If you’re looking for a touching story about self‑acceptance and finding your voice, I wholeheartedly recommend Michael Without Apology.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.