Such a beautiful book about love, healing and community! The author did an amazing job taking us through Isaac’s healing journey and dropped so many life gems throughout the process

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Non-spoiler synopsis:
Isaac’s Song follows Isaac, a young gay Black man, as he does the work to unpack his relationships with his parents, both of whom have passed. Through a series of sessions with his therapist, he receives guidance on how to do this – to try to match his feelings with his experiences by writing chronologically through his past, his story. This book features both his sessions with his therapist and his life story as told by him. Here, he comes to understand his past relationships and a little bit about his family history to help him forge a path forward.

Review:
This was regrettably my first read by Daniel Black. I will be going back to read his other work because this was a wonderful read – heartbreaking at times, but so raw and thought-provoking. While I could not personally relate to a lot of the struggles Isaac experienced and the generational trauma that he experienced, I did still find some pieces relatable and genuinely felt like I was sitting in on his therapy sessions getting genuine advice on how to work through my own traumas. I really enjoyed the insights on matching feelings and perceptions to reality. I think sometimes I get caught up in my feelings and perceptions that I fail to realize the reality of situations or the “why” of how people act. Reading diversely is more important now than ever; stories like these need to be told and should be read by all, so this comes with my highest recommendation even if you feel like you might not be able to personally relate with it.

Please read Isaac’s Song if you ever felt like your parents did not understand or support you; if you feel like you are carrying the weight of your generational trauma; and/or you just simply want to read something insightful and thought-provoking! Isaac’s Song is OUT NOW!! I’d love to hear what you think of it if you do!
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TW: homophobia, racism, the AIDs crisis, generational trauma, excessive substance use (alcohol), intimate partner violence (IPV)

Isaac, a young black gay man looks back at his relationship with his unsupportive and acerbic father. Through his therapeutic writing, the reader learns about Isaac, his parents and how he has been living since their death. His writing and discovery has him go back to his father's home where more of his past is learned.

I started this one at the beach and realized quickly it was the wrong vibe for me at that time, I also thought that the audio mixed with reading would be ideal for this novel so I waiting for the audio accompaniment. I was right, being in the right headspace and having the audio made the book a fantastic read. Experiencing the ways in which Isaac's father shut him out because of who Isaac is was painful to read but ultimately worth it. This is a really important story to read.

Thank you to HTP for the ARC to review

If you liked Daniel Black's "Don't Cry for Me," then you have almost already read and will also like "Isaac's Song," as the themes, writing style and tone are so familiar. That's not necessarily a bad thing, as the author has a way of narrating Black culture, family values and views on faith, discrimination and sexuality in a brutally honest, academic/therapeutic and compassionate manner. His characters, flawed as they are, have heart and you root for them to find peace and happiness. Some very poignant scenes between the main character and each of his parents -- really makes you think about the lens through which you view your parents. Some of the childhood scenes are heart-wrenching. The novel-within-a-novel was an interesting device and gave a glimpse into the writer's journey—which many of us who love to read and write reviews could not do ourselves. Still, I was hoping for more of a flex from the author — some new ground, topics, viewpoints — guessing there will be more to come and I will be there for it! Not quite a four-star read, but not wanting to be stingy. PS. Nice touch to have his primary character reside in Chicago for a bit.

This book was ABSOLUTELY breathtaking. It was literally THERAPY in a book. Issac's story reflected so much of my own in terms of perspective and how I perceived things vs what actually happened. Beautifully written

This author, from my first time reading his book, has never failed to leave me with something to think about. This book kept this up for me. A beautifully written book that takes you on a journey with the author. Another outstanding read from Mr. Black. I recommend all to read this author. You will look for him again. To the author I say, “Ase”. Blessings unto you. Thank you NetGalley, the author and the publisher for blessing me with the arc of this book. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on my thoughts.

Isaac's Song is a follow-up to 2022's Don't Cry for Me. It's not a follow-up in the sense that it begins after the earlier title. It actually tells the story told in Don't Cry for Me (and a bit more) from a different character's point of view. Don't Cry for Me examines a father's too-late coming to terms with his son's homosexuality. Isaac's Song begins with the death of this father, then moves back and forth in time, and gives voice to Isaac's (the son) experiences of life with his father. These two stubborn men don't learn how to respect one another until after the chance of an improved relationship has passed—but their stories still have happy endings of an incomplete sort simply because each has come to a better understanding of the other.

Either title can be read without the other, but they make a good pair. I'd suggest reading Don't Cry for Me first. Beginning with Isaac's Song would work, but would spoil some of the powerful reveals in Don't Cry for Me.

If you can think of someone in your life with whom you have values disagreements, but still feel obliged/motivated to stay in contact with (and who among us doesn't?) these titles offer a way into reflection, even if your situation is quite different from the one the two books are built around. Witnessing these two men's coming to terms with themselves—and with the idea of one another, if not a real-life reconciliation—allows for a great deal of valuable personal reflection. You don't have to be the queer child or the homophobic parent to benefit from this reading.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.

Really enjoyed this. I think it's easily one of my top 10 queer books that I've read, and I really look forward to checking out more of Daniel Black's work.

“Isaac’s Song” by Daniel Black is beautifully written, showcasing the author’s brilliance. Seeing the world through Isaac’s eyes brought clarity and appreciation for his father. A moving and insightful read.

This was a deeply emotional read coming of age book. I found Isaac's journey of healing so heartfelt. I loved this one. Isaac deals with hardships being a queer black man in 1980s, and his feelings towards his own father and coming to terms with his true self. I thought it was interesting how the author told the story as Isaac is talking to his therapist, and then Isaac in real life!

I haven't read the previous book DON'T CRY FOR ME yet, but after I read and enjoyed this one, I'd definitely want to get to that one too.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

When I finished this book my first thought was "that was amazing". This is a book I want to buy for everyone in my life so they can all read it and feel as touched as I did. The journey we go on with Isaac is so beautifully written. The way the author demonstrated healing and forgiveness through Isaac's story was truly inspiring.

Thank you to @htp_hive and @htpbooks for the ARC copy of this in exchange for my honest review as part of the Hive Influenced program

This is the emotional, poignant follow up to “Don’t Cry For Me”. This is a beautiful story of racial identity, gender identity, sexual orientation, self acceptance, forgiveness and healing while set in the backdrop of the 80s-90s.
Upon the death of Isaac’s Father, he finds himself grief-stricken and is perplexed by this, as they didn’t have a “good” or close relationship. The story starts with him in therapy where his therapist recommends that he write down his memories. This takes us on a journey of his childhood, through adolescence as a boy trying to find his place in the world, while realizing that he felt “different” from what his father and the world expected him to be, and ultimately discovering that he was gay.
As Isaac begins to examine his past memories- he begins to see his father as a man, and not just “his father”. He is able to find appreciation for his father and realizes that the very things that frustrated him as a boy, are the very things that has helped him succeed thus far in his life. His father was rigid, among other things, but the discipline he instilled in Isaac has carried him thus far in his life. Slowly he began to rectify the grievances he had with his father in his head and in his heart. Unfortunately his fathers death was the catalyst for this. Their relationship was “healed” in his death. Sometimes understanding comes too late for the physical realm but it’s still necessary to free your heart from the bondage of blame, guilt, regret, and anger.
I do wish that there would have been an epilogue. I would have loved to have Isaacs life a little more tied up at the end. Did he find his happiness? Was he able to finally live out loud?

The first pages took my breath away. The story begins with Isaac’s father passing away, and to his surprise, Isaac finds himself crying. Weeks later, he visits a therapist due to weight loss and insomnia. Isaac’s sessions with his therapist form the backbone of this book, as he revisits his childhood and explores his perceptions of his parents, his Blackness, and his sexuality.

"Apologies don’t heal the wounded. They’re for the perpetrator."

This story digs deep into themes of love, perception, and reality. Isaac’s relationship with his father was always strained, but as he rethinks past events, he realizes he may have judged his father too harshly and placed his mother on an undeserved pedestal. "Some of the truths you discover, Isaac, are going to conflict with what you feel in your heart. Still, don’t back away from them. This is what you’re looking for. It comes to make us reconsider what we think we know." I flew through the pages, captivated by Isaac’s journey through his childhood, university years, and early career, all while grappling with his identity as a Black gay man. "You become an agent of your own existence the minute you stop blaming others for what they did to you. Those who hurt us cannot heal us. That’s our job." When I read his father’s letter, tears leaped into my eyes. The love that shone through those sentences was palpable, despite his father’s past hurtful words. This book is a must-read, and I highly recommend it. One of my favorite books by this author is Precious Peace, and I was thrilled to receive this book as an ARC from NetGalley. I really need to read Daniel Black’s Don’t Cry for Me next—I think it will make me bawl my eyes out.

Set in his hometown of Kansas City, Isaac grapples with his intersecting identities as a queer man, a Black man, his femininity, and the father who seems to suppress these attributes. As Isaac grows up, his formative experience coming of age during the Rodney King attack and AIDS crisis adds layers to his complexity, and after a tribute to his father’s home in Arkansas, Isaac begins to unravel the thread of his father’s, and his family’s, past.

This book had my heart in a chokehold. I have not read the author’s book Don’t Cry for Me, where these characters are introduced, but that in no way impedes the enjoyment and beauty of this novel. At times heartbreaking, the author does a phenomenal job of exploring the depths of the expression “forgive but don’t forget” - and just how impossible it is to do either one. Strongly recommend this book for all; the relationship between this father and his queer son will leave us all reflective of our own authenticities.

Reviewed as part of #ARC from #NetGalley. Many thanks to @hanoversquarepress for the opportunity to read and review. #IsaacsSong

Another deeply reflective piece for readers to sit with and learn from. I’ll preface this by saying I completely understand why some readers might not love this as much as Don’t Cry For Me. But the love is still there! The story feels familiar, yet we’re given even more insight and angles to approach it from. It’s like experiencing a series that’s done in such an artful, poetic, and touching way. The layering and connectedness of it all—that’s the sweet spot of this read. It makes me hopeful to finally hear from Isaac’s mother.

As someone with older parents, some of the lessons and conversations in this book hit close to home. Once again, Daniel Black has delivered a work that’s stunningly self-aware in its exploration of change, generational trauma, unpacking, and readdressing the realities of our past selves and childhood through a lens of forgiveness and honesty.

I personally found the storytelling masterful. Black’s decision to revisit elements of Isaac’s history through therapy adds so much depth to this book. We witness how Isaac’s memories and connections are challenged as he unveils so much of himself to his therapist. And just like Isaac, we as readers are drawn into this process, reassessing who Isaac’s father was to him. This is done so beautifully that you don’t just feel for Isaac—you feel alongside him.

I loved the depth of Isaac’s pain and growth. He’s a character that, like many, seeks acceptance and acknowledgment from his parents while also fighting to give it to himself. We see his struggle to become the truest version of himself that he’s been told he could never be. This truly brought the ending home for me, with its sense of relief—Isaac finally lets go of the weight of his father’s approval.

The therapist’s commentary throughout the book is another highlight. Time and again, a mirror is held up to Isaac, showing how his inability to love himself affects his ability to love others. The narrative emphasizes the importance of forgiving oneself as a means to forgive others—particularly one’s parents—and to see them as whole, flawed individuals outside of one’s expectations.

There’s so much in this book that doesn’t just appeal but deeply resonates. Whether it’s the journey of self-discovery, grappling with sexual identity and acceptance, or the continued lessons of forgiveness and generational healing, Black captures emotions with stunning clarity. Readers can feel pain, compassion, disappointment, hope, and so much more!

I particularly appreciated that the forgiveness in this book doesn’t absolve Jacob of how he treated Isaac. Instead, it’s a grace and insight that fosters connection and growth—even posthumously. By the end, we see a bridge built and the recognition that Isaac is, in many ways, his father’s son.

Now I’m really hoping we don’t just hear from Isaac’s mother, but also get a book set during the time of his parents’ youth.

Thank you to NetGalley & Harlequin for this e-galley!

Thank you, NetGalley & Daniel Black, for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was thrilled to learn there would be a follow-up to Don’t Cry For Me! It was one of my favorite reads of 2022. I wish I had reread it before diving into this one, as I couldn’t recall everything that had happened from the father’s perspective.

This story tackles important themes and is an essential narrative to share. While I didn’t feel as emotionally connected to this book as I was with DCFM, I’m still glad it was written to complete the duology. As a Black American, I deeply related to Isaac’s struggles with trying to please his parents, never feeling he measured up, and being told, “Well, that’s what you’re supposed to do.” The author did an excellent job of making me feel seen in that aspect.

I also appreciated how the therapist emphasized to Isaac that, regardless of his father’s actions, he has the power to decide how he reacts. “Don’t let them control your emotions” was such a powerful takeaway. This story truly highlights how people and situations aren’t black and white but complex and multifaceted.

I do wish Isaac and his father had reconciled, though I’m glad he got the chance to read the letters. It’s unfortunate his father couldn’t have been kinder, but understanding that generation of Black men and their views on homosexuality added depth to the story.

This is my second book that I have experienced of Dr. Daniel Black. I loved Don't Cry For Me so as soon as I heard about this book being told from Isaac's point of view, I was in! I tend to gravitate to books with complicated parental relationships. I appreciated that this one involved him dealing with his issues with his father in the setting of therapy. And his therapist? Chiiile, she got me together too at times! I felt like Isaac and I were working through this together. I found myself thinking maybe I've misrepresented some memories of my mother just like he did with his father. I loved seeing Jacob from this POV. The last book had me screaming at him but this one showed him in a more positive light with his wife having a more realistic representation. It made me long for the origins of why my elders are the way they are. Perhaps what I adored most was seeing Isaac finally embrace who he was as a queer, black man in spite of it all. Beautiful!

Rounded up from 4.5 stars

Isaac’s Song resonated deeply with me as a Black woman, particularly in its exploration of generational trauma and the complexities of healing. Isaac’s journey reminded me that healing often requires us to forgive those who have wronged us, a difficult and painful process that can feel like a betrayal of our own pain. This book, my first 5-star read of the year, captured the emotional weight of that struggle, highlighting the courage it takes to reconcile with the past while carving out a new future. The story’s depth and cultural relevance left a profound impact on me, offering a raw and honest portrayal of the challenges we all face in our healing journeys.

The catalyst for the book (memoir, novel) is the death of Isaac’s father and his obligation to fulfill his father’s last wish. He is troubled afterwards-he can’t sleep, is losing weight and seeks help from a therapist. With her guidance he journeys into his past. It’s the 1980s and he’s a black gay child doted on by his mother but belittled by his father, and their relationship is fraught with tension throughout his father’s life. He is everything but the picture of masculinity his father wants. Yes he encounters racism, homophobia, the AIDS crisis , the struggles of being black in America (which his family unit had shielded him from) as his life progresses, but for me the main and most intriguing aspect of the book is his realization that his father had his own dreams and struggles in life and Isaac’s own culpability for the problems in their relationship. The most moving event occurs when after his father is gone, he returns to the house he was raised in and finds the letters his father had written to him as he was dying. His father asks for forgiveness and acceptance and expresses the love he failed to show when he could have done so, and writes of his own unfulfilled life and dreams. It is an excellent read .

I was first introduced to the author Daniel Black while listening to Karen Hunter on Sirius XM Urban View channel. His words are always so profound.
So much so that most times I have to just sit and reflect on what he said during their interaction on the radio show. I imagined that reading his book would also have that effect on me. And was I correct!

I was granted an ARC of Isaac's Song by NetGalley, I could not wait to set aside time in my day to absorb myself in the writings of Mr. Daniel Black.

Having not read Don't Cry for Me in which the character's return in Isaac's Song I was hoping that I wouldn't be lost in the story. I thankfully was not.
Isaac's story was about love, forgiveness, family, and coming of age for a Queer son. My heart ached for Isaac with his interactions with his father during his formative year. I found my self reading a passage and just sitting to reflect on my life and the interactions that I have had. We as parents, we as Black parents carry the baggage of our ancestors when we are raising our own children. Excess baggage weighs us down and oftentimes affects the way in which we govern ourselves. Identifying and releasing that baggage is the only way we can heal. Issacs's Song was about just that .

I would highly recommend this book and certainly purchase for my library.



While reading Isaac's Song I could hear the words of the author