A review by treberry
Don't Cry for Me by Daniel Black

emotional reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

“It’s funny what you remember in old age. Memories reveal who you used to be, what you once thought important, what regrets you cannot shake.”
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DCFM is an emotional, reflective story told through a series of letters wrote from a dying man to his estranged son. Dying alone, Jacob uses all of his strength to express his story, his history, his regrets, his shame to give his son insight into the reasons behind his actions.
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This book both captured my heart and broke my heart at the same time! There was so much relatable, in-your-face honesty.
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The emphasis on regret, loss, pride and hurt gnawed at my soul. But as somber as it was, it was everything I needed. The biggest takeaway I found was making amends, living with regret, how our words and actions, spoken and unspoken, effects our relationships with others.
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My heart ached for Isaac and the turmoil he must’ve endured. My heart bled for Jacob and his foolish pride - for putting conditions on his love. He had so many shoulda, woulda, couldas, but was much too prideful to act on his true feelings because it wasn’t the “manly” thing to do.
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I was triggered early on and felt I just wouldn’t be able to continue reading, but I picked this book right back up and didn’t put it down again until I was done. I was stuck reading for hours & hours!
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It would’ve been interesting to see
how the letters were received, but that’s what happens when apologies come a day late and a dollar short … you never know.
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Reading this book made me see how necessary it is to give our children freedom to make their own choices. It allowed me to give grace to my parents for the things I wished they’d done differently when raising me. They did what they knew, the best they could.
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I doubt you can finish this book without having your principles shaken and stirred,  and reflecting on relationships, choices, hopes, and expectations. It shows how the bonds we cultivate are truly matters in life.
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The writing was excellent, flowed as smooth as honey, and consumed my full attention. I’d place this book smack dab in the middle of The Kite Runner and Razorblade Tears. I can already predict this to be one of my top 3 reads this year! 👏🏾
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