Ever since I read Pay It Forward, I knew Catherine Ryan Hyde would become a favorite author of mine. Michael Without Apology didn’t disappoint! Hyde’s amazing ability to portray characters in a realistic fashion is her strength; she truly knows how to tug on a reader’s heartstrings. Almost everyone can relate to a theme or two in her books.
★★★★★
To read more about the book: https://amzn.to/40NLhgQ
Published on: May 6, 2025
My Thoughts on Michael Without Apology:
This book immediately resonated with my own experiences with self-image. (Honestly, I’d like to meet anyone who hasn’t grappled with it!) Like Michael, who carries a scar from a childhood firework incident that has affected him his entire life, I also have an obvious scar that runs from my nose to my chin. It is the people Michael meets throughout the story who truly help him reflect on how to live his life “without apology.”
Catherine Ryan Hyde’s storytelling is masterful. Aside from his birth parents, I genuinely loved every character in this book. Madeline, in particular, was my favorite. Even through her own pain from a double-mastectomy, she taught Michael the profound importance of loving and accepting yourself as you are.
As a film student, Michael’s journey also brought me back to my own college days. I could relate to the profound impact of finding that one mentor who changes your way of thinking. I especially loved reading about Michael’s first day in Mr. Dunning’s class, and how the professor presented himself to his students. Mr. Dunning taught Michael to confront his image head-on and not let it hinder him from truly enjoying life.
Quotes From Michael Without Apology:
I saved so many quotes throughout this book. This is how I know when a book really speaks to me. Here are a few of my favorites:
** “We always think that about other people. We see them from the outside and think if we had their problems we’d be happy. But if we had their problems we wouldn’t be on the outside of them anymore, and we’d likely feel the way they feel.”
It’s so easy to be envious of someone’s seemingly perfect life, isn’t it? But as this quote reminds us, appearances are deceiving. It’s a powerful call to look inward, appreciate our own journey, and rejoice in our unique blessings.
** When Mr. Dunning was talking about his own scars, he said, “It’s not a secret. It’s not a scandal. It’s not a moral failing on my part. It just is.” He also said, “Your life will be your own when you can do what I did today. Stand in front of whatever small segment of the world you find yourself facing and say ‘Here I am. Get used to it.’ That’s when you’ll truly be free.”
There are many times that I sit and try to figure out how to cover the scar on my face. There are times I want to turn down invitations to do things because of my insecurities. I need to remember the sentence, “It just is.”
** “Live like living means something. Like you’re lucky to have the chance.”
I want to have this sentence put on a t-shirt. “Live like you’re lucky to have the chance.” I mean, aren’t we lucky to be alive? It’s not always rosy, but the alternative is not my first choice. I want to live like I’m lucky!
** “That when two people love each other and one of them dies, the love goes on living.”
Okay, this one broke me. I had to take a moment, put the book down, and reflect. If you have ever had someone die that you have loved, you can understand.
Final Thoughts:
I highly recommend this book. It made me smile, cry, think, reflect, and it also made me want to hug my loved ones. This book will stay with me for a while. I also listened to part of it on audio, and it was just as good. I can’t wait to read Hyde’s next book.
Where To Buy The Book and More:
- Purchase Michael Without Apology here: https://amzn.to/4lwmmH9 (affiliate link)
- Other Catherine Ryan Hyde books I recommend:
- Life, Loss and Puffins: https://amzn.to/4kGT730 (affiliate link)
- Pay It Forward: https://amzn.to/3IwBfuj (affiliate link)
- Catherine’s website: https://www.catherineryanhyde.com/
- Read more of my book reviews: https://judiholst.com/book-reviews/
- Missed my Top Books of 2024? Find them here: https://judiholst.com/top-20-books-that-i-loved-in-2024/
Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Catherine Ryan Hyde for my free copy of this book. This is my honest review.
Now, I’d love to hear from you: How can you live your life without apology? How can we encourage others to stop apologizing for the things they cannot change? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Leave a Reply