MICHAEL WITHOUT APOLOGY
In a Nutshell: A contemporary fiction about a young man who finally learns the value of self-acceptance. Excellent characters, storyline, writing, and life lessons. Drags a little in the final few chapters, but overall, a beautiful and meaningful read. Much recommended.

Plot Preview:
When Michael was seven, he had a near-fatal accident that left him with severe physical scars and eventually led to foster care. Now nineteen, Michael has learnt to keep his scars hidden.
On signing up for film class, he is taken aback on seeing that his professor Robert Dunning is also disfigured, but unlike Michael, he doesn’t hide his scars. Encouraged by Dunning, Michael plans to make a documentary about body image issues in scarred people. When he places an ad seeking potential interviewees, he learns that too many people in society are unhappy with their bodies. With their stories and also his own, Michael realises some important truths about scars, whether physical or mental.
The story comes to us in Michael’s third-person POV over two broad timelines: the present and the past.

Bookish Yays:
🎆 Michael – vulnerable and believable. Mostly written as per his age, though he is more mature thanks to his traumatic childhood experience.
🎆 Dunning, though in a relatively minor role, is my favourite character in this book. If all professors were like this, students would have a marvellous time learning.
🎆 The use of the two timelines – perfectly in sync and working slowly to create an overall picture of Michael’s life. Each timeline is labelled clearly with Michael’s age at that point in the narrative – very helpful.
🎆 The secondary characters. Don't want to go into spoilers about the people Michael meets for his documentary, but suffice it to say, their arcs encompass a wide range of human experiences and ages. All these characters are memorable.
🎆 The theme of body image issues – so beautifully handled. It resonated personally with me as I too struggle with body dysmorphia. And I am sure many others do, even if they don’t know the term for it. I also love that the book tackles both visible and invisible scars.
🎆 The various other themes, especially connected to past trauma, life-altering news, and grief. The author handles emotions really well, and except in the final quarter, the feelings don’t sound cheesy.
🎆 The abundant life lessons in the writing! So many wise words where I found myself either nodding vigorously in agreement or reflecting upon the brilliance of the thought.
🎆 Quite fast-paced and easy to read, despite the abundance of characters.
🎆 The significance of the title. Don’t want to reveal it entirely here (a part of the meaning might be guessable), but it suits the story excellently.
🎆 The discussion questions provided at the end of the book – intricate and brilliant! They went much beyond typical discussion questions found in such novels.

Bookish Mixed Bags:
🔥 Though the book contains many sad events, the overall tone is a bit too positive, and most characters can be easily slotted in two clear categories: good & kind OR bad & selfish. There’s no grey area, no middle ground, no mixed personality. Then again, that’s a hallmark of this genre, so perhaps regular uplit readers would be more tolerant of this.
🔥 There's an age-gap relationship in the story. Though written mostly well, it also made me uncomfortable at times when I felt like Michael wasn’t given much choice in the decisions as he came across as too submissive. This might be more of a ME issue than a BOOK issue.
🔥 The ending took a long while coming. The final few chapters felt like extended epilogues. The finale was just as satisfying can be expected in this genre, but I do think the book would have worked better had it been stopped a few chapters before.

Bookish Nays:
💥 Insta relationships. Two times!

All in all, this is the kind of book you pick up when you are fed up with the idiots of humankind (and let's be honest, idiots are everywhere these days especially in public life) and want to restore some faith in the inherent goodness of people. Despite containing some upsetting incidents, it works excellently as a balm for the heart.
Definitely recommended to those looking for a contemporary book with thought-provoking wisdom and heartwarming emotions.
4.25 stars. (I would have happily given this 4.5 stars and rounded up had the ending been crisper.)

My thanks to Lake Union Publishing for providing the DRC of “Michael Without Apology” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

Catherine Ryan Hyde has really become a favorite of mine. Her stories are always raw, personal, filled with struggling individuals loaded with a whole lot of feelings, and yet she tells her stories in a way that just draws you in and won't let you go. Michael without Apology is a classic example of that. Michael grows up in a family of four, him, his brother Thomas, his mom and dad. Until one eventful fourth of July day mishap. What unfolds is Michael's way of coming to terms, in his own way, of that event and moving forward into maturity and adulthood. A beautifully well done story that enraptured me from the first page until the very last one. Highly highly recommend!
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

A freak fireworks accident at age 7 left Michael with horrific scars on torso. Subsequently he spent his life refusing to swim, date, or in any other way let people see his body. With the encouragement of his film-making college professor, Michael decides that his feelings of shame should be acknowledged and exposed. He decides to film a documentary wherein he and others talk about their physical insecurities without apology.

This book isn’t necessarily big on plot. It’s very low key, with few characters and not much action. However, it’s big on human connection and feeling. I’ve read many of this author’s books. In my opinion her claim to fame is her ability to make you feel like you’re in the room with the characters. The scenes flow easily. At times I might re-read a segment, not because it’s hard to understand, but because it resonates with human emotions I want to savor. She is a masterful writer.

Thanks so much NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review another Catherine Ryan Hyde book. She’s definitely one of my favorites.

Just finished this book. Catherine Ryan Hyde is one of my favorite authors. This book didn’t disappoint. Loved the characters and the storyline. Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union publishing for letting me read this prerelease book for an honest review.

Hyde's novel are full of emotion and personal growth experiences. This one explores image, what we think of ourselves, what makes us uncomfortable in that area and what we think others think of us. Michael was scarred from a childhood accident. Others in his project did not necessarily have physical scars as much as painful self concepts, thinking others see them in a bad way. It was touching to see how people can grow through those debilitating thoughts to be open and free. (My only disappointment was the sex involved. It was not graphic by any means but was just disappointing to me that it happened so quickly and knowingly without commitment.)

Be sure to have tissues nearby as this novel will touch you emotionally. This is a good novel for readers who like ones centering on personal growth through issues.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent review.

Wow! What an incredibly wonderfully warm and uplifting novel.

From beginning to end, I was enthralled.

After a terrible fireworks accident, seven year old Michael is left physically disfigured.

At nineteen, he attends a film class and is set a task to create a film. His lecturer gives Michael advice: 'Work out what you want to say.'

In 'Michael Without Apology' Michael challenges and explores the idea of body image with extreme wisdom.

I highly recommend this novel.

Catherine Ryan Hyde is an incredible author and is not afraid to tackle issues that happen in real life. Michael Without Apology is partially about self-image and how we should be comfortable in our body, but there is so much more. I loved this book and every single one of her books. Read it and ponder.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this e-ARC. This review is entirely my opinion.

This was my first book by Catherine Ryan Hyde but definitely will not be my last! The story of Michael Wood and his scars immediately drew me in and I literally read this book in one day! Michael Without Apology not only made me cry but made me think about how I feel about myself and those around me. I feel like it is a very thought-provoking book and I've already recommended it to my 93 year old mom who has read a previous book by this author. I really liked Michael's professor Mr. Dunning and the advice and support he gave Michael. There are definitely some hard topics but the ending was wonderful. I truly enjoyed it!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 6 May 2025

This one was fantastic. I was rooting for the lead character from the start and so will you. Relatable for anyone who has ever had to persevere.

I received an arc copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. If I could give this book more stars, I definitely would do it! I read this in a day and it was absolutely amazing. I could not put it down and I loved everything about it.

I love this author so much and there is always a different persoective on lofe to be gained with each book she writes. However, I'm still looking for another book to hit as much as 'Just a regular boy' did.

Who among us has never had doubts about our physical appearance? In her latest novel, Catherine Ryan Hyde explores the anguish of a young college student whose body has been forever scarred by a horrendous life altering accident at age seven. He is removed from his family of origin and is adopted by two parents who give him the life he deserves.

Upon entering college, Michael Woodbine indulges his dream by enrolling in a film making class, The instructor, Robert Dunning, becomes a mentor and guide to Michael as he begins his journey to self acceptance and adulthood. Michael finds in Dunning another human being with an outside disfiguration, who is perfectly fine on the inside. When the young firm maker searches for others who feel shame about their physical appearance to tell their stories on camera, Michael gains insight into his own self doubts. Comparing his insides against what others show on the outside, has made him feel like damaged goods. Self acceptance iris the key in life’s journey.

I loved this book. Once again the author has told a story filled with wisdom and compassion. I was hooked from the start. With characters that jump off the page and a plot that drew me in immediately, Michael Without Apology is a gem of a story. Five well deserved stars for a book I highly recommend. It was published on May 6, 2025 and is available now. My thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

[NetGalley Read #32]
4.25 ⭐️

"Being a person takes practice."

Great!

An examination of body image, pain/hurt, love, grief, anger, vulnerability, and acceptance. Through the medium of filmmaking (or documentary, to be specific).

Good dialogue, well written characters, and a very strong third act take this story from good to great. It can be a bit saccharine, I guess, at times. Maybe not. But I didn't mind that. Besides, the deep, thoughtful parts of the story, the parts that matter are really well written. Parts that deal with the grief of losing someone, the fear of trying new things, and accepting things about yourself that you should've accepted long time ago.

It's a short book (less than 250 pages). Easy to read.

Recommended. 👍

Michael Without Apology, by Catherine Ryan Hyde, is yet another brilliant piece of writing that transports the reader into a character's life and point of view. She never disappoints and always, always reminds me that it is still possible to view the human trajectory as positive and upward. I reluctantly finish each of her novels, sorry to leave characters I care deeply about and yet, grateful for having met them and learned more than I expected about the human condition and our capacity to grow. This is an enthusiastic five star recommendation. Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and the truly remarkable Catherine Ryan Hyde for a remarkable novel that will stay with me for a very long time.

Title: Michael Without Apology
By: Catherine Ryan Hyde
Pub. Day: May 6, 2025

Genre:
Fiction, Contemporary, Mental Health, Romance, Self-Discovery,

Trigger Warnings:
Trauma, Body Image, Eating Disorders, Bereavement, Foster Care, Addiction, Child Neglect

*THIS BOOK IS VERY HEAVY AND MIGHT NEED TO BE READ IN DOSES*

Summary/Review:
Michael is a boy with a traumatic past who is ashamed of his body image. He hides his scars that cover his skin and spirit, Michael begins to see them not as wounds, but as essential parts of his healing process. Guided by a mentor, Mr. Dunning, who wears his own scars without apology, Michael learns how each mark reveals a life lesson. Together, Mr. Dunning and Michael begin a journey to support others with body image concerns, while confronting the buried trauma of their pasts, not to erase it, but to name it, understand it, and let it breathe.

The author reveals the necessary healing process of trauma and exposes the realization of courage that is required for an individual to heal through intention and grace. This is a very heavy novel which I had to read in small bursts. Due to the content I took off a few stars for my personal preference. If you enjoy heavier novels with serious tones, and/or Catherine Ryan Hyde’s writing, I would recommend this read.

Thank you to Catherine Ryan Hyde, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity of an Advanced Readers Copy. I am voluntarily leaving my review.

#CatherineRyanHyde
#LakeUnionPublishing
#MichaelWithoutApology
#advancedreadercopies
#NetGalley

Wow amazing book. I loved this latest from Catherine Ryan Hyde. As always she never shys away from very sensitive themes. Her characters are always recognisable as parts of ourselves. I
Thank you so much for access.

I am a huge fan of Catherine Ryan Hyde and have read several of her books. My impression is that many of them deal with love, loss, redemption, strength, compassion. Many of these elements can be found in “Michael Without Apology” and while they resonate in this story I had trouble connecting with the level of innocence projected. The notion and importance of shining the light and accepting who you are is noble if a little simplistic. I liked the ideas emphasized in this story but I had trouble with the way it was told. The dialogue, language, thought processes were too basic, “more that I never thought to frame it quite that way.” The ultimate reveal of “going through our lives apologizing” was undoubtedly a story compass point but it felt like another oversimplification.

This is a very good book with an important message which I believe could have been stronger. I want to thank Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for a copy.

Michael Woodbine’s life changed when he was seven years old, now he’s a freshman in college and Michael thinks it’s best to continue hiding his scars. Until he meets Professor Robert Dunning, he’s teaching film classes and his own scars are visible and he tells everyone to have a good look and get it over and done with.

He encourages Michael to make a body image documentary, focusing on how people feel about their flaws and he places an advertisement on a notice board seeking others who feel unattractive and rejected by society and he’s surprised to learn it’s almost everyone.

Six people including himself agree to bare all and no private parts, one man is over a hundred and another too thin, a lady has had a double mastectomy and a second has given birth to children and two show their burn scars. As Michael collects these stories, he shares his own, how he was given up for adoption at eight and his feelings towards his birth parents and his kind and caring mum and dad.

I received a copy of Michael Without Apology from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing and in exchange for an unbiased review. I have lost track of how many books I have read by Catherine Ryan Hyde, she writes stories that make you think and what’s it’s like to walk in the main protagonists shoes.

This time the narrative is about one young man’s journey to self-acceptance, coming to terms with his birth parents giving him up for adoption, scars or imperfections, some can cover them with clothing and others can’t and what it’s like to be stared at every single day and why people are so curious and judgemental.

I highly recommend this thought provoking coming of age story, and Michael starts a different kind of me too movement and five stars from me.

This was such a good read for me. It drew me in from the very beginning. I liked how it jumped from the past to the present. I liked how it talked about things that are not normally talked about. The book definitely hit me in my feelers. If the documentaries that Michael made were real, I would be watching them in a heartbeat. Seemed like really powerful things though would definitely make you think. This was the second book that I've read by this author and it did not disappoint. Glad I was given the chance to read it!

Another great book from this author. The main character went through a trauma at a young age that altered the course of his life. After meeting someone with a similar history, he’s left to consider how he has moved through his life as a result of the trauma. This book weaves together trauma, loss, growth, and humanity. Good read.