Blurb: Isaac's Song follows a black and queer youth encouraged by his therapist to revisit his past in order to process his grief. It explores the (challenging) themes of growth and self-discovery, with an emphasis on identity, family and community.

Let me start by saying that, at first glance, I don’t have much in common with Isaac. I grew up as a white, straight-passing cis girl in rural Europe—basically the complete opposite of Isaac, a black youth struggling to hide his queerness in the American South. The contrast is so stark it’s almost funny.
And yet, the first half of this book turned out to be one of the most relatable things I’ve ever read in my life. I spent the entire time teary-eyed and went to bed emotionally exhausted. That’s how you know you’re holding a true gem in your hands.

The book starts off as a collection of memories—snapshots of Isaac’s formative years growing up—but it starts to lose its way around the time of (TW, content spoiler) his mom’s death.
I sometimes found myself scrambling to piece together the timeline, as some key events (eg. his parents’ deaths, Isaac trying to reconnect with his dad), seemed to happen off-page and were only mentioned in passing. It’s a classic case of "telling, not showing," which made it hard to follow at times.
This might be because I haven’t read the author’s previous book, Don’t Cry for Me, which is a collection of letters written by Isaac’s father before his death. Since Isaac’s Song isn’t marketed as a sequel, I went in with no prior knowledge, and while I get why the author may not have wanted to rehash events from the earlier book, and while Isaac’s Song also does a decent job as a standalone, I still think some of those important moments involving Isaac’s parents should’ve been explored on the page here too.

I think the issue I had with the narrative was exacerbated by the last third of the book, which left the ending feeling disconnected from the rest for me. After Isaac’s father dies, he’s inspired to work on his first full-length novel, and the narration starts jumping between Isaac in the present, angsty about his writing, and a historical timeline following the characters in his novel. While the events of this fictional novel still tie strongly to the book’s overarching themes, the back-and-forth shift felt jarring to me—like the two didn’t quite belong in the same story.

Those are pretty much my only complaints, though, and this book is still a solid five-star read for me. It’s beautifully written, a visceral portrayal of systemic racism and homophobia, and it handles delicate themes with such loving care. I’m so thankful I got to read it, and I'm sure this story will stay with me for a long time.

“Legacy isn’t just what we inherit; it’s what we choose to do with the inheritance.”

Daniel Black does it again with Isaac's Song, delivering a poignant exploration of Black manhood, family legacies, and the profound ways our perspectives shift as we grow and mature. This novel, rich in emotional depth and cultural resonance, is an unforgettable journey into the heart of what it means to reckon with our past while forging a path toward healing and self-discovery.

What makes Isaac's Song so compelling is how it tackles the complicated dynamics of Black manhood. Through Isaac’s eyes, we see the silent expectations placed on Black men, the ways they’re often denied vulnerability and the quiet strength it takes to confront those inherited beliefs. Black also masterfully examines the intricacies of family—the love that binds, the wounds that linger, and the healing that can come when we choose to see our parents and ourselves with clarity and compassion.

Reading this novel after Don’t Cry for Me by the same author adds a layered perspective. While Don’t Cry for Me focuses on a father’s regrets, Isaac's Song shifts the lens to the son’s reckoning, creating a beautiful, intergenerational dialogue that feels raw and redemptive.

Isaac's Song is a five-star must-read for anyone seeking a profound, soul-stirring story that explores the depths of family, identity, and healing. Daniel Black’s ability to craft characters that feel like family and stories that linger in your heart is unparalleled. Whether you’re new to his work or a longtime fan, this book will leave you reflecting on your own relationships, choices, and growth.

If you loved Don’t Cry for Me, you’ll find Isaac’s Song a perfect companion piece—two stories that sing in harmony about the complexities of love and the courage it takes to face the truths that shape us.

Daniel Black has done it again and should be expecting a bill from my therapist any day now.
The bill will request compensation for pain and suffering over the course of 2 years.
He has made me cry while simultaneous shifting my brain chemistry and I loved every second of it.

If you enjoyed Don't Cry for Me like I did, I highly recommend that you pick up Isaac's Song.
This is a companion novel that can be read as a stand alone but is best read after DCFM.

Isaac's Song is a journey is one of self discovery where he determines his worth and reconnects with his ancestry.
There is so much thought provoking discourse that occurs between the pages that demands your attention and requires an open mind.
Daniel tackles everything from masculinity being revered and femininity being lesser than to the possibility of the Bible being altered by white men who translated from Hebrew to King James. I loved that he praised the necessity of HBCUs and didn't shy away from show the main character's flaws.

Although I could have lived without Isaac's final story, this novel was near perfection!

Dr Daniel Black is one of my favorite authors - the way he writes about Blackness and queerness is so moving and thought provoking. I will read everything he writes. ISAAC’S SONG continues to explore the themes of DONT CRY FOR ME but from the other perspective. I loved it - everyone should read this book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC - ISAAC’S SONG IS OUT NOW!

I honestly do not believe that I’m a target audience for this book. Nevertheless, it was a good read . There were parts that had me confused but I understood that a boy trying to figure out his sexuality and a father not accepting anything differently, would definitely cause a toxic relationship.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book .

This was a solid 4 star experience. I flew through the first half. The therapy session setting was my favorite part. I highlighted so much from the early sessions. As that tapered off, I felt myself wanting to pick the book up less, but once I did I was still compelled to read. I think it’s because I didn’t expect his writing experience to become such an integral part of the book. The second half turns from him writing about his life to a fictional story influenced by family history and there were several moments where we’re in a book within a book. I like that setup when I know it’s happening, but when I don’t know ahead of time it can take me out of it. Generally speaking it was done really well and I appreciated how short that portion was so that it didn’t take away from Isaac’s overall story.

What a beautiful story of forgiveness, acceptance, hard truths, and what feels like a raw telling of the universal experience of being Black in America. This book is about Isaac, a black gay man who has recently lost his estranged father. As part of therapy he takes us on a journey through his childhood and while we travel along with him we see him realize that what he thought was not reality. I don’t know if I can truly express how this book made me feel. I feel seen in a way, which is weird as I’m a cis-het woman who has really great relationships with her parents. I think watching Isaac see his parent as people and realize that though they made many mistakes, they did the best with what they had and his father especially did it all so that he could be successful and have opportunities he never could of dreamed of himself resonated with me the most. Journeying through the racism, homophobia, AIDS crisis, Rodney King beating and LA Riots through Isaac’s eyes felt different. Almost like I understand what living through those times felt like. There was such a level of emotional intelligence present throughout this story,there was purpose with every sentence and while this may sound dramatic, I feel better after reading this. I haven’t read Don’t Cry For Me yet but it’s next up on my list. This was just an amazing story and I’m grateful I read it.

Thank you Net Galley and HTP Books for the ARC. All thoughts and feelings are my own.

Isaac’s Song is the best way to follow up Don’t Cry for Me. If you’ve read that, you most certainly must read this one to gain the perspective of Isaac, Jacob’s son. To read’s Isaac’s thoughts and how he navigates his feelings, his identity, and trials he has to go through from a young age to adulthood, including coming to an understanding of his father, it’s will tug at your heartstrings for sure.

I love that each of their thoughts are given in separate books as it captures the true feelings of each separately which I feel gives a deeper meaning and feeling of each story. Brilliant! I can sit and reflect on how both felt. This book allowed me to put it all together to get both sides of feelings and thoughts. It’s as if i knew a small piece of Isaac, but now I Know Isaac and can be in his mind and feel his feelings through his words! My only thing I wished is that I had reread Don’t Cry for me and went right into Isaac’s Song right after! I’m almost inclined to listen to both on audiobook now because I think it would really give a vivid picture and feeling as if they are actually telling me their story’s in person.

I’m rambling.. all i can say is if you’ve read have not read Don’t Cry for Me, do that first and most certainly pick this one up and read it right after. I most certainly had to have a copy for my shelves. Also, I’ve read 3 of Daniel Black’s books now, and they all have been 5⭐️

Isaac's Song by Daniel Black was such a beautiful coming-of-age story!
A thought-provoking, emotional read that I absolutely loved for all the realness and rawness.
A poignant and unforgettable novel!

“Just be yourself. He’ll figure out who you are someday.”

I knew this would be a 5 star read before I even started. I loved Perfect Peace and Don’t cry for me and this author is now an auto-read author for me. Isaac’s Song is a companion book to Don’t cry for me. This is an emotional and real story of black love. The story follows Isaac, who is struggling to figure out who he is and seeks the help of a therapist. The therapist has him write down all the memories he has of his story. This is how we learn of his childhood, growing up as a gay black man in the 80’s and the relationship he has with his mother and father.

The advice the therapist provides in this book is gold! I could see my dad in Isaac’s father and can relate to the decisions they made, being a parent myself. I was in tears though out this book, especially at the end. Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and Netgalley for an e-Arc of this book.

Published today, this novel is nothing short of a masterpiece. It's profound and deeply emotional and navigates the human experience with grace. The narrative is imbued with wisdom, empathy, and raw authenticity. For anyone seeking a story that resonates on a deeply personal level, Isaac’s Song is an absolute must-read.

The story follows Isaac, a man burdened by the weight of generational trauma and personal struggles, as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Central to his transformation is his relationship with a compassionate and insightful therapist, who becomes a guiding light through his darkest moments. As Isaac confronts painful memories and seeks forgiveness, both for himself and others, he begins to uncover the strength to rebuild his life.

One of the most compelling elements of Isaac’s Song is the relationship between Isaac and his therapist. I don't know if I have ever encountered a literary depiction of therapy so tender, insightful, and authentic. The therapist’s empathy and wisdom provide a beacon of hope, guiding Isaac through his struggles with unwavering support. Reading their sessions felt like a gift... like I was witnessing the kind of transformative care we all deserve. It’s a reminder of how important mental health support can be and the impact a truly compassionate professional can have on someone’s life.

Daniel Black’s prose is perfect, blending lyrical beauty with honesty. The dialogue is sharp, driving home the emotional weight of Isaac’s experiences. The themes of generational trauma, self-discovery, and forgiveness are handled with sensitivity, creating a narrative that is as universal as it is personal.

I felt this book to be not just a story but also an experience. It invites readers to reflect on their own lives, relationships, and the importance of seeking help when needed. It’s a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for growth and renewal, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable pain.

I can't recommend Isaac’s Song enough. It's a gorgeous read that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt broken and longed for healing.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the Advanced Reader Copy of this book - we are just 14 days into the year but I anticipate this being one of my favorite reads of the year!

Happy PuB Day Mr. Daniel
I lovveeee Mr. Daniel Black down !! I had the pleasure of meeting him with my book club (IG BWRT.BOOKCLUB) !!
Isaac's Song was highly anticipated after reading Don't Cry for Me!! We all wanted to know Isaac's thoughts after reading his father's letters. This man pen game so legit it's crazy.
I felt really sad for Issac because he was so lonely even in his adult life. This book gave me everything I wanted in closure from the Don't Cry for Me!! I would definitely recommend this one if you've read it.
I need Isaac's Therapist asap. I was highlighting sooooo much. She ATE DOWN.
TW: Racism, HIV/AIDS Epidemic, slavery, homophobia
Thank you so much to The Hive and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC 🥲

The Cambridge dictionary defines LITERATURE as such:
"written artistic works, especially those with a high and lasting artistic value".

Isaac's Song is most definitely a great work of literature.
It's a beautifully woven tapestry addressing: sexual identity, Black patriarchy, the Black experience, the selfs (acceptance, worth, & love) and how our emotions color the perceptions of our memories. It's been quite some time since l've read something that made me feel such a myriad of emotions (fear, sadness, & joy) like this does.
This is a tale that not only NEEDS to be read but also requires in depth discussions (in other words try to see him on this press tour).

Per his own words "Storytelling is a gift" and Dr Black may be the most gifted of his time! So if Dr Black chooses to retire his pen after this (even though I pray he doesn't), it would be alright because he left it all on the page.

This book is outside of my usual genres, but it was such a beautiful and engaging read I found I couldn't put it down. The story follows Isaac as he goes to therapy in the wake of his father's death. His therapist has him walk through his relationship with his father, and the story is told in a flashback-style jumping back and forth between the therapist's office and Isaac's past.

Isaac's story itself was an examination of his life as a queer black boy to a queer black man and the complexities of his relationship with his father (and his mother to some extent) because of it. It moved from his life in childhood to adolescence to college to adulthood, and every step of the way you see the way his relationship with his father shifts both in terms of his own self understanding, as well as through the therapist's reframing of Isaac and his father's relationship.

Overall this book was beautiful, and I highly recommend!

I am thoroughly convinced that Dr Daniel Black is connected to the Divine, similar to our main character, Issac. His ability to craft stories like this showcases that power. Each story invites readers on a journey, encouraging them to open their hearts and minds to profound, lasting truths. The experiences he weaves resonate with us emotionally and leave a significant spiritual impact that changes us forever.

wow this was stunning!

daniel black wove multiple timelines together through journal entries, allowing isaac's song to explore our protagonist's memories and experiences through a series of vignettes.

we follow our titular character as he, with a therapist, sifts through the constructed realities that make up his memories of the past. he reflects on his turbulent childhood as a queer Black kid in Missouri, unwinding his perceptions of his parents from the reality of their complex dynamic. he revisits how his artistic pursuits clashed with his father's rigid pragmatism, and is pushed to reassess their relationship. we continue to follow Isaac through his academic career to young adulthood, navigating his role in Chicago 80s society as a Black gay man during Rodney King's attack and the AIDS crisis.

this was such a beautiful love letter to self-discovery, art, and the intricacies of family. absolutely beautiful!
thank you to hanover square press and net galley for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book!

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

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This was a beautiful story with such a strong voice I had to repeatedly remind myself that this is fiction and not Daniel Black’s memoir - it truly felt like Isaac was speaking directly to me. Daniel Black is such a talented writer and I found myself highlighting so many powerful and inspiring lines.

This book was the perfect representation of intersectionality as we explored the different lived experiences of a Black gay man in the 1980s. There were so many heartbreaking scenes, but just as many moments of hope. I think there’s something for everyone in this book but I would recommend checking the content warnings beforehand to make sure you’re in the right headspace to appreciate the story.

I will note that I did realize too late that this is a companion novel so I’m not sure how my thoughts on Isaac’s Song would’ve been different had I read it second, but considering I didn’t feel confused throughout the book, I don’t think it’s a requirement to read Don’t Cry for Me first.

Overall, I highly recommend this book!

Since finishing I had to sit with this review. Daniel black really out done go self. We get even more insight into the life of Isaac. His daddy really didn’t love home sadly how it was shown tracks with the way things went in that time. I do recommmed don’t cry for me before you read this one.

Wow what a book. This book is the continuation to Daniel’s Black Don’t Cry For Me which told a story about a Dad writing letters to his Queer son Isaac before his death. Isaac’s Song follows Isaac years later and how he came to be an adult. He reflects on his childhood and how his Dad played a role in his life. In learning about himself. It goes back and forth to his therapy sessions & childhood memories and just reflecting on life in general. This was everything and more. Both books show how Father & Son relationships are important.

The story took many twists and turns. There were times when I felt interested and others where I could not figure out where the train was going. The ending was a beautiful masterpiece and what I’d hoped for after reading “Don’t Cry For Me”. There were many quotes that helped to shape my view of the world - including the fact that no two words are the same. Such a simple idea but full of so much meaning.

Due to the parts that bumped me out and the fact that his book did not read as smoothly as its predecessor, my true rating is 3.5 stars.