Michael Without Apology Audiobook By Catherine Ryan Hyde cover art

Michael Without Apology

A Novel

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Michael Without Apology

By: Catherine Ryan Hyde
Narrated by: Michael Crouch
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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 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.

©2025 Catherine Ryan Hyde, Trustee, or Successor Trustee, of the Catherine Ryan Hyde Revocable Trust created under that certain declaration dated September 27, 1999. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved. Coming of Age Friendship Genre Fiction Women's Fiction Heartfelt

Critic reviews

“In this brilliant novel, we learn about accepting ourselves and others, with all our scars and imperfections. Hyde demonstrates that we don’t need to apologize for our imperfect bodies, or for a messy house.”—Bookreporter
Heartwarming Story • Thought-provoking Narrative • Compelling Concept • Captivating Storyline • Emotional Voice Performance
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Pertinent to so many of us in different ways, and great to share with family and in my career in a medical field.

Great topic

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I normally love CRH books and this one was no exception.
Her character development was natural and the flow was excellent - switching from the past to the present wasn't confusing.
Recommended it to a friend.

Absolutely loved it!

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The thing I like most about Catherine Ryan Hyde's stories is that they make me feel. The emotions of this story are strong, but subtle. They are honest and moving, but not always comfortable. They reveal themselves through the nature of characters and their words in their interviews with Michael. I think its the diversity of the characters, but the similarity of their feelings about themselves that ultimately emphasizes those emotions.

Michael's teacher, and ultimately Michael's mentor, is himself scarred and a part of Michael's film. But he is also the objective voice of this story. He's there to offer advice and word's of wisdom, to be the sounding board for Michael's doubts and questions.

The narrator does a wonderful job bringing the story to life. Through his voice I heard and felt the emotions of the story. I also felt I could "see" Michael as his life experiences contributed to his maturing view of people and his ideas about the world

The Narrator Really Brought The Story To Life

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Another terrific Catherine Ryan Hyde book. I enjoyed the story, the pace and the characters. The narration was very well done. Highly recommend.

Wonderful heartfelt story

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Definitely my choice to recommend to my book club! This one WILL make you think about so much!

Excellent

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Classic Catherine Ryan Hyde book. Beautiful, unique, and thought provoking. Characters are richly crafted as is dialog. Loved it.

Couldn’t stop listening

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This book really touched me. It was a great story and the narrator did a fabulous job.

It was a beautiful touching story

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I liked how it opened my eyes to all humans inner sense of worth depending on external looks as perceived by the individual. Even though a person looks one way to those looking, the individuals perception is totally different.

I See You

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I loved all of the above and the life lessons taught
by
l this author

The wisdom,personal growth, compassion, tenderness

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What a talented writer. I have loved every one of her books that I have read.

Another moving story that leaves you thinking & feeling

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