This was an ok read . I was rather confused with the fact he said that he dressed like a girl to get his dad’s love and attention which I found weird .
It also read like a memoir more than a novel.
Overall, it was a good book.

This book was touching. I’ve heard that this book is connected to another book but I had not read it and I don’t feel like I was confused or lacking context for this story.

This story recounts a young man trying to man peace with the past as her reflects upon the strained relationship he had with his father. His sexuality or rather a lack of machismo seemed to be point of contention with his father and watching him audit his relationship with his parents via therapy sessions was very interesting.

The narration was clear but I somehow imagined Isaac’s voice to be different. It is mentioned many times that Isaac is effeminate and I think the narration of the story would’ve been a good chance to present that.

Thank you to Harper Audio for the alc!

4.5 ⭐️
Thank you to The Hive and Harlequin Audio for the gifted ALC and HTP and Hanover Square Press for the gifted eARC.

Isaac’s Song
Daniel Black
Publishing Date: January 14, 2025

🎧 Narrator: JD Jackson 🎧

This book was a powerful companion to Daniel Black’s novel Don’t Cry For Me. Told from Isaac’s perspective, this reads very much like a memoir and I had to keep reminding myself that it wasn’t.

Once again the heart and empathy shine through in this novel. Isaac is coping with the death of his estranged father, and through therapy sessions and journaling he takes a look back at his childhood, his relationship with his parents, and his experience of navigating childhood and young adulthood as a gay black man. I loved seeing the therapy and mental health rep, let’s continue to normalize this and break down the stigma. This book is very much about healing, forgiveness, how our perceptions guide our thoughts and emotions, and how this can change over time.

With a stunning writing style, Daniel Black pulls at all the heartstrings as Isaac goes through this journey. I would highly recommend also reading the companion novel, Don’t Cry For Me, in order to get the full experience. A really stunning and impactful duet.

🎧 JD Jackson’s narration was nice! I will say, having listened to the two books back to back, I did prefer Daniel Black’s narration. However, seeing as though the books were written from two different perspectives, it was nice to have the differentiation.

BOOK REVIEW 📖

Thank you #partners @htp_hive @hanoversquarepress & @harlequin_audio for my #gifted copies of what was one of my most anticipated books of the year! I'm so grateful! 💕

Isaac's Song
Daniel Black
Available January 14th

"Generations of wounded, black hearts are waiting for my boldness. This is why I was born. This is why I was sitting there in the dark. Because our American story began in the dark, in the bottom of slave ships."

"...I have to tell this story. Because it's a love song, a black male ballad, a lullaby most brothers won't sing. But I will."

I LOVED THIS!!!

Is it too early in the year to say I have a 2025 favorite?

Isaac's Song is a captivating, soul-stirring exploration of the complicated relationship between a gay Black son and his domineering father. It's a story of love and legacy, of understanding and acceptance, and ultimately, healing. It's a gorgeous follow-up to Dr. Black's 2022 release, Don't Cry for Me. While Isaac's Song is not a sequel, it is a companion novel that can be read before or after its predecessor.

I read this one by alternating between print, ebook, and audiobook. I enjoyed each format immensely. The audiobook is narrated by the talented JD Jackson, who breathes so much life into Isaac and his story. A wonderful performance from Mr. Jackson, as always.

📌 A January @bookofthemonth pick!

📌 Available one week from today!

Isaac’s Song is one of the most beautiful and moving books I’ve ever read. It follows Isaac, a gay Black man, as he revisits his complicated relationship with his late father through therapy. Told in short vignettes written as part of Isaac’s “homework,” the story dives into his 1970s and 1980s upbringing, where societal pressures and his father’s rigid ideas of masculinity clashed with Isaac’s identity. Yet, amid the tension, there are moments of connection—like his father’s quiet appreciation for a painting Isaac created of his hometown in Arkansas. This exploration of love, pain, and reconciliation is heartbreakingly real and ultimately hopeful.

Isaac’s therapist is another highlight of the story—empathetic, wise, and full of memorable insights. One that stayed with me is: “Apologies don’t heal the wounded. They’re for the perpetrator.” It made me think about the Jewish tradition of seeking forgiveness before Yom Kippur, a process that often feels more about the apologizer than the recipient. The audiobook, narrated by JD Jackson, is exceptional, and his performance brought Isaac to life so vividly that I still hear his voice when I think about the story. Whether you read it or listen, Isaac’s Song will leave a lasting impression. Mark your calendars for January 14—I can’t recommend it enough!

Wow, absolutely loved experiencing this on audio! The narrator does a fantastic job and the story is quite engaging in its frank, reflective, and healing story. Only reason this isn't a five star is because there were just a few, brief segments where our MC describes women's bodies in an uncomfortable way...

This book was perfect! The audiobook narrator was average. I feel like someone better could’ve been chosen. His tone was kid of flat when could’ve been more lively. The content, storyline, messages, and characters were all fantastic. I really enjoyed this book a lot more than I anticipated. I really enjoy diverse books and this one was so very well done. Take my opinion as you will being I’m the complete opposite of the target audience for this book— straight, white, and female. I can’t speak to the validity of the experiences detailed on this book, but if I had to imagine I’d say it’s spot on. This book tackles so many important topics and it’s done in a raw and blunt way that makes it so important. If this isn’t an instant classic or banned book, I will be surprised and that’s a huge compliment.

Thank you HTP and Harlequin Audio for the gifted copies. I originally planned to listen to the audio but grabbed the ebook so I could annotate the crap out of it!

I think this might be the best book I’ve ever read. It’s absolutely beautiful—heartbreaking yet ultimately hopeful. It offers a poignant and profound exploration of the complex dynamics between a father and son, each a product of their generation and unique passions. Though I didn’t personally relate to their specific lived experiences as Black men and as a father navigating his relationship with a gay son, the writing is so beautiful and universal that I could easily empathize and connect with the characters.

The story itself is stunning, but I also really loved the unique narrative structure.. The protagonist, Isaac, is in therapy, and the story of his life unfolds through a series of short vignettes, written as part of his therapy “homework.” The therapist is such a standout — compassionate, empathetic, and overflowing with wisdom. We should all be so lucky to have a therapist like her!!

Narration Notes: The story is narrated by JD Jackson. While he’s not usually my favorite narrator (just personal preference), his performance here is phenomenal. He embodies Isaac so fully that I can still hear his voice in my head when I think back on the story.

Make sure to check this one out when it releases on January 14.

(4.25 stars)
Isaac’s Song reads like a memoir, but is fiction. We follow along as a gay Black man delves into his youth at the prompting of his therapist, not long after his semi-estranged father has died. Along the way, he confronts his identity and his fraught relationship with his father.

Isaac’s therapist has a lot of good thoughts. One that stuck with me is this one: “Apologies don’t heal the wounded. They’re for the perpetrator.” As a Jewish person, I’m familiar with the tradition of personally apologizing to people you have hurt, specifically every year before Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). I agree that it’s definitely for the apologizer.

Isaac grew up in the 1970s and 1980s, in a world where people still referred to young men with effeminate aspects as “sissies.” His mother was his defender but his father tried very hard to mold Isaac into what he thought a man should be: made him play baseball, when Isaac hated it, and so forth. Eventually, though, his father saw Isaac’s creative gifts and appreciated them. (There’s a lovely recollection about a painting Isaac did, of his father’s home area in Arkansas.) But it was a hard road for the two of them to travel.

Apparently, this is a companion book (not a sequel) to Don’t Cry For Me, which was written from the POV of the father, Jacob. (I haven’t read it and wasn’t aware of it before reading/listening to Isaac’s Song). This could be a very interesting read, either before or after reading Isaac’s Song.

Thank you to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. (The print book will be published by Hanover Square Press.) JD Jackson did a great job with the narration. All opinions are my own.

Isaac’s Song is a stunning work of literary fiction that masterfully weaves together themes of love, loss, identity, and resilience. The prose is lyrical and evocative, immersing the reader in a story that’s as poignant as it is thought-provoking. Every page feels imbued with meaning, and every scene carries emotional weight.

The audiobook format brings Isaac’s Song to life in an extraordinary way. The narrator’s performance is nothing short of brilliant, capturing the depth and complexity of the characters while delivering the story with the perfect blend of emotion and nuance. The pacing is impeccable, and the narration enhances the rich, layered storytelling, making it an immersive experience.

What makes this book stand out is its ability to balance profound introspection with a deeply human narrative. It’s a story that lingers long after the final chapter, leaving you reflecting on its themes and the beauty of its execution.

If you’re a fan of literary fiction that challenges and moves you, Isaac’s Song is a must-listen. The audiobook transforms an already extraordinary story into an unforgettable journey.

This follow-up to Don't Cry for Me is a powerful story of healing. Anyone who has struggled with loving a flawed person should read this book. I was drawn in from the first chapter and found so many nuggets of wisdom in the protagonist's journey to reconcile his feelings with his strained relationship with his father. Reading Don't Cry for Me is not necessary to enjoy this story, but it give the reader more insight into the history of the main character's parents. I loved this story and highly recommend it.

My only criticism is for the narration. The narrator needed to use more inflections and emotion. The flat, monotone voice took me out of the story.