Monday, June 16, 2025

Michael Without Apology by Catherine Ryan Hyde Book Review

About the Book:


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.


My 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.

My rating: 4/5 stars.


About the Author:

Catherine Ryan Hyde is the author of 50 published and forthcoming books.

She is founder and former president (2000-2009) of the Pay It Forward Foundation, and served on its board of directors for over 20 years. As a professional public speaker she has addressed the National Conference on Education, twice spoken at Cornell University, met with Americorps members at the White House and shared a dais with Bill Clinton.


Lake Union Publishing, 288 pages.

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

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

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