Michael Without Apology

A Novel

By: Catherine Ryan Hyde

Narrated by: Michael Crouch

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.

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

Everyone should read this story

Really great book, I honestly think every human should read this book. Engaging and thought provoking.

A very enjoyable book with a unique story

It was an interesting story that kept me engaged throughout. There are no super high points or super low points, but simply presented in a way that I couldn’t stop listening too.

The narrative is well- told by the author and well-performed by the narrator.

I loved this book.

The truths. The tender delivery and execution of the truths.

This story cannot miss a single person’s soul. It touches on the real life of each of us who are aware of our own struggles.

Wonderful heartfelt story

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

An absolute must read!

I thought the narrator was excellent, as well as the body content And storyline. An absolute must read for anyone who has ever felt any insecurities about their body. A lot must read for anyone who ever doubted their validity in the world. JUST simply a must read!