This book was amazing! The realizations and depth of knowledge he gains about himself is so powerful! This was written from the son’s point of view while reflecting on his relationship with his father and his sexuality through letters and discussions with his therapist.

It’s the second book in a pair and I cannot put into words how good these books are. I am not one for character driven novels but you need to read them!

Thank you @htpbooks @htp_hive for the complimentary DRC.

I didn’t know that this was a follow up to Black’s, Don’t Cry For Me, I must not have read the synopsis properly. However, I’ve been told that it doesn’t matter if you read them out of order.

This novel takes a look at the complicated relationship between father and son, exploring childhood wounds and the process of healing after a parent’s death. After Isaac’s father passes away, he seeks therapy, where he is encouraged to begin journaling to better understand his conflicted feelings. Through these entries, Isaac realizes that not all of his memories are correct, and it helps him to further understand his father. As Isaac continues to reflect on his past, we get a window into his struggles growing up—navigating issues of sexuality, confronting racis, and living through the AIDS epidemic.

While I truly enjoyed this book, part of the ending left me feeling somewhat disconnected. I can’t dive into spoilers, but I will say that one section felt forced, and the therapist's interactions with Isaac in these scenes lacked the depth that had previously been there.

Despite this, the book was an emotional read that explores identity, trauma, and the long road toward healing. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone interested in stories about family dynamics, and personal growth. I will be bumping Don’t Cry For Me up my tbr list!

Don’t Cry for Me was one of my favorite books ever. I enjoy reading books by Dr Daniel Black.

I’ve tried to enjoy Isaac’s Song, but there is a disconnect. It isn’t flowing the way DCFM did and I don’t feel a sense of empathy or sympathy for Isaac.

This one fell flat for me. I DNF’d at 20%

Wow. This was so hard to take breaks from reading. I had no idea i’d be this moved and feel so much healing. A book full so many lessons and takeaways!

Daniel Black has a way of writing that doesn’t just tell a story—it pulls you in, sits you down, and makes you feel every emotion. After reading Don’t Cry for Me, I knew Isaac’s Song was going to tug at my heartstrings, and it absolutely did. This book follows Isaac, a son struggling to navigate the weight of rejection, generational trauma, and the deep wounds left by a father who never truly accepted him.

What makes this story so powerful is how Black captures the rawness of pain, the need for love, and the quiet resilience that comes with being forced to prove your worth to someone who should have embraced you unconditionally. The writing is poetic, the emotions run deep, and the journey Isaac takes is one that many will find painfully familiar.

If you love character-driven, emotionally charged stories that explore family, identity, and healing, Isaac’s Song is a must-read. Black has once again crafted a novel that stays with you long after you turn the last page. This one hurts, but it’s necessary.

This book although not what I expected was an amazing story from the perspective Isaac. I thought this book would be a direct response to his father's letters. Although it was not, it was still beautiful and I enjoyed thoroughly reading about Isaac's journey of healing.

I would like to thank Net Galley and Publisher for ARC




In Isaac's Song you get his perspective with his relationship with farther this was a beautiful from start till finish. Reading this book took me back to a younger me where I was in my life, please check this amazing Novel you will not be disappointed.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC.

A heartbreakingly beautiful story about grief, racism, homophobia, abuse, acceptance.

After the death of his father and with the encouragement of his therapist, Isaac, a queer Black man finds his voice through words showcasing his upbringing, 1980s Chicago, and journey towards forgiveness, self-love, and perseverance.

They way Isaac talks about his past is a lot like you are reading a biography.

Isaac's Song is a captivating and emotionally charged novel that delves into the complexities of family, identity, and resilience. The story follows Isaac, a young black man grappling with his past and seeking to understand his place in the world. Daniel Black's writing is both lyrical and poignant, drawing readers into Isaac's journey with vivid descriptions and heartfelt prose. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the narrative.

One of the standout aspects of the book is its exploration of cultural heritage and the impact of generational trauma. Black masterfully weaves these themes into the plot, creating a story that is both thought-provoking and deeply moving. The pacing is well-balanced, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. Additionally, the novel's setting is beautifully depicted, adding an extra layer of depth to the story.

Overall, Isaac's Song is a powerful and unforgettable read that will resonate with readers long after they turn the final page. Daniel Black has crafted a remarkable tale that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Overall a beautiful, touching book about family, remembering, and Black queer identities. I finished the book within 24 hours and this is def an auto buy author for me. My one issue is that the story got a little overloaded with discovering his family story and processing his trauma along with trying to become a writer…. Those parts were muddied for me. Otherwise, an impactful book!

“Either climb it or go around it, but don’t spend a lifetime waiting for it to move. Only a fool does that.”

Isaac’s Song by Daniel Black is an embodiment of the saying, “the only person who can save you is yourself”. We may not ask for the experiences life throws at us, but it is us who decides how we let certain experiences define our existence.

We’re introduced to Isaac during an indescribably painful moment in his life. His father, Jacob, passed away, leaving a sorrowful hole in his heart. This is a difficult experience for Isaac to process, not only because it is the death of someone who aided in giving him life, but also because it is someone who caused Isaac great pain while he was alive, especially in Isaac’s formative years.

Isaac’s expectations for himself differed from the man his father wanted him to become. Isaac wanted to live in his truth as a gay Black man while his father preferred he lived a life that was more aligned with what he knew and grew up with. This difference in outlook caused a wedge in the father-son relationship, one that resurfaced upon Jacob’s passing.

Isaac’s Song is an exploration of Isaac coming to terms with both his father’s death and their relationship overall, all the while living through prominent moments in American history. It’s a story that will validate those who find themselves in similar situations, offering a sincere hug to inner children everywhere.

Thank you, Harlequin Trade Publishing, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Isaac’s Song is a beautifully written story about a black boy who grows up to be a man despite his lifelong struggle of accepting himself. The story explores racism in the 80’s and 90’s as well as the challenges a gay black man faced. It touches on the AIDS epidemic. Even after his father’s death, Isaac struggles with never impressing his traditional, Christian father despite his high grades, vocal ability, athleticism, and degrees. The author connected the reader to Isaac in a way most cannot achieve. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, novels about the constructs of society, and civil rights. 5/5 stars!

I was gifted this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

I was into this book the entire way, and I loved how Isaac told his story of his journey in life as a black man in America. I've had an interest in African-American history since approximately 1987 when I took a class in African-American literature. My professor was a man named Tommy Ware and he made quite the impression on me. He was a black man who'd worked the cotton fields, been in prison, and was the eldest of 15 children. He was actually my social studies professor and asked if some of us could attend his class to do so just for the head count he needed that day. I was already taking 18 units at junior college but after one class with him I just had to take it. I'm so glad I did! I "met" so many African-American authors I hadn't known previously or not known much about them. My favorite two books I'd read for his class were [book:Native Son|15622] by [author:Richard Wright|9657] and [book:Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass|36529]. Oh my gosh. <i>Native Son</i> is still one of my very favorite books I've ever read. (Thank you for letting me share.

On with this book by Daniel Black. Wow! I was reading his book and began thinking that it was something the author had really gone through (and possibly he did). I wondered if I'd remembered the genre correctly and just as one of my friends did, I also had to look at the genre to see if it was a memoir because to me it sounded like it was about his life. I honestly felt as though he was telling me this himself in person (I had an audiobook).

Isaac's story made me very sad at first. He had such a distanced relationship with his father. He knew he loved his dad, but he felt his dad didn't love him. His relationship with his mother was much better until the day he said he "thought" he was gay. Neither of his parents wanted to hear that! In fact, they insisted that he wasn't gay. His dad was focused on creating a MAN in Isaac, but Isaac loved "girly" things.

What made this such a difficult read for me is thinking of a young boy growing into a young man who's sexual orientation is something that he knows in his heart of hearts but tries to hide who/what he is because of societal norms. Add to that being a black man living in white society in the 70's and 80's and it was such a hard time for him. He had to worry about being bullied if he ran like a girl or loved dance and being "sweet" to others.

I'm very impressed with the way Black told Isaac's story. I don't want to say how it ended but I will say that Isaac had a therapist from the beginning of the story and he did grow. I loved this one and I am so glad I read it.

Isaac's Song by Daniel Black is a moving tale of about family dynamic and at its heart black joy. The writing brings these characters to life to the point of where I thought I was reading a memoir. Daniel Black has away to move the reader, to forgiveness. As unforgiving this book can become, it felt like a warm hug. I can't think of a better time for it to come out then now. When in a world is filled with so much hate, and bigotry that we have a novel filled with so much love.

I couldn't recommend more, and personally believe it is a must read.

a lyrical narrative on reconciliation, self-reflection, and complex relationships among the background of themes such as generational trauma, homophobia, and mental health.

The poignancy and command with which the author conveys much of the narrative is soul-shaking and provides many insightful, thought-provoking quotes to commit to memory.

“How smart is it to get mad at a mountain? Either climb it or go around it, but don’t spend a lifetime waiting for it to move. Only a fool does That”

An excellent follow up to his father’s book. Shows that it’s never too late to mend a broken relationship and that others don’t have to accept you as long as you accept yourself.

Thank you Netgalley for an early arc of this book, Issac's Song. This book was excellent. It deserves all the stars. It was so emotional and so well written, I would highly recommend it, especially on audio which I also listened to.

Daniel Black does an incredible job capturing the essence and complexities of Black men. His writing is both stunning and deeply poignant. While I loved this book, it didn’t resonate with me as much as Don’t Cry for Me. That said, Isaac’s story—his journey from boyhood to manhood while navigating masculinity, sexuality, and family history—was powerful and compelling. I especially appreciated the book’s structure, with Isaac not only sharing his story but also engaging in conversations with his therapist. The therapist’s perspective was a great touch, offering insight into the guidance Isaac received and how he processed it in his own words.

Isaac’s Song by Daniel Black is a beautifully poignant and emotionally charged novel about self-discovery, resilience, and the search for belonging. Set in 1980s Chicago, the story follows Isaac, a young queer Black man navigating the weight of societal expectations and the trauma of a strained relationship with his father. As he begins to embrace his true self, the AIDS crisis and the attack on Rodney King shake his world, forcing him to confront both personal and collective grief.

Black’s rich prose and complex characters draw readers into Isaac’s journey of healing, where he reconnects with his past in Arkansas and unearths painful truths about family, identity, and the long shadow of history. The novel is a masterful exploration of family dynamics, forgiveness, and the perseverance needed to overcome trauma. Fans of The Great Believers and On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous will find this book equally gripping and unforgettable.

Isaac’s Song is a compelling and deeply moving story, marking another high point in Daniel Black’s career, showcasing his talent for blending personal narrative with the broader struggles of a marginalized community.

This was so overwhelmingly good! I have so many thoughts and follow up questions. I enjoyed Isaac’s story and his POV. I agree that our memories are subjective and that we remember them based on how we felt at the time. I never thought of it that way and that was something that truly stuck with me throughout the book.

I like how the author blended in Isaac’s conversation with his therapist with him telling his story and ultimately his father’s story. Therapy is another thing that is taboo with black men and very slowly that is becoming okay in the community. Simply crying is becoming okay in the community.

I love that Isaac wasn’t afraid to show emotions and explore his creativity. He got a lot of his qualities from his dad. He was determined, strong, and unapologetic even when he felt he wasn’t any of those things.

There was a lot of great information in this book detailing black history, black creatives, and how each generation set out to make the next generation better. I think now we strive to make the next generation so much better that we shelter them and they don’t learn the harsh realities of the world until they’re adults. I think we’re starting to realize that and are trying to fix that while healing ourselves at the same time.

This story was deep and brought up many thought provoking moments. Great read. 5 ⭐️ HANDS DOWN!