Dr Daniel Black is one of my favorite authors - the way he writes about Blackness and queerness is so moving and thought provoking. I will read everything he writes. ISAAC’S SONG continues to explore the themes of DONT CRY FOR ME but from the other perspective. I loved it - everyone should read this book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC - ISAAC’S SONG IS OUT NOW!

I honestly do not believe that I’m a target audience for this book. Nevertheless, it was a good read . There were parts that had me confused but I understood that a boy trying to figure out his sexuality and a father not accepting anything differently, would definitely cause a toxic relationship.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book .

This was a solid 4 star experience. I flew through the first half. The therapy session setting was my favorite part. I highlighted so much from the early sessions. As that tapered off, I felt myself wanting to pick the book up less, but once I did I was still compelled to read. I think it’s because I didn’t expect his writing experience to become such an integral part of the book. The second half turns from him writing about his life to a fictional story influenced by family history and there were several moments where we’re in a book within a book. I like that setup when I know it’s happening, but when I don’t know ahead of time it can take me out of it. Generally speaking it was done really well and I appreciated how short that portion was so that it didn’t take away from Isaac’s overall story.

What a beautiful story of forgiveness, acceptance, hard truths, and what feels like a raw telling of the universal experience of being Black in America. This book is about Isaac, a black gay man who has recently lost his estranged father. As part of therapy he takes us on a journey through his childhood and while we travel along with him we see him realize that what he thought was not reality. I don’t know if I can truly express how this book made me feel. I feel seen in a way, which is weird as I’m a cis-het woman who has really great relationships with her parents. I think watching Isaac see his parent as people and realize that though they made many mistakes, they did the best with what they had and his father especially did it all so that he could be successful and have opportunities he never could of dreamed of himself resonated with me the most. Journeying through the racism, homophobia, AIDS crisis, Rodney King beating and LA Riots through Isaac’s eyes felt different. Almost like I understand what living through those times felt like. There was such a level of emotional intelligence present throughout this story,there was purpose with every sentence and while this may sound dramatic, I feel better after reading this. I haven’t read Don’t Cry For Me yet but it’s next up on my list. This was just an amazing story and I’m grateful I read it.

Thank you Net Galley and HTP Books for the ARC. All thoughts and feelings are my own.

Isaac’s Song is the best way to follow up Don’t Cry for Me. If you’ve read that, you most certainly must read this one to gain the perspective of Isaac, Jacob’s son. To read’s Isaac’s thoughts and how he navigates his feelings, his identity, and trials he has to go through from a young age to adulthood, including coming to an understanding of his father, it’s will tug at your heartstrings for sure.

I love that each of their thoughts are given in separate books as it captures the true feelings of each separately which I feel gives a deeper meaning and feeling of each story. Brilliant! I can sit and reflect on how both felt. This book allowed me to put it all together to get both sides of feelings and thoughts. It’s as if i knew a small piece of Isaac, but now I Know Isaac and can be in his mind and feel his feelings through his words! My only thing I wished is that I had reread Don’t Cry for me and went right into Isaac’s Song right after! I’m almost inclined to listen to both on audiobook now because I think it would really give a vivid picture and feeling as if they are actually telling me their story’s in person.

I’m rambling.. all i can say is if you’ve read have not read Don’t Cry for Me, do that first and most certainly pick this one up and read it right after. I most certainly had to have a copy for my shelves. Also, I’ve read 3 of Daniel Black’s books now, and they all have been 5⭐️

Isaac's Song by Daniel Black was such a beautiful coming-of-age story!
A thought-provoking, emotional read that I absolutely loved for all the realness and rawness.
A poignant and unforgettable novel!

“Just be yourself. He’ll figure out who you are someday.”

I knew this would be a 5 star read before I even started. I loved Perfect Peace and Don’t cry for me and this author is now an auto-read author for me. Isaac’s Song is a companion book to Don’t cry for me. This is an emotional and real story of black love. The story follows Isaac, who is struggling to figure out who he is and seeks the help of a therapist. The therapist has him write down all the memories he has of his story. This is how we learn of his childhood, growing up as a gay black man in the 80’s and the relationship he has with his mother and father.

The advice the therapist provides in this book is gold! I could see my dad in Isaac’s father and can relate to the decisions they made, being a parent myself. I was in tears though out this book, especially at the end. Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and Netgalley for an e-Arc of this book.

Published today, this novel is nothing short of a masterpiece. It's profound and deeply emotional and navigates the human experience with grace. The narrative is imbued with wisdom, empathy, and raw authenticity. For anyone seeking a story that resonates on a deeply personal level, Isaac’s Song is an absolute must-read.

The story follows Isaac, a man burdened by the weight of generational trauma and personal struggles, as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Central to his transformation is his relationship with a compassionate and insightful therapist, who becomes a guiding light through his darkest moments. As Isaac confronts painful memories and seeks forgiveness, both for himself and others, he begins to uncover the strength to rebuild his life.

One of the most compelling elements of Isaac’s Song is the relationship between Isaac and his therapist. I don't know if I have ever encountered a literary depiction of therapy so tender, insightful, and authentic. The therapist’s empathy and wisdom provide a beacon of hope, guiding Isaac through his struggles with unwavering support. Reading their sessions felt like a gift... like I was witnessing the kind of transformative care we all deserve. It’s a reminder of how important mental health support can be and the impact a truly compassionate professional can have on someone’s life.

Daniel Black’s prose is perfect, blending lyrical beauty with honesty. The dialogue is sharp, driving home the emotional weight of Isaac’s experiences. The themes of generational trauma, self-discovery, and forgiveness are handled with sensitivity, creating a narrative that is as universal as it is personal.

I felt this book to be not just a story but also an experience. It invites readers to reflect on their own lives, relationships, and the importance of seeking help when needed. It’s a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for growth and renewal, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable pain.

I can't recommend Isaac’s Song enough. It's a gorgeous read that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt broken and longed for healing.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the Advanced Reader Copy of this book - we are just 14 days into the year but I anticipate this being one of my favorite reads of the year!

Happy PuB Day Mr. Daniel
I lovveeee Mr. Daniel Black down !! I had the pleasure of meeting him with my book club (IG BWRT.BOOKCLUB) !!
Isaac's Song was highly anticipated after reading Don't Cry for Me!! We all wanted to know Isaac's thoughts after reading his father's letters. This man pen game so legit it's crazy.
I felt really sad for Issac because he was so lonely even in his adult life. This book gave me everything I wanted in closure from the Don't Cry for Me!! I would definitely recommend this one if you've read it.
I need Isaac's Therapist asap. I was highlighting sooooo much. She ATE DOWN.
TW: Racism, HIV/AIDS Epidemic, slavery, homophobia
Thank you so much to The Hive and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC 🥲

The Cambridge dictionary defines LITERATURE as such:
"written artistic works, especially those with a high and lasting artistic value".

Isaac's Song is most definitely a great work of literature.
It's a beautifully woven tapestry addressing: sexual identity, Black patriarchy, the Black experience, the selfs (acceptance, worth, & love) and how our emotions color the perceptions of our memories. It's been quite some time since l've read something that made me feel such a myriad of emotions (fear, sadness, & joy) like this does.
This is a tale that not only NEEDS to be read but also requires in depth discussions (in other words try to see him on this press tour).

Per his own words "Storytelling is a gift" and Dr Black may be the most gifted of his time! So if Dr Black chooses to retire his pen after this (even though I pray he doesn't), it would be alright because he left it all on the page.

This book is outside of my usual genres, but it was such a beautiful and engaging read I found I couldn't put it down. The story follows Isaac as he goes to therapy in the wake of his father's death. His therapist has him walk through his relationship with his father, and the story is told in a flashback-style jumping back and forth between the therapist's office and Isaac's past.

Isaac's story itself was an examination of his life as a queer black boy to a queer black man and the complexities of his relationship with his father (and his mother to some extent) because of it. It moved from his life in childhood to adolescence to college to adulthood, and every step of the way you see the way his relationship with his father shifts both in terms of his own self understanding, as well as through the therapist's reframing of Isaac and his father's relationship.

Overall this book was beautiful, and I highly recommend!

I am thoroughly convinced that Dr Daniel Black is connected to the Divine, similar to our main character, Issac. His ability to craft stories like this showcases that power. Each story invites readers on a journey, encouraging them to open their hearts and minds to profound, lasting truths. The experiences he weaves resonate with us emotionally and leave a significant spiritual impact that changes us forever.

wow this was stunning!

daniel black wove multiple timelines together through journal entries, allowing isaac's song to explore our protagonist's memories and experiences through a series of vignettes.

we follow our titular character as he, with a therapist, sifts through the constructed realities that make up his memories of the past. he reflects on his turbulent childhood as a queer Black kid in Missouri, unwinding his perceptions of his parents from the reality of their complex dynamic. he revisits how his artistic pursuits clashed with his father's rigid pragmatism, and is pushed to reassess their relationship. we continue to follow Isaac through his academic career to young adulthood, navigating his role in Chicago 80s society as a Black gay man during Rodney King's attack and the AIDS crisis.

this was such a beautiful love letter to self-discovery, art, and the intricacies of family. absolutely beautiful!
thank you to hanover square press and net galley for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book!

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

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This was a beautiful story with such a strong voice I had to repeatedly remind myself that this is fiction and not Daniel Black’s memoir - it truly felt like Isaac was speaking directly to me. Daniel Black is such a talented writer and I found myself highlighting so many powerful and inspiring lines.

This book was the perfect representation of intersectionality as we explored the different lived experiences of a Black gay man in the 1980s. There were so many heartbreaking scenes, but just as many moments of hope. I think there’s something for everyone in this book but I would recommend checking the content warnings beforehand to make sure you’re in the right headspace to appreciate the story.

I will note that I did realize too late that this is a companion novel so I’m not sure how my thoughts on Isaac’s Song would’ve been different had I read it second, but considering I didn’t feel confused throughout the book, I don’t think it’s a requirement to read Don’t Cry for Me first.

Overall, I highly recommend this book!

Since finishing I had to sit with this review. Daniel black really out done go self. We get even more insight into the life of Isaac. His daddy really didn’t love home sadly how it was shown tracks with the way things went in that time. I do recommmed don’t cry for me before you read this one.

Wow what a book. This book is the continuation to Daniel’s Black Don’t Cry For Me which told a story about a Dad writing letters to his Queer son Isaac before his death. Isaac’s Song follows Isaac years later and how he came to be an adult. He reflects on his childhood and how his Dad played a role in his life. In learning about himself. It goes back and forth to his therapy sessions & childhood memories and just reflecting on life in general. This was everything and more. Both books show how Father & Son relationships are important.

The story took many twists and turns. There were times when I felt interested and others where I could not figure out where the train was going. The ending was a beautiful masterpiece and what I’d hoped for after reading “Don’t Cry For Me”. There were many quotes that helped to shape my view of the world - including the fact that no two words are the same. Such a simple idea but full of so much meaning.

Due to the parts that bumped me out and the fact that his book did not read as smoothly as its predecessor, my true rating is 3.5 stars.

Thank you to @htp_hive @htpbooks for a digital copy of this book for review!

A poignant, emotionally exuberant novel about a young queer Black man finding his voice in 1980s Chicago.

^from the publisher!

This book was an absolute STUNNER of a novel. I actually only few a few chapters at a time until tonight because I was savoring it. I loved reading about Isaac and his family. The interludes with his therapist were so enlightening, smart, and intriguing. I felt just as shocked by some of the personal revelations as Isaac did.

I highlighted so many passages, especially when it came to the therapy sessions. But I also related to Isaac’s loneliness and longing for companionship. I feel that longing in my heart and soul and I just wanted to hug him. He tried so hard to be what everyone else wanted him to be, and it exhausted him. Seeing him in that relationship in his twenties - oof. Far too close to home.

I was incredibly bought in to his desire to be a storyteller and as he was working on his novel I was cheering for him (and I’d totally read the book he was writing, wow!).

I loved how deep we dove into the relationships with his parents and how our memories can be tangled up in how we feel about someone or something. Really made me think. I also really admired how Isaac wasn’t afraid to push buttons after while - and that he ultimately found a love with friendships and himself.

I devoured this book in what felt like one sitting; it read less like a novel and more like the deeply moving biography of a man finding himself amidst the wreckage of generational pain. Isaac’s Song is nothing short of a five-star masterpiece, following Isaac’s transformative journey after the sudden, gut-wrenching news of his father’s death. This revelation sends Isaac spiraling into a storm of anxiety, grief, and introspection, pushing him to seek solace in therapy—a decision that ultimately reshapes his life.

Isaac’s therapist (a true unsung hero in this story) employs brilliant clinical insight, urging him to write daily about his memories and emotions. Through this journaling practice, Isaac revisits the layers of his childhood, his strained relationship with his father, and the complexities of his upbringing. Each entry unravels a story that pulls readers into the heart of the Black household, offering an unflinching look at Black parenting, the church, and the ways Black families process social injustices and navigate familial dynamics.

One of the most profound lessons Isaac learns in therapy is the idea that “we don’t create our baggage, but we can unpack it.” This truth becomes the cornerstone of his healing. As he digs through his past, Isaac begins to see his memories not as fixed, but as malleable—colored by his emotions and shaped by his understanding at the time. With each revelation, he gains clarity, forgiveness(through reading his father’s letter—these will truly move you) and a renewed sense of identity. His exploration of his father’s life and intentions—flawed as they may have been—allows Isaac to understand the depth of his parents’ humanity, ultimately making him a more grounded and empathetic man.

What struck me most about Isaac’s Song was its raw emotional power. Daniel Black does not shy away from difficult conversations. The novel forces readers to confront how the values and fears within Black households can unintentionally perpetuate intergenerational trauma. As someone who has experienced the weight of these dynamics, I found myself pausing, reflecting, and even grieving as I read. This book challenged my perspectives on how upbringing shapes our worldview, as well as my responsibility to break cycles of fear and trauma for the next generation.

Isaac’s Song isn’t just a novel; it’s a mirror that reflects back the beauty, pain, and resilience of navigating identity within the Black experience. It’s a life-changing book, one that I know I will carry with me for years to come. Daniel Black has created something truly extraordinary—a narrative that feels personal, universal, and utterly unforgettable.

I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to read this novel. Whether you’re seeking healing, understanding, or simply a powerful story, Isaac’s Song will resonate deeply. Thank you to Daniel Black, NetGalley, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this ARC.

I have read multiple books by this author so I am not surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. From my note: I started and finished this book on New Year’s Day and I will say that it totally is setting up my reading tone for this year 👌🏽 this book felt like a memoir but it is a work of fiction.
It covers subjects of grief, forgiveness,love, survival, and healing.
Told through perspective of therapy sessions and memories we see Isaac face his past and his future. The therapy sessions were beautifully written out and are a character in themselves. Researched well to perfection.(we all need this therapist) throughout this story many gems of wisdom are dropped showcasing the authors brilliance. It challenges us to think and look at our parental relationships in a different way. If you are a person who feels like their parents don’t understand you or you felt like you were unloved i think there’s some understanding of this in this book. One of the sayings I hear a lot from other adults looking back on their childhood is that they did the best with what they had. This really resonated with me in the book when the question is asked: “what did pain teach you?” The answer is not a critique of someone else’s behavior. I really had to ponder on this one because my great response was to blame someone else. This book made me laugh and then had me bawling my eyes out. But mostly this book will have you examine your own self in a beautiful way. I highly recommend you add this one to your TBR