Mr. Black, I truly don't have the words to convey how I feel. I'm truly speechless. Isaac's Song was a beautiful masterpiece. The way the story just popped off the page. I felt like I could see every character, every detail. I am truly in awe. This is easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating. Thank you Mr. Black for sharing this story and your gift with the world! Thank you NetGallery for the opportunity to listen to this most amazing audiobook.

Audiobook: 5/5
Overall: 5/5

Another deeply reflective piece for readers to sit with and learn from. The audiobook further brought to life the ache, sorrow, and growth of Isaac’s story. As I did an immersive read for Don’t Cry For Me and loved it, I’m not surprised that this one was just as amazing. This narrators has been on a few of my favorite reads/audiobooks. So I’ll definitely itself be in the lookout for their work.

I’ll preface this by saying I completely understand why some readers might not love this as much as Don’t Cry For Me because the story feels familiar. But the love is still there as here we’re given even more insight and angles to approach it from. It’s a sequel that’s so intentional while 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 next.

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!

You must read this as a companion to Don’t Cry For Me. I read Don’t Cry For Me First and this book was more meaningful because I read it first. The Therapist is wiser than words can say and the growth of Issac through this process of dealing with his father’s death, who never accepted his son’s sexuality. Lastly, I pray there is another book because I need to know what happens with Matthew and Jesse Lee.

Thank you Net Galley and Harlequin Audio for a copy of the audiobook. This review is voluntary.

This is an emotional novel that follows a gay black man's life. It reads like a memoir and takes us through his childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. It highlights his complicated relationship with his parents, his sexuality, and even his community.

Emotional is the only way I can describe this book. Absolutely emotional.

I did listen to the audiobook (slightly sped up) and really enjoyed it!

Admittedly, I have not read the companion novel to this one, Don't Cry For Me. I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything, but I also can't say whether or not reading it will affect your view of this novel.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperAudio for the ALC. All thoughts are my own.

Isaac's Song was one of my most anticipated reads for 2025. I previously read Dr. Daniel Black's book Don't Cry For Me and it was so emotionally moving and complex, so I had high expectations for this read. I'm happy to say that I was not disappointed.

This book follows Isaac, a young man struggling to find peace between his identity and the way he was raised. As an artistically inclined, young Queer Black man he felt unaccepted by his father's traditional views of masculinity. It led to him suppressing a lot of his dreams and desires. As an adult he is reckoning with his upbringing in therapy. At his therapist's encouragement, he begins writing down his story and goes on a journey to his ancestral home in Arkansas as well as through the nation's dark past.

I'll be honest and say that this book wasn't an easy read. As with Dr. Black's previous book, this book is emotionally complex, heavy, and deals with traumatic incidents. There were moments in reading this that I had to stop and take a break before returning. That said, there is nothing gratuitous about the writing. These moments fit together to create a clear picture of Isaac's life and the obstacles he's overcome to get there.

This book could definitely be read as a standalone, but I think it's even more impactful when you've read Don't Cry For Me previously which covers Isaac's father's perspective. It gives you a well rounded perspective of how generational trauma can be passed down from generation to generation.

I also really love that in Isaac's Song, Isaac is in therapy and doing the work to process this family trauma. I think portrayals of healing are so important and while that road isn't always easy for Isaac, he is doing the work. We see him really grow and challenge himself and that is a beautiful thing.

That said, did I find Isaac's Song equally as impactful as Don't Cry For Me? Honestly, no. It is beautifully written and still impactful, but I had zero expectations going into Don't Cry For Me, so it was a complete emotional blindside. Going into Isaac's Song I had such high expectations and there was just really no way for it to catch me off guard the way Don't Cry For Me did. Either way, it's still a stunning, moving book.

Not only did I purchase a lovely hardcover copy of this book from BOTM, but I also listened to the audiobook of this too. The narration was handled very well and the feelings and emotions were conveyed through the narrator. JD Jackson did a fantastic job of bringing Isaac to life.

All in all, I would recommend any book written by Dr. Daniel Black. He has certainly become an auto-buy author for me at this point. Isaac's Song has just cemented my respect for his talent

Thank you to Netgalley, Dr. Daniel Black, and Hanover Square Press for the Audio-ARC.

Wow. This was so hard to take breaks from reading. I had no idea i’d be this moved and feel so much healing. A book full so many lessons and takeaways!

Daniel Black does an incredible job of capturing the emotions of the black man. I completed Don’t Cry for Me a while back and was excited to get the opportunity to read Isaac’s Song. I loved having the chance to see things from Isaac’s perspective. Beautifully written! Don’t Cry for Me was for all the black fathers who loved but did not know how to show love. Isaac’s Song is dedicated to all the black sons who felt they were not enough. Thank you Daniel Black for giving us raw emotions, I hope we get the full story of Matthew and Jessie Lee.

This book is beautifully written,
Seeing the world through Isaac's eyes brought clarity and appreciation for his father. A moving and insightful read!

This was truly one of the most vulnerable books I've ever read, sometimes almost to the point of discomfort (in the best way possible). It reads like a therapy journal as a man unravels his past after his father's death.

Black's exploration of the intersections of memory, trauma, and relationships is truly mesmerizing.

I do feel like I missed out having not read "Don't cry for me" first since that's the dad's perspective, but even as a stand-alone, the story was lovely and heartbreaking and thought provoking.

Daniel Black’s Isaac’s Song is a powerful exploration of identity, family, and reconciliation, made even more compelling through JD Jackson’s masterful narration. Black’s prose is both direct and deeply introspective, delving into Isaac’s journey of self-discovery as he unpacks his complicated relationship with his deceased father in therapy. Jackson brings this emotional depth to life, seamlessly shifting between timelines and lending each character a distinct voice. His portrayal of Isaac is raw and vulnerable, while his measured delivery of the therapist’s wisdom adds gravitas to the story’s most introspective moments.
Together, Black and Jackson create an audiobook experience that is both intellectually rigorous and profoundly moving. Jackson’s nuanced performance enhances Black’s examination of religious trauma, internalized homophobia, and the challenges of navigating academic spaces, ensuring that Isaac’s Song resonates deeply with listeners confronting their own struggles with identity and belonging.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for facilitating this advanced copy of this audiobook! The story was emotional and transformative. The characters were so real, I felt like they were people I know.
My only critique is the brush over of key events in Isaac’s life (ex. his relationships), but that the end of the book stretched into an entirely new story. While beautiful and absolving, I think it could have been explored differently. This is definitely a book I would like to read with my students sometime and encourage them to engage with it on their own.

Thank you Netgalley for this arc. The audio was done so well and I also followed along with the book. This was so sad, but such a powerful book. Such a good story for the black history month. You really felt bad for Isaac. His father was so mean to him. I rated this 5 stars.

4.5 Stars!

I found this book so compelling, and Isaac’s story is told well. The conceit of the therapist asking him to write his story, along with the “Day” format, made for an interesting structure. I liked it when the story caught up with the present and how it all intersected.

The novel Isaac is writing was an interesting structural choice, and I found myself really wanting to know what happened. I was so disappointed that we didn’t get to find out but I also appreciated the not knowing.

An excellent listen!

I would like to thank Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an ARC of this audiobook. The narrator, JD Jackson, did a wonderful job with the narration and immersing the reader into the story.

I really wish I had this opportunity to review this book without having first read, "Don't Cry for Me." I think having read the two books too closely together left me wanting fur something different. Instead I felt that much of the story was a retelling of Don't Cry for Me. While a different perspective was great it was still the same story. I loved Don't Cry for Me but this version left me feeling a bit flat. It did pick up a bit when he entered into adulthood as there were some new stories but then I felt like it spent too much time on writing. I wish I'd loved this more.

Isaac's Song is a captivating and emotionally charged novel that delves into the complexities of family, identity, and resilience. The story follows Isaac, a young black man grappling with his past and seeking to understand his place in the world. Daniel Black's writing is both lyrical and poignant, drawing readers into Isaac's journey with vivid descriptions and heartfelt prose. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the narrative.

One of the standout aspects of the book is its exploration of cultural heritage and the impact of generational trauma. Black masterfully weaves these themes into the plot, creating a story that is both thought-provoking and deeply moving. The pacing is well-balanced, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. Additionally, the novel's setting is beautifully depicted, adding an extra layer of depth to the story.

Overall, Isaac's Song is a powerful and unforgettable read that will resonate with readers long after they turn the final page. Daniel Black has crafted a remarkable tale that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

3.5 I read this book as a continuation of the father and son story told in Don’t Cry for Me. It is that but also more. I enjoyed hearing about their story from Isaac’s perspective and also the story of Isaac’s dawning realization of the truth of his own life, his coming of age story.

I cried several times; this was an emotional journey through childhood & family relationships & generational trauma. I liked that it was told/explored through therapy sessions and reflective assignments. I was confused near the end when it was going so much into Isaac’s novel writing, but it came back around to connect with his father.

Isaac’s Song by Daniel Black is a masterpiece of storytelling, brought to life beautifully in the audiobook format. Black’s lyrical prose and rich character development create an immersive experience, making the listener feel carried through time and history. The narration is captivating, adding depth and emotion to a powerful story.

This novel explores identity, resilience, and the complexities of love and family with stunning depth. The way Black weaves historical and cultural themes into the narrative is both thought-provoking and deeply impactful.

Isaac's Song is a must-listen if you’re looking for an audiobook that will stay with you long after you’ve finished. It is highly recommended!

This is beautifully written story about a young man's journey to being his fullest self. At first, I thought this book would be a response to the letters Isaac's father wrote in the previous novel, but this book turned out to be so much more. Though the letters did play and important role, and moved me to tears just as they did in Don't Cry For Me, they do not take center stage in Isaac's story. I believe that is the most important part. that even though those letters revealed a lot, this book is about Isaac and he is more than just his fathers experience of him. His mother helped him to start crafting the story of his life and he most definitely achieved that goal.

In this novel, we meet Isaac as he is attending therapy and learns to confront his experiences of his past and look within to find his own healing. Isaac must reckon with the man that his father has raised him to be and the identity he has of himself. He must learn that his perception of a thing is not the only identity it has and must finally accept the duality of his life as a boy and the relationship he shared with his father and mother. He must learn that to love someone does not shield you from committing any harm against them and vice verse. In this novel, Isaac also goes on a journey of ancestral discovery and learns that the way love is presented/ expressed by each person, is determined by their upbringing, experiences, and the way the world has conspired to shape the idea of love and it's correlating actions. How does one show a love they haven't been modeled? Isaac must also examine how he identified and received the love he was shown in his household, and what made him romanticize certain acts of love while villainizing other aspects.

I really loved that the apologies given by Isaac's father were not used as a tool to absolve him of all the harm caused over the years. These letters do not magically heal Isaac, but instead empower him to forgive the things he can, acknowledge and accept the ones he cannot with truth, and dig deeper into his identity. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and it's commentary generational identity and trauma, as well as it's emphasis on the varying ways love is given and received. The topics addressed in this book are very nuanced, and I enjoyed that the fullest of the main character was a reflection of this reality. I also enjoyed the therapy sessions and the conversations around black male identity, emotions, fatherhood, and manhood. This is an awesome read that I would recommend to others.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers of sharing an Advanced Audiobook of this novel.

I was into this book the entire way, and I loved how Isaac told his story of his journey in life as a black man in America. I've had an interest in African-American history since approximately 1987 when I took a class in African-American literature. My professor was a man named Tommy Ware and he made quite the impression on me. He was a black man who'd worked the cotton fields, been in prison, and was the eldest of 15 children. He was actually my social studies professor and asked if some of us could attend his class to do so just for the head count he needed that day. I was already taking 18 units at junior college but after one class with him I just had to take it. I'm so glad I did! I "met" so many African-American authors I hadn't known previously or not known much about them. My favorite two books I'd read for his class were Native Son by Richard Wright and Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. Oh my gosh. Native Son is still one of my very favorite books I've ever read. (Thank you for letting me share.

On with this book by Daniel Black. Wow! I was reading his book and began thinking that it was something the author had really gone through (and possibly he did). I wondered if I'd remembered the genre correctly and just as one of my friends did, I also had to look at the genre to see if it was a memoir because to me it sounded like it was about his life. I honestly felt as though he was telling me this himself in person (I had an audiobook).

Isaac's story made me very sad at first. He had such a distanced relationship with his father. He knew he loved his dad, but he felt his dad didn't love him. His relationship with his mother was much better until the day he said he "thought" he was gay. Neither of his parents wanted to hear that! In fact, they insisted that he wasn't gay. His dad was focused on creating a MAN in Isaac, but Isaac loved "girly" things.

What made this such a difficult read for me is thinking of a young boy growing into a young man who's sexual orientation is something that he knows in his heart of hearts but tries to hide who/what he is because of societal norms. Add to that being a black man living in white society in the 70's and 80's and it was such a hard time for him. He had to worry about being bullied if he ran like a girl or loved dance and being "sweet" to others.

I'm very impressed with the way Black told Isaac's story. I don't want to say how it ended but I will say that Isaac had a therapist from the beginning of the story and he did grow. I loved this one and I am so glad I read it.

JD Jackson was the narrator for the audiobook that I had and he did a superb job. I truly felt like he was talking to ME and that's quite a feat in my book. I would listen to this narrator again in a heartbeat.