Skip to main content

Member Reviews

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.

Specifically, listening to the audiobook of this book was a really great reading experience for me. JD Jackson brings the story together and makes a book that might’ve been a little harder to get through as it’s out of my comfort zone as something I sped through pretty quickly.

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!

Was this review helpful?

It's the story of so much more than being a black gay man. While yes that is the meat of the story it is a story of misunderstanding, hurt, joy, and ultimately a story of understanding.

Daniel capitalizes on how we view our experiences depending on how we recall the experiences. Both Isaac’s mother and father were deeply flawed but they also had their individual strengths, as Isaac is recalling his experiences through his therapy sessions we see his therapist challenges his worldview.

Isaac’s father, although fallible, clearly loved Isaac.
I don’t think that is up for debate. Later in the story, we get more context around Jacob’s upbringing and how this informs his decisions around Isaac’s identity.
I believe he does this out of fear (not that I am excusing the behavior of course), but that is why having open and honest conversations is so important.

When Isaac received pushback from his therapist regarding his mother’s actions it was refreshing.
This novel is so well written and made me cry at parts, it is more than queer fiction, it is the ability to dissect the actions of others with their intentions in mind.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely loved this audiobook; JD Jackson's narration was phenomenal, and he's quickly becoming one of my all-time favorite narrators. After giving Daniel Black's previous book, Don't Cry For Me, five stars, I had high expectations, and Isaac's Song delivered beautifully, earning another five-star rating from me.

It was a deeply moving experience to reconnect with familiar characters, this time exploring the narrative through Isaac's eyes. The novel brilliantly portrays Isaac's emotional journey as he navigates complex feelings toward his father following his death, guided by therapy and expressive writing. Black captures grief and loss in such an authentic way that it left my heart aching alongside Isaac's.

As someone originally from Arkansas, I particularly enjoyed Black's depiction of rural Arkansas, offering a fresh and compelling perspective that resonated personally with me. Daniel Black consistently excels at crafting emotionally rich, character-driven stories, and Isaac's Song further cements my admiration for his work.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for providing this ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Don't Cry For Me was one of my favorite reads in 2022 and it's stuck with me since. So when I found out that Isaac's Song was a continuation of Don't Cry For Me but from Isaac's perspective I couldn't wait to get my hands (or in this case, ears) on it. I am once again left speechless by Daniel Black's ability to create characters that we can feel we know so intimately and weave a story that is so poignant and beautiful. This book is a gift and I cannot wait to read what he writes next.

I also want to give credit to JD Jackson for adding even more vibrance, emotion, and life to the audiobook.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

Isaac grew up in the 1980s and was always more artistic, sensitive, and "feminine" than the so-called stereotypical boy. His father was very hard on him, trying to harden him up and force him into being more masculine. Now his father is dead, and Isaac still harbours resentment for the way he was treated. His therapist prompts him to write down his life story, and those memories and his reflections on them form the bulk of this book. I thought it did an excellent job of showing how even a young child can tell they are "different" even if they are unsure of how and of the reality of growing up largely closeted. I especially liked how reflecting on his memories led Isaac to a more balanced assessment of both his mother and his father. His father often treated Isaac badly, but there were other times when he really stepped up to support his son. This doesn't undo the harm he caused, but he wasn't all bad any more than Isaac's mother was all good. This book is an excellent advertisement for the benefits of a good therapist and also for the benefits of creativity in dealing with trauma. Examples of Isaac's fictional writings are included within this book, and I loved seeing how he used his writing to help him process issues. This novel also explores Isaac's identity as a Black man - how impactful events like the police assault of Rodney King were, how omnipresent microaggressions are in his life, and the toll they take. This book is a companion to Don't Cry for Me, a series of deathbed letters written to Isaac by his father, attempting to apologise and make amends. You don't have to have read that book to appreciate this one, but I'd highly recommend it on its own merits. When Isaac discovers the letters and reads them, it is clear how impactful they are for him and how they help him better understand his father. Isaac's Song is a beautifully written and poignant novel, one that reads like a memoir. I'd highly recommend it for its exploration of masculinity, father-son relationships, memory, intergenerational trauma, and the intersection of Blackness and queerness. I listened on audio, which was excellent. JD Jackson did a great job expressing all the emotions Isaac experiences, really immersing me in his world.

Was this review helpful?

What a lovely emotional little book.
It read like a memoir with bits of the main character’s own novels pieced inside to illustrate complicated feelings Isaac was experiencing/ dissecting.
Excellent writing.
5 stars no notes.

Thanks to netgalley and harlequin audio for an alc

Was this review helpful?

Another stunning novel by Daniel Black. It is a follow up to Don’t Cry for Me but can be read as.a standalone, although having read the two back to back made it such a full and robust experience. After his estranged father’s passing, Isaac begins to come to terms with his upbringing and the family history that informed his life. This book illustrates generational trauma and its impact on Black families. This book is about identity, empathy, and acceptance. Isaac’s father could not accept that Isaac was gay and Isaac could not accept his father’s harsh discipline but through therapy and examination a level of understanding begins to form and inspiration is found. This was such a touching and revelatory story. The writing is gorgeous. The message is heartfelt. I loved JD Jackson’s narration. He is one of my favorite narrators because he emotes so well. This is an absolute must read.

Was this review helpful?

Daniel Black delivers a powerful and deeply moving novel in Isaac’s Song, hitting on multiple emotional levels.

The way he wrote this is rich and brings so much life to a narrative that is both heartbreaking and triumphant. This book is of love, identity, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of community, weaving a tale that stays with you long after the last page.

Dr. Black’s writing is captivating. I was pulled into the soul of his characters and their struggles. it all felt so personal.

Isaac’s Song is a must-read—one of those rare books that touch a soft spot and leave an unforgettable imprint.

Was this review helpful?

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. The narrator of the audiobook was excellent - I was engaged throughout and it truly felt as though I was listening to Isaac himself read his own memoir. 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, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Harlequin Audio for the gifted ALC in an exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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!

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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!

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?