As always Catherine Ryan Hyde has brought us a tender and compassionate book about the human condition. This time it’s about body image and our acceptance of our scars and other flaws and those of others. It would be a great book for teenagers to read and discuss in class.

Her MC, is Michael, a freshman college student who wants to study film making. Due to a bad accident with an exploding firework when he was seven, he has bad scarring to his chest and legs. He has had a lot to deal with in his life and it was enjoyable to watch him develop into a confident young man through his film making and the people he met as a result. His story is told with empathy and sensitivity and, although I felt the last third dragged a little and could have been more compact, overall it was an insightful and thought provoking read.

Excellent book!! I read this in one sitting!!

Michael was only 7 years ago when his whole world changed in one minute. He was in an horrific accident with fireworks that scarred his body and got his biological parents thrown in jail. He went through many surgeries and got adopted by his foster family because his parents couldn't support him. But at the time he saw that as them not wanting him anymore, because his older brother got to go home to them when they were released from jail.

Now Michael is 17 years old and a Freshman in college. He's taking a film class for the first time, but his professor is the man who had the biggest impact on his life. Professor Dunning was in a fire when he was very young. He proudly wears his scars for the world to see. That alone made Michael feel comfortable showing what he's always hidden his whole life.

So when the class assignment is to make a film, Dunning encourages Michael to do a film about his image. Michael puts up a flyer looking for volunteers who feel unattractive to today's society to interview them for their stories. Seeing others with different body image issues really opens up his eyes like never before.

After the film is made, all sorts of things change for Michael, especially when people from his past emerge.

A must read!

*I received a complimentary copy of this ARC via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book was published May 6, 2025.

This is the fifth book I’ve read by this author and they have all been either 4 or 5 stars!

Young Michael is involved in an accident and is left with burn scars. Fast forward to college when he meets film Professor Dunning who also has scars. It’s the first time Michael witnesses someone who invited people to stare at his scars. Michael decides to make a documentary titled “Here I Am” about scars we all carry, either physical or emotional.

“We go through our lives apologizing for things that either aren’t wrong at all or are totally out of our control…So, life without apologies is the theme.”

There is a perfect amount of humor, heartbreak, forgiveness and bravery in this story. Highly recommend. I loved this book and its message!

I have read several books by this author and loved each one. This one is no exception.
There is something about the way the author uses realistic, relatable issues that the characters have to get through that make these stories so profound on so many levels.
There were so many times when this story could have gone the easy route and not touched on difficult issues but thankfully, the author didn't flinch at bringing you there and making you feel all sorts of different emotions.
This story could be triggering for some people, or healing for others. There is a lot to take in. But overall, this was a remarkably engrossing, enlightening, wonderful story.
Enjoy!

This book was a nice and quick easy and fast read. I read and listened to it. The narrator was a good choice and fit the story.
It has a very good message about acceptance and not letting what others might think of your outward appearance hold you back. It did feel more like a full on lecture, rather than reading a book. The only other issue I had with the book was that every person he met, he learned something major and that is not real life. You might meet a few people that share something with you that is so moving or an idea that might change you but you aren't getting that from every single person you meet.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the book and audiobook arc.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher this ARC!
I absolutely love this author!
She always delivers a story that pulls at your heartstrings many times throughout the book!
I will absolutely be telling everyone about this one!

I couldn’t put this book down. It’s not as if it was a gripping, what will happen next, sort of thriller. It’s not. But it’s Hyde’s (no relation) usual superb examination of human nature and what it is to be human that compelled me to keep going.

In this case, Hyde looks at our relationship with our own, flawed bodies. And, as always, she exhibits such a deep understanding of how people think and feel. I really am in awe.

Michael’s relationship with his professor, Robert, as well as with Madeline, helps him to find his own peace with his scars. The unexpected turn that his film project takes, thanks to vague wording in his advertisement for volunteers, leads him on an eye-opening path to discovering that we all perceive flaws with our bodies, for a multitude of reasons. It is Hyde's sensitive handling of this idea that humanizes the story and gives the reader—any reader—a touchstone.

Not all of Hyde’s books have a romantic aspect; this one happens to, as Michael gains the confidence to allow himself to be loved, scars and all.

Possible Objectionable Material:
Drug use. Neglectful parents. Physical issues. Nudity. Some swearing. Sex between unmarried people. Death from a variety of causes. Trauma. Adoption.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for my opinion.

This book is also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2025/05/a-good-week-for-readers.html

This author is such an incredible storyteller - she writes honestly and realistically about the human condition. This novel, like the others, shines with wonderful characters and a unique plot. I couldn't put this one down.

Michael is a college freshman who was severely injured when he was 7 years old. The firework accident nearly ended his life. He has always hidden his scars - he didn’t swim or participate in anything that required him to take off his shirt!!

During his first film class, his teacher Robert Dunning, “ wears his own scars unapologetically. Robert encourages Michael to make a documentary that explores body image and self-perception.”

Finding volunteers for his documentary leads him to realize that almost everyone has experienced the feeling of not being good enough, pretty enough, thin enough, etc either from scars, being too thin, too fat, etc.

As he works with these people he himself finally learns to accept his body the way it is and not apologize for the way he looks!

There is much more to this novel as Michael meets a woman who becomes the love of his life - but they have limited time to be together.

He also has always wondered why his parents didn’t take him back after he was released from the hospital??

I found myself wishing EVERYONE could read this novel - it is a really remarkable story that left me feeling uplifted.

I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to read and review this title.

Catherine Ryan Hyde does what she does best in her latest release and that's creating characters that you care about, and she brings out real emotions in the reader.

The beginning is 4th of July, and 7-year-old Michael has an accident with a firework that sends him to the hospital resulting in massive scaring on his torso and thighs. He is sent to foster care because of neglect by his parents and is adopted by the couple. Jump to Michael at age 19 taking a film class in college. The teacher becomes a mentor when Michael idolizes him for his honesty and no shame for his scars. It gives him confidence to produce a short film letting his subjects reflect on their imperfections and the weight of being perfect in an imperfect world. It's very moving as Michael learns about self-acceptance and forgiveness as he grapples with the past.

Another great addition to CRH's long list of books. Take this book, a box of tissues (just in case), and be prepared to be transported to the tragedies and triumphs in Michael's life.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an early copy.

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.