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jackie_shimkus's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
greenbean_1's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mcgovnhm's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful, raw and heartbreaking. I absolutely loved this story.
A father writes to his distant son as he dies, trying to explain generational trauma and the magnitude of all of his regret. I cried a lot, and learned a lot and feel as though this story has made the capacity of my heart greater.
A father writes to his distant son as he dies, trying to explain generational trauma and the magnitude of all of his regret. I cried a lot, and learned a lot and feel as though this story has made the capacity of my heart greater.
sarah_speaks's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Death of parent, Cancer, Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Death, Sexism, and Child abuse
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Animal death, Abortion, and Miscarriage
anka_clark's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jessicaredmond8's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of the most beautiful stories I’ve ever read. Definitely read the intro from the author before diving in because he gives the context around how he came up with this book from his own life experiences. The letters to the son format this was written in felt very special and personal, as if we the reader were the son reading about our father’s life. The father was so honest about the things he’d done that wasn’t proud of and didn’t make excuses when his behavior was bad. I think it’s important for more hetero white people to read this because there are really important topics covered about race and sexuality that give you just a glimpse into what others have experienced. It’s eye-opening and I’m grateful it was written. By the end I was in tears. Definitely a must read.
alli_harr's review against another edition
4.0
"Although we were flawed, we were marvelous too."
"Don't Cry for Me," by Daniel Black, wasn't what I expected. It was SO much more. I generally don't gravitate toward contemporary and Southern literature - it just isn't my go-to and doesn't usually grab my attention. However, this book caught my heartstrings from the first chapter (in the form of letters) and didn't let go.
Grab your tissues!
Written from the perspective of a father writing letters to his son, it's easy to forget that this is a work of fiction. Each chapter is a letter explaining why the father was the way he was and why he made the mistakes he made. The letters are written as his last attempt to reconcile with his son. Though it's a work of fiction, it's a story so vivid that it could have - probably has happened - to people.
The audiobook - checked out from my local library on the Libby app - is narrated by the author. That's the best way to hear a novel or poem - from the author who created it. Daniel Black's narration gives the characters' voices life in a way that makes you feel as if you're in the same room as the characters.
On to the spoilers:
I loved this book, and I'm going to add it to my personal list of "Books to Recommend."
"Don't Cry for Me," by Daniel Black, wasn't what I expected. It was SO much more. I generally don't gravitate toward contemporary and Southern literature - it just isn't my go-to and doesn't usually grab my attention. However, this book caught my heartstrings from the first chapter (in the form of letters) and didn't let go.
Grab your tissues!
Written from the perspective of a father writing letters to his son, it's easy to forget that this is a work of fiction. Each chapter is a letter explaining why the father was the way he was and why he made the mistakes he made. The letters are written as his last attempt to reconcile with his son. Though it's a work of fiction, it's a story so vivid that it could have - probably has happened - to people.
The audiobook - checked out from my local library on the Libby app - is narrated by the author. That's the best way to hear a novel or poem - from the author who created it. Daniel Black's narration gives the characters' voices life in a way that makes you feel as if you're in the same room as the characters.
On to the spoilers:
Spoiler
The most tragic part of this book is that we never got to see the reconciliation between father and son. As powerful as this book is, I really wanted to see that - even if it was just Isaac's final reaction to finishing his father's letters.I loved this book, and I'm going to add it to my personal list of "Books to Recommend."
oliviagrace22's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.75
ayodougie's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book had me gripped. You follow a father Jacob who is on his death bed, writing letters to his son Isaac explaining and apologizing for how he treated him. His son Isaac is gay and Jacob seen signs early on as he grew up. Jacob tells the story of him (how he came up) in hopes that his son would understand the man he was raised to be to explain but not excuse how he did him. This was sad especially some of the harsh stories he told of his childhood. I wish the book continued to explain if Issac received the letters and how he took them, and did he get to see him one last time before he passed? Who was the random guy that came to the house? Was Issac ok? Chapters were in letter format. My favorite part was when Jacob and Esau were laying down and Jacob ask “where do stars come from”? And Easu turns rubs his head and said “they’re God’s thoughts.” Easu showed him a softer gentle love and I loved that for him. Some can relate to this black lineage and how families come up just to survive.