the setup…
It’s the Fourth of July and seven-year old Michael and his older brother Thomas are on the beach waiting for the fireworks to start when Thomas talks him into stealing one of the rockets. It ends in a nightmare where Michael barely survives and is left with permanent scars on his chest, ending up in foster care. He’s now a nineteen year old college freshman looking to pursue studies in filmmaking. On the first day of his film class, teacher Robert Dunning, who wears his own scars on his face, does something extraordinary, unapologetic in owning his circumstances and accepting the stares without judging the audience for doing so. It inspires Michael to begin a documentary on the topic of body image with surprising revelations and insights.
the heart of the story…
I don’t know how to adequately describe the beauty of this story. Michael was a sensitive child who grew into an equally sensitive young man. His film project was eloquent in its tenderness towards the participants, who left an indelible impression on him and he on them. And on me.
I don’t know how to adequately describe the beauty of this story. Michael was a sensitive child who grew into an equally sensitive young man. His film project was eloquent in its tenderness towards the participants, who left an indelible impression on him and he on them. And on me.
the narration…
Michael Crouch seemed to understand that he needed to leave the drama behind and let the story sort of tell itself. He added to the lovely experience.
Michael Crouch seemed to understand that he needed to leave the drama behind and let the story sort of tell itself. He added to the lovely experience.
the bottom line…
This touched my soul in ways I cannot express. I’ll never ever forget this journey into self acceptance, unapologetically. Just trust me and find out for yourself.
This touched my soul in ways I cannot express. I’ll never ever forget this journey into self acceptance, unapologetically. Just trust me and find out for yourself.
Book Info
- Release Date: May 6, 2025
- Narrator: Michael Crouch
- Audio Length: 7 hours, 43 minutes
- Publisher: Brilliance Audio
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Blue Mood Café 
Wonderful review Jo, it sounds like a great listen!
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Thank you, Nicki💜 This is that book.
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I just read another wonderful review, like yours on gr, and now I must add this book.
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Thank you, Marialyce💜 Prepare to be a little bit slayed.
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This sounds like a lovely story and one you’ve convinced me I need to read. Beautiful review Jonetta.
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Thank you, Jodie💜 It’s your kind of story.
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This sounds wonderful!
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It’s a special story I didn’t see coming, Joanne💜
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Touching. Thank you for sharing Jonetta.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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Thank you, Anne💜
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Fab review! This was such a powerful and moving story… It’s one that will stay with me for a long time. ❤
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Thank you, Yvo💜 I’m not sure I’ll ever forget this one. I added this because of you.
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That makes me happy! ❤
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Oh my goodness, Jo. You have definitely convinced me that I need to read this. It sounds truly moving and inspirational as well.
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It’s all that and more, Carla💜
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Wow, this sounds incredible! This book was not on my radar at all, so thanks so much for sharing. I’ll need to see if the library has a copy available.
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Thanks, Lisa💜 Since I loved her last book, I’ve kept an eye out for her releases.
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