This was an absolutely beautiful story. I don’t think I’ve been this touched and immersed in a novel in such a long time. Isaac and his story really touched me so deeply because it is something that is still happening today and it’s absolutely unacceptable.

The way this story is told is so creative and different and I think that’s what made me so immersed in its world. Isaac is recounting events and relationships as he goes to therapy. The problem with this is that our memory is not reliable. Every event or idea that we have has been melting into the way we saw it.

Throughout this story you see that Isaac learns that maybe things weren’t exactly how he thought they were and he walks through that and heals from that.

I cried at this book. I wanted to throw this book at a wall and i mourned for every black queer boy that has had to deal with the things that Isaac had to deal with and I hope they find solace in seeing a version of their story being told and heard.

This is absolutely beautiful and I would absolutely ADORE listening to an audiobook of this as well. I will definitely reread via audiobook if that becomes an option.

If you’re considering reading this book, do it. If you haven’t and you see this review - read it.

& Thank you Daniel Black for giving us this story, it’s one that NEEDS to be told and so many need to learn what their actions and words can do to others.

This is such a beautiful story, of discovery and forgiveness, coming-of-age novel. A queer black man growing up in the 80's on how he deals with the lost of his father. Isaac therapist request to write about his upbringings, there we discover his up complicated upbringing about his father and how he is dealing with it. He also reflects on his life experiences. This novel was heart breaking and it did feel like I was the one in therapy.


Thank you NetGalley for the Ebook!

Issac’s Song, a captivating follow-up to Don’t Cry for Me, evokes a profound range of emotions. From tears to cheers, I found myself emotionally invested in the intricate relationship between a black father and his son. Isaac’s father’s passing prompts him to seek therapy, where he’s encouraged to confront his feelings and memories. While I won’t reveal any spoilers, the journey ahead is undoubtedly challenging.

The author’s masterful storytelling and character development keep me utterly engrossed from the very beginning. Issac’s Song is a beautifully written novel that I highly recommend to anyone seeking a powerful and well-crafted read.

Thanks a bunch, NetGalley, the publisher, and of course the author, for sending me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Isaac's Song is a beautifully written book about a man processing his feelings as he navigates loss while reflecting on life events. Focused on his journey to be true to himself and his struggle to gain acceptance and praise from his father, the reader feels much of what Isaac feels due to Black's abilities. I am eager to read the letters in his previous book Don't Cry For Me after reading Isaac's perspective on so many of his life events.

Isaac’s Song by Dr. Daniel Black is more than a novel—it’s a blessing, a sermon, and a soul-stirring message wrapped in the pages of a book. Everything Dr. Black writes feels like it’s divinely guided and this story is no exception. It doesn’t just speak to the reader; it speaks to the entire community. The message is there if you’re willing to receive it—and trust me, it’s one worth receiving.

This book is a follow-up to Don’t Cry for Me, where we were introduced to a strained relationship between father and son. In that first story, the conflict didn’t come from a place of hate but from a father’s limited understanding of masculinity. But this book is not just about pain—it’s about healing. Through a beautifully crafted form of therapy, Isaac begins to confront not only his past but the entire legacy he inherited. He takes accountability for his past actions and forgives not just his father but his ancestors, and begins to truly heal. And in doing so, we, the readers, are invited to do the same.

This is a book that will stir your emotions—it will absolutely put you in your feelings—but it won’t leave you there. It pulls you back with clarity, with love, and with the reminder that there’s always more at work beneath the surface.

Isaac’s Song is not just a book you want to read. It’s a book you need to read. Especially in our community, it offers a necessary conversation, one about love, accountability, manhood, generational trauma, and healing. Pick it up. Sit with it. Let it speak to you. You will walk away with something sacred.

I finished this book soon after receiving it but life happened and I forgot to submit my review. I received this title as an advanced readers copy from NetGalley and this book did not disappoint.
It traveled through the relationships Isaac had in his life as he grew older and delve into the way his parents actions as well. The relationship with his therapist was one that we all need, it was healthy and challenged him when needed. This book is an excellent read and I can’t wait to read more from this author.

I found this book to be a nice read, though I definitely enjoyed the first one more. One of the highlights for me was Isaac’s therapist—her ability to challenge him and guide him toward examining his existence and the role his father played in shaping it was really impactful. The novel offers a solid coming-of-age journey, touching on themes of rejection, the longing for acceptance and belonging, and the weight of shame. Isaac’s healing felt deeply connected to his ability to finally tell his story, which was powerful to witness. I also appreciated getting the other side of key moments through his father’s letters—it added depth and context.

What didn’t fully work for me was the story Isaac was writing within the novel (the narrative about the two brothers during slavery). While I understood its relevance to the larger themes, and even found myself becoming invested in that storyline, it just didn’t feel like it belonged in this book. Overall I would definitely reccomend this book, Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Still feeling all of the feels about this one. I loved Don't Cry for Me and couldn't wait to read Isaac's perspective. It was impactful to read Isaac's reflection of his life and how he viewed his relationship with his father. The therapist in the story was insightful. I think this story was a beautiful narration of healing, acceptance, insight and ultimately forgiveness. Daniel Black is now one of my favorite authors. Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for ARC.

A deeply moving story about identity, love, and the power of being true to yourself. Isaac’s Song by Daniel Black is a beautifully written novel that explores faith, sexuality, and self-acceptance in a way that stays with you long after the last page.

I absolutely LOVED this follow-up to Don't Cry For Me. While the storyline was based on some of the same events, the POV was refreshing and new. The way Isaac explored his feelings for how he viewed his dad was though provoking and encourages therapy and insight. Daniel Black is now a go-to author for me!

4.5 stars

What an emotional, gripping novel! I kept having to remind myself that it was a novel rather than a memoir, as the main character's POV is so personal. I adored Don't Cry for Me, the author's previous novel, and was similarly touched by the prose of Isaac's Song. It was a beautiful, yet heartbreaking read. The entire book is a deep character study of Isaac and his father as it recalls their tumulutous relationship. The novel begins with Isaac in a therapist's office, trying to process his father's death, but also weaves in Isaac's personal history and discovering his true identity. It touches on race, education, sexuality and much more.

The audiobook version is also wonderful! I look forward to more from Daniel Black.

This book was incredible. I loved Don't Cry For Me better, but as a sequel, this was exceptional. Daniel Black is a fantastic author.

Isaac’s Song by Daniel Black is a breathtakingly lyrical and deeply resonant novel that explores identity, faith, love, and self-acceptance with unflinching honesty. Through Isaac’s journey, Black crafts a story that is both intimate and universal, delving into the complexities of being Black and queer in a world that often demands compromise at the cost of authenticity.

The writing is exquisite—each sentence feels intentional, poetic, and immersive. Black’s prose not only paints vivid imagery but also evokes profound emotion, making Isaac’s struggles and triumphs feel deeply personal. The novel does not shy away from difficult conversations, yet it carries a sense of hope that lingers long after the final page.

Isaac’s Song is a novel that demands to be read, discussed, and cherished. It is a powerful addition to contemporary literature, and I am grateful for the opportunity to experience such a beautifully rendered story.

Thank you NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for the ARC of Isaac's Song by Daniel Black. I had previously read "Don't Cry for Me" and while I liked it, it was not my favorite book. I was really glad to be able to read Isaac's Song because while the topic was the same, the way it was written was a lot easier to read. The fact that the story is told through the lens of the main character speaking with his therapist and getting help to navigate his feelings abot his father's death. I feel like the whole tone of this book was more forgiving and helped him to get the closure that he wouldn't have been able to get without therapy. At the very end the part about the enslaved folks seemed unnecessary, as it didn't add much to the overall main story. Overall I wish I had read this book first and then Don't Cry for Me, because I think it would've made it easier to take in. I really liked this book.

This is a story every should read. It's though provoking and hits hard. seeing the world through others eyes is so important in our growth and understanding of the world.

**Book Review: *Isaac’s Song* by Daniel Black**

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*Isaac’s Song* by Daniel Black is a powerful, thought-provoking novel that will resonate with readers long after the last page is turned. With its lyrical prose, deep emotional complexity, and exploration of themes such as family, love, identity, and the painful truths that shape us, this book is a masterclass in storytelling.

The novel centers around Isaac, a man grappling with his past and the strained relationship with his father. Through poignant and heartfelt letters, Black weaves a narrative that is both heartbreaking and redemptive. The father-son dynamic at the heart of this story is portrayed with raw honesty and profound emotional depth, making every moment feel real and uncomfortably intimate.

Daniel Black’s writing is nothing short of extraordinary. He captures the nuances of human emotions and relationships with a level of sensitivity and care that allows readers to connect deeply with the characters. The way Black explores Isaac’s struggles with self-identity, forgiveness, and acceptance is both moving and cathartic, leaving you reflecting on your own personal relationships and life choices.

The pacing is deliberate, allowing the narrative to unfold in such a way that every word feels necessary and impactful. The flashbacks, letters, and moments of reflection are expertly balanced, creating a rhythm that keeps the reader emotionally engaged without feeling rushed. The ending is both heartbreaking and beautifully redemptive, leaving an indelible impression on your heart.

*Isaac’s Song* is a hauntingly beautiful novel that delves into the complexities of the human spirit. Daniel Black has crafted a work that is not only a compelling exploration of family and love but also a profound meditation on the importance of healing and reconciliation. This book is an absolute must-read for anyone who appreciates literature that challenges, moves, and stays with you. Highly recommended.

A beautiful story. I enjoyed every second of it! It made me feel all the emotions. I’m glad I got to experience this story.

A beautiful and heartbreaking novel about the complicated relationships that often exist between a gay son and his father. As a foil to Daniel Black’s previous novel Don’t Cry for Me, we follow Isaac, a gay man, as he confronts his complicated relationship with his now deceased father. In therapy, Isaac relives memories from childhood through adulthood, reflecting on how he never felt free to be himself as a gay person. He grapples with his father’s expectations and homophobia, trying to understand his father and his life experiences, but struggling to come to terms with his own culpability in their relationship and the idea that his father was his own person and had his own history and story. There’s commentary on racism, internalized homophobia, religious trauma, generational trauma, parental expectations, and gay culture. The conversations were nuanced but plainly written and understood. I found this so moving and beautiful. 10/10

I picked up his beautifully written chronicle that takes hold from the very start and NEVER lets go! From the first pages where his therapist put me in my place, to the thoughtful way Isaac heard his song and his parents’ too. It was a reckoning for realizing one’s agency, ancestry, power and the ability to forgive. She spat and I sat down: “Everyone has agency, whether they use it or not”.
When she refused to let Isaac blame his father for the baggage he carries: “Everyone has baggage…Nothing had ever happened to you that is greater than your power to heal it…Blaming others is only an excuse…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.” Blink, Blink. I listened to the audio and also read the words and I just had to put it down and examine some things. When I did pick it back up and finished the story, I felt entertained but also like I had been in therapy too. I felt sorrow for every little black LGBTQ boy and girl who have ever been shackled by others’ ability to truly see and love them. Isaac’s level of understanding by the end was an unraveling of the unknown to find forgiveness, truth and self. Masterful.

Chef’s Kiss! I loved this incredible story! I expected nothing less of Dr. Black! He spoke to me through Isaac’s journey and I’m grateful. In December when I’m thinking of my fave reads, this one will be there, I’m positive! You must read! And if Dr. Black comes to your city, GO!

In this deeply wonderful and powerful story we are following Isaac. Isaac is a gay black man with a tainted childhood at the hands of his abusive father, When his father passes, Isaac is prompted to start therapy to deal with childhood issues that stem in the relationship with his father. During this time at the suggestion of his therapist, Isaac begins to write his story down.
This book's writing is lyrical and poetic. It is a character study ,it is activism, it is healing. The reader will find coming of age, family dynamics, racial and human identity and powerful healing in writing it all down.
I cannot express enough how much I loved this book. This is the first book by the author that I have read and I am on a mission to read all of the back list of this author. This is a book I will be thinking about for a long time.