Michael Without Apology by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Synopsis: ” A film student struggling with self-acceptance finally stops looking away from his traumatic past in a powerful novel by New York Times bestselling author Catherine Ryan Hyde. 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 ageing 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 Review

This was brilliant, I loved every minute of it, and have been sitting on this review for a couple of weeks, because I couldn’t find the words to express how much I loved it. I actually started reading it via Kindle Unlimited, and then decided to buy a copy so I can read it again sometime, I enjoyed it that much! I think it was Yvo’s and Jonetta’s reviews that originally put this on my radar.

The story is told from Michael’s point of view, flitting between before and after the firework incident. I really liked Michael, he was a lovely guy who’d been not only physically scarred by the accident, but also emotionally scarred too.

I loved the way his character developed whilst taking the film making class. He met some really interesting characters who took part in his documentary. Their reasons for taking part in the film were so inspiring, that I wonder if the book is based on a true account?

There were some very emotional moments in this books that made me well up numerous times, which is very unusual for me.

I’ve read three books by Catherine Ryan Hyde now, and I’m looking forward to reading many more!

Highly recommended if you enjoy inspiring contemporary fiction.