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.