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.

Daniel Black has such an incredible talent for depicting nuances of the Black LGBTQIA experience. Isaac's Song follows Isaac as he recounts privotal moments in his life following the death of his father. Though they had a complicated relationship, his reflection on his life and relationship with his father had a monumental impact on him as a man. This book masterly explores themes of familial support and acceptance, isolation, "other"-ism, and the long and difficult process of grief. I would highly recommend this book and I look forward to what Black does next.

Issac’s Song is a novel about a young man in therapy, who is struggling to make sense of his relationship with his parents (mainly his father) after his death. He finds through writing and recounting of the past, that often his own feelings somewhat skewed his interpretation of the past.

This book was poetically written without being pretentious. I found it was easy to fall right back into Issac’s world even if it had been a few weeks since I last picked up the book (not all books are like that for me!)

As Issac recounts his father’s struggle to acknowledge and accept Issac’s sexuality, you really feel what Issac feels. The author captures the difficulty of being a child and loving your parents, but also not always understanding them and the confusion and hurt when you get reprimanding for existing in a way that you didn’t realize was “wrong”.

There is a part near the end of the book where you read more of Issac’s writing- at first it threw me off and felt a little disjointed, but as I kept reading through the end, I thought it was such a beautifully unique way to explore the forgiveness process.

I think this book is perfect for fans of literary fiction- who love reading quality writing with lush and complicated characters. Also a great choice if you have a somewhat complicated relationship with your parents- I felt like I was working through it along with Issac.

"Isaac's Song" is a poignant and deeply moving follow-up to Dr. Daniel Black's acclaimed novel "Don't Cry For Me." In this latest work, Black masterfully explores the intricate and often tumultuous relationship between a father and his son. The narrative centers on Isaac, who is grappling with the recent death of his father, Jacob Swinton. Despite their strained relationship, Isaac finds himself profoundly affected by his father's passing, prompting him to seek therapy.

Through his sessions with his therapist, Isaac embarks on a journey of self-discovery and reflection. He revisits his earliest memories and begins to see his father in a new light. The novel delves into themes of grief, identity, and the complexities of familial love. Isaac's process of understanding his father's flaws, traumas, and deep love for him is both heart-wrenching and enlightening.

Black's storytelling is rich with stories within stories, as Isaac recounts his life experiences and the lessons he learns along the way. The novel addresses significant issues such as Black masculinity, fatherhood, sexuality, and the impact of generational trauma. Isaac's journey is not just about reconciling with his father's memory but also about finding his true self and accepting his identity.

"Isaac's Song" is a beautifully written narrative. The characters are well-developed, and the emotional depth of the story is palpable. Black's prose is both lyrical and accessible, making the novel a compelling read from start to finish. The book's exploration of love, regret, and forgiveness is universal, resonating with readers on a profound level.

"Isaac's Song" is a powerful and evocative novel that continues the conversation started in "Don't Cry For Me." It is a testament to Dr. Daniel Black's skill as a storyteller and his ability to capture the complexities of human relationships. This book is a must-read, earning a well-deserved five-star rating.

Isaac’s Song is my first 5 star read of 2025! This is a beautifully written story about the struggles specific to being a gay black man in America.

The novel reads like an autobiography as Isaac recounts his life as a child in the 1970s and 80s, then into his young adulthood in the 90s. In between the stories of his life, Isaac has conversations with his therapist which examine grief, forgiveness, and the construction of memories. It’s through journaling his life that Isaac slowly begins to heal and finally accept himself.

Isaac’s Song is Daniel Black’s companion to Don’t Cry for Me. This book, however, truly stands on its own. I never felt like I had needed to read the earlier novel to understand this one. But now I want to read it, simply because I’m intrigued to know more about Isaac’s father’s story.

This was such an excellent book. I listened to the audiobook as well as read the arc. I sadly put this off because I knew this would be a heavy read. This book feels like it healed something in me, particularly the way I’ve viewed and thought of my own family. Isaac gave his all in this book, Daniel Black did an amazing job of tying in history lessons with a very relatable story.

The relationship between Jacob and Isaac strengthened even after Jacob was gone. I feel like this was a great way to show that you can always seek forgiveness and gain understanding that it’s never too late.

This is a review of the audiobook and the book

This isn’t necessarily the kind of book I always gravitate toward, and yet I found myself finding myself reading it whenever I found the chance. It’s very immersive, intriguing, and I would argue very well-written. We follow the main character in the time after his father dies, writing down the story of his life as part of his work with a therapist. It’s something of a series of interconnected personal essays that immerse the reader into Isaac’s story growing up as a young queer Black man in the late 20th century, into his present of finally trying to be an author, and the book that he writes. It’s a bit of a family saga, a bit coming-of-age, and really just what feels like a deeply personal story. I found myself disagreeing with Isaac at multiple points, but it felt like further proof of my immersion.

This was a really interesting book and has some (imo) really interesting exploration about identity and the creation of identity as a Black queer man (although I don’t have personal experience here), and I would recommend checking it out!

No surprise here another solid read from Dr. Daniel Black. I really enjoy the ease with which he weaves such insightful stories.

This story is about Isaac and is the follow up to Don’t Cry For Me which was an amazing read. This one takes place after Isaac’s father has passed away and takes us on a journey of him as a young boy and growing into the man he is now.

You get a lot of perspective in this book for Isaac, his mother & father…much more than I expected and it added so much more depth to the story and provided deeper understanding I regards to the first book.

I was very invested in the story Isaac was writing and at first I wasn’t sure how it was related to the overall story (despite it keeping my attention all on its own) but towards the end it comes full circle.

Dr. Black is just such a great story teller. I

Daniel Black could write a whole grocery list and I WILL read it. His books are what I’m here for it. Whole hearted and full of emotion that I am converted. I hope he keeps writing forever.