Book Review: Michael Without Apology by Catherine Ryan Hyde

“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.”

Goodreads blurb for Michael Without Apology

Review:

As a child, Michael was involved in a fireworks accident, nearly losing his life. This accident left him with disfiguring scars and put him in a foster home. Though his foster parents are loving (and almost too caring, he sometimes thinks), Michael struggles with the knowledge that his birth parents chose to keep his brother, Thomas, and let him be adopted by his foster parents. 

In college, at the urging of one of his professors, Michael makes a documentary about people with bodily insecurities, be it scarring, aging, etc. Through this project, Michael opens up to the idea of confronting his past.

I love the way Catherine Ryan Hyde tackles the subject of trauma. Her characters feel so realistic. Sometimes, it’s the little moments that add up to the big picture, and I feel like that illustration was exceptional in this book. Michael’s growth was a treat to read.

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing a free digital ARC of the book.

Likes & Dislikes:

What I liked:

• The way trauma is discussed, especially among various kinds of trauma.
• Diverse themes of grief and loss.

What I didn’t like:

• The second half of the book felt rushed and ended abruptly. At least compared to the first half.

Afterthoughts:

I’ve already been recommending this book to friends!

Where to buy the book: