"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.

After receiving news of the death of his somewhat estranged father, a young queer black man in 1980’s Chicago seeks out a therapist and utilizes his skill and love for writing to work through the complicated relationships with both of his parents as well as his upbringing, coming of age, and discovery of identity in Kansas City, Missouri. As he embraces the healing nature of his creative expression, he begins to better understand both of his parents and himself in a new way. This was truly such a beautiful and poignant novel. This story is a work of fiction but reads just like a memoir and this author is an absolutely incredible writer and storyteller. I was hooked from the beginning and quickly finished this book in just a couple of days! I loved Isaac so much and truly felt for him and what it would be like in his shoes. The therapist was wonderful and I found myself initially agreeing with Isaac on many points, only to then come to realizations I hadn’t yet identified alongside him, thanks to the guidance of the therapist. I did not realize that this book has a return of the characters from Daniel Black’s other book ‘Don’t Cry For Me’. I have not read that one but will definitely be reading it now that I know what a talented author he is! I rated this book 5 stars and highly recommend it to anyone and everyone! Thank you to NetGalley, Daniel Black, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the gifted ARC in an exchange for an honest review.

this book was...so emotional and good. well written. i have no true words, tbh.
just wow. Black does such a phenomenal job of telling this story and felt like a healing

I read Don’t Cry for Me when it came out and was patiently awaiting the release of Isaac’s Song because I knew it would be just as good. And this did not disappoint. I cried and related so much to Isaac. As a Black female born and raised in the United States, I understand so much of what Isaac is trying to work out. Like Isaac, I’ve been trying to reconcile why my parents were/are the way they were/are. Why they did/said the things the did.

I do think this book is for anyone who enjoys complicated familial relationships.

This book was amazing! The realizations and depth of knowledge he gains about himself is so powerful! This was written from the son’s point of view while reflecting on his relationship with his father and his sexuality through letters and discussions with his therapist.

It’s the second book in a pair and I cannot put into words how good these books are. I am not one for character driven novels but you need to read them!

Thank you @htpbooks @htp_hive for the complimentary DRC.

I didn’t know that this was a follow up to Black’s, Don’t Cry For Me, I must not have read the synopsis properly. However, I’ve been told that it doesn’t matter if you read them out of order.

This novel takes a look at the complicated relationship between father and son, exploring childhood wounds and the process of healing after a parent’s death. After Isaac’s father passes away, he seeks therapy, where he is encouraged to begin journaling to better understand his conflicted feelings. Through these entries, Isaac realizes that not all of his memories are correct, and it helps him to further understand his father. As Isaac continues to reflect on his past, we get a window into his struggles growing up—navigating issues of sexuality, confronting racis, and living through the AIDS epidemic.

While I truly enjoyed this book, part of the ending left me feeling somewhat disconnected. I can’t dive into spoilers, but I will say that one section felt forced, and the therapist's interactions with Isaac in these scenes lacked the depth that had previously been there.

Despite this, the book was an emotional read that explores identity, trauma, and the long road toward healing. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone interested in stories about family dynamics, and personal growth. I will be bumping Don’t Cry For Me up my tbr list!

Don’t Cry for Me was one of my favorite books ever. I enjoy reading books by Dr Daniel Black.

I’ve tried to enjoy Isaac’s Song, but there is a disconnect. It isn’t flowing the way DCFM did and I don’t feel a sense of empathy or sympathy for Isaac.

This one fell flat for me. I DNF’d at 20%

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 has a way of writing that doesn’t just tell a story—it pulls you in, sits you down, and makes you feel every emotion. After reading Don’t Cry for Me, I knew Isaac’s Song was going to tug at my heartstrings, and it absolutely did. This book follows Isaac, a son struggling to navigate the weight of rejection, generational trauma, and the deep wounds left by a father who never truly accepted him.

What makes this story so powerful is how Black captures the rawness of pain, the need for love, and the quiet resilience that comes with being forced to prove your worth to someone who should have embraced you unconditionally. The writing is poetic, the emotions run deep, and the journey Isaac takes is one that many will find painfully familiar.

If you love character-driven, emotionally charged stories that explore family, identity, and healing, Isaac’s Song is a must-read. Black has once again crafted a novel that stays with you long after you turn the last page. This one hurts, but it’s necessary.

This book although not what I expected was an amazing story from the perspective Isaac. I thought this book would be a direct response to his father's letters. Although it was not, it was still beautiful and I enjoyed thoroughly reading about Isaac's journey of healing.

I would like to thank Net Galley and Publisher for ARC




In Isaac's Song you get his perspective with his relationship with farther this was a beautiful from start till finish. Reading this book took me back to a younger me where I was in my life, please check this amazing Novel you will not be disappointed.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC.

A heartbreakingly beautiful story about grief, racism, homophobia, abuse, acceptance.

After the death of his father and with the encouragement of his therapist, Isaac, a queer Black man finds his voice through words showcasing his upbringing, 1980s Chicago, and journey towards forgiveness, self-love, and perseverance.

They way Isaac talks about his past is a lot like you are reading a biography.

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.

Overall a beautiful, touching book about family, remembering, and Black queer identities. I finished the book within 24 hours and this is def an auto buy author for me. My one issue is that the story got a little overloaded with discovering his family story and processing his trauma along with trying to become a writer…. Those parts were muddied for me. Otherwise, an impactful book!

“Either climb it or go around it, but don’t spend a lifetime waiting for it to move. Only a fool does that.”

Isaac’s Song by Daniel Black is an embodiment of the saying, “the only person who can save you is yourself”. We may not ask for the experiences life throws at us, but it is us who decides how we let certain experiences define our existence.

We’re introduced to Isaac during an indescribably painful moment in his life. His father, Jacob, passed away, leaving a sorrowful hole in his heart. This is a difficult experience for Isaac to process, not only because it is the death of someone who aided in giving him life, but also because it is someone who caused Isaac great pain while he was alive, especially in Isaac’s formative years.

Isaac’s expectations for himself differed from the man his father wanted him to become. Isaac wanted to live in his truth as a gay Black man while his father preferred he lived a life that was more aligned with what he knew and grew up with. This difference in outlook caused a wedge in the father-son relationship, one that resurfaced upon Jacob’s passing.

Isaac’s Song is an exploration of Isaac coming to terms with both his father’s death and their relationship overall, all the while living through prominent moments in American history. It’s a story that will validate those who find themselves in similar situations, offering a sincere hug to inner children everywhere.

Thank you, Harlequin Trade Publishing, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.