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Unconditional: A Story of Fatherhood, Lost Love, and Lifelong Friendship
One decision could rewrite Matthew’s life—or forever alter a child’s future.
Matthew, an indecisive bachelor, never imagined parenthood. But when his brother’s sudden death leaves a newborn daughter stranded, he faces an impossible choice: walk away or become a father overnight.
Meeting baby Allie changes everything. In a heartbeat, he trades his carefree life for sleepless nights and diapers—and discovers a love fiercer than fear. With the help of his loyal best friend Sherry, Matthew stumbles through the chaos of single fatherhood.
Over eighteen years, as life throws enormous challenges in their path—some forcing Allie to grow up faster than she hoped—their bond only deepens.
When the world tests them, will their unconditional love be enough to guide them through?
Matthew, an indecisive bachelor, never imagined parenthood. But when his brother’s sudden death leaves a newborn daughter stranded, he faces an impossible choice: walk away or become a father overnight.
Meeting baby Allie changes everything. In a heartbeat, he trades his carefree life for sleepless nights and diapers—and discovers a love fiercer than fear. With the help of his loyal best friend Sherry, Matthew stumbles through the chaos of single fatherhood.
Over eighteen years, as life throws enormous challenges in their path—some forcing Allie to grow up faster than she hoped—their bond only deepens.
When the world tests them, will their unconditional love be enough to guide them through?
238 pages, ebook
Published July 9, 2025
49 people are currently reading
740 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Kogon
8 books10 followersHey Guys! Thanks for checking in to learn a little about me.
I grew up in Columbia, MD and wrote my first story at 7-years-old—and have been addicted to storytelling ever since. I loved it so much that I considered my pencil to be one of my best friends!
Since then, I’ve written books, screenplays/scripts, comedy sketches, and comic strips—I love it all!
I went to college at UMBC and upon graduation I moved to Los Angeles to work as a writer and filmmaker.
My latest work is the novel UNCONDITIONAL. I spent two years writing it, and it was a labor of love. I also hope to make it my second feature film.
My first film DANCE BABY DANCE was released in 2018. I wrote it, produced it, directed it, and acted in it. I loved every hat I got to wear!
During the pandemic, I started making a web comedy show called GROAD with alums from my movie—Jim O'Heir (Parks and Recreation) and Carlos Alazraqui (Reno 911!). We filmed two table read episodes and then filmed two for real.
Other books I’ve written are a young adult comedic book called "Max Mooth—Cyber Sleuth and the Case of the Zombie Virus" and two children's books called "Squiglet the Rhyming Piglet" and “Squiglet the Piglet Goes on a Nature Hike”.
I also wrote a book about the Making of My Movie DANCE BABY DANCE, which will help anyone who wants to make their own indie film.
And I also once wrote a humorous comic strip called STUDIO READER STAN about the experience of a guy who reads screenplays for executives.
Thanks for reading a little about me!
I grew up in Columbia, MD and wrote my first story at 7-years-old—and have been addicted to storytelling ever since. I loved it so much that I considered my pencil to be one of my best friends!
Since then, I’ve written books, screenplays/scripts, comedy sketches, and comic strips—I love it all!
I went to college at UMBC and upon graduation I moved to Los Angeles to work as a writer and filmmaker.
My latest work is the novel UNCONDITIONAL. I spent two years writing it, and it was a labor of love. I also hope to make it my second feature film.
My first film DANCE BABY DANCE was released in 2018. I wrote it, produced it, directed it, and acted in it. I loved every hat I got to wear!
During the pandemic, I started making a web comedy show called GROAD with alums from my movie—Jim O'Heir (Parks and Recreation) and Carlos Alazraqui (Reno 911!). We filmed two table read episodes and then filmed two for real.
Other books I’ve written are a young adult comedic book called "Max Mooth—Cyber Sleuth and the Case of the Zombie Virus" and two children's books called "Squiglet the Rhyming Piglet" and “Squiglet the Piglet Goes on a Nature Hike”.
I also wrote a book about the Making of My Movie DANCE BABY DANCE, which will help anyone who wants to make their own indie film.
And I also once wrote a humorous comic strip called STUDIO READER STAN about the experience of a guy who reads screenplays for executives.
Thanks for reading a little about me!
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 14, 2025
Stephen Kogon's Unconditional is a deeply moving exploration of unexpected parenthood, unconditional love, and the profound ways relationships shape us. This coming-of-age literary fiction masterpiece follows Matthew Russell, a thirty-five-year-old sports photographer whose life takes an unexpected turn when tragedy strikes his estranged brother's family, leaving him to make an impossible choice about a newborn's future.
The novel opens with Matthew living a comfortable, predictable life in Arizona, working as a photographer for the Cardinals football team alongside his best friends Kenny and Sherry Mitchell. Kogon immediately establishes Matthew as someone who struggles with decision-making—a character trait that becomes central to the story's emotional core. When Matthew receives a devastating phone call about his brother Paul's death, he's thrust into a situation that will challenge everything he thought he knew about himself.
The Art of Character Development
What makes Unconditional truly exceptional is Kogon's masterful character development. Matthew's transformation from an indecisive bachelor to a devoted father unfolds with remarkable authenticity. The author doesn't rush this evolution; instead, he allows readers to witness every stumble, every small victory, and every moment of doubt that shapes Matthew's journey into fatherhood.
Allie, despite being an infant when the story begins, emerges as a fully realized character as she grows throughout the narrative. Kogon skillfully portrays her development from a vulnerable newborn with health complications to a thoughtful, creative teenager finding her own path. Her struggles with anxiety and social situations feel genuine and relatable, showcasing the author's deep understanding of adolescent psychology.
The supporting characters, particularly Sherry and Kenny Mitchell, provide crucial emotional anchors throughout the story. Sherry serves as both Matthew's voice of reason and Allie's surrogate maternal figure, while Kenny's journey through retirement challenges adds layers of complexity to their friendship dynamic. Their relationship with Matthew and Allie feels lived-in and authentic, demonstrating how chosen family can be just as powerful as biological bonds.
Emotional Depth and Authentic Relationships
Kogon excels at capturing the small, intimate moments that define parent-child relationships. From Matthew's early panic about changing diapers to his pride watching Allie take her first photographs, the novel is filled with scenes that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the joys and challenges of parenting. The author skillfully portrays the learning curve of single parenthood while highlighting the profound rewards that come with unconditional love.
The evolution of Matthew and Allie's relationship forms the emotional backbone of the novel. Their shared love of photography becomes a beautiful metaphor for how they see and capture life together. The scenes where they embark on photo expeditions—from Arizona's wildflower fields to the dramatic landscapes of Denmark—are some of the novel's most poignant moments, showcasing their growing bond and mutual understanding.
Themes That Resonate
The Nature of Family
Unconditional beautifully illustrates how family transcends traditional definitions. Matthew's decision to adopt Allie creates a family unit that proves to be extraordinarily strong and loving. The novel explores how family can be found in unexpected places, as evidenced by the crucial role that Sherry and Kenny play in both Matthew and Allie's lives.
Growing Up at Any Age
While Allie's coming-of-age story runs parallel to the main narrative, Matthew's own growth is equally compelling. His journey from someone who struggles with decisions to a man who can make life-altering choices about a child's future demonstrates that personal growth continues throughout our lives.
The Power of Unconditional Love
The title perfectly encapsulates the novel's central theme. Kogon explores how unconditional love—between parent and child, between friends, and even between former romantic partners—can sustain people through life's most challenging moments. This love is portrayed as both a gift and a choice that characters make repeatedly, creating lasting bonds that endure through decades.
Writing Style and Narrative Structure
Kogon's prose is accessible yet emotionally sophisticated, striking a perfect balance between literary depth and readability. His background in screenwriting brings strength to the novel's dialogue and visual storytelling. The author has a particular gift for capturing authentic conversations, whether between Matthew and his friends or between father and daughter as Allie grows older.
The narrative structure, spanning eighteen years, allows Kogon to explore how relationships evolve over time. Rather than simply hitting major milestones, he focuses on the quiet moments that often prove most significant in shaping lives. The pacing feels natural and thoughtful, giving readers time to fully invest in the characters' journeys.
A Fresh Voice in Literary Fiction
This novel represents Kogon's venture into literary fiction following his previous works, which include the young adult comedy "Max Mooth—Cyber Sleuth and the Case of the Zombie Virus" and children's books featuring "Squiglet the Rhyming Piglet." The transition demonstrates his versatility as a storyteller and his ability to tackle complex emotional terrain while maintaining his engaging narrative voice.
The author's experience as a filmmaker (his 2018 film "Dance Baby Dance") brings a cinematic quality to the novel's visual descriptions, particularly in the photography scenes. Readers can easily envision the landscapes Matthew and Allie capture together, from Arizona's desert beauty to Denmark's dramatic coastlines.
The Photography Connection
One of the novel's most beautiful elements is how photography serves as both plot device and metaphor. Kogon uses the craft to explore themes of perspective, capturing moments in time, and seeing beauty in unexpected places. The father-daughter photography expeditions become opportunities for both characters to grow and connect, while also providing readers with vivid, almost tactile descriptions of various landscapes and natural wonders.
Emotional Intelligence and Growth
Kogon demonstrates remarkable emotional intelligence in his portrayal of both Matthew and Allie's psychological development. Matthew's anxiety about raising a daughter alone feels authentic and touching, while Allie's struggles with social situations and self-confidence are portrayed with sensitivity and understanding. The author shows how both characters learn to lean on each other and their chosen family for support.
The Supporting Cast
Kenny and Sherry Mitchell deserve special recognition as some of the most well-developed supporting characters in contemporary fiction. Their own marriage dynamics, career challenges, and parenting experiences provide rich subplots that enhance rather than distract from the main narrative. Monica, Matthew's on-and-off romantic interest, is portrayed with complexity and understanding, avoiding common tropes about the woman who "gets away."
Final Thoughts
Unconditional succeeds brilliantly as both an engaging family drama and a thoughtful exploration of what it means to love without reservation. Kogon has crafted a novel that celebrates the beautiful, sometimes overwhelming experience of opening your heart completely to another person. The story reminds us that the most profound relationships often begin with a single moment of choice—and that choosing love, again and again, can transform not just individual lives but entire legacies.
This novel will particularly resonate with readers who appreciate character-driven narratives, stories about non-traditional families, and explorations of how love shapes us across decades. Kogon has delivered a genuinely moving story that lingers long after the final page, reminding us that sometimes the most important decisions we make happen in an instant, but their effects ripple through entire lifetimes. The novel stands as a testament to the enduring power of family bonds and the extraordinary capacity of the human heart to grow and love unconditionally.
The novel opens with Matthew living a comfortable, predictable life in Arizona, working as a photographer for the Cardinals football team alongside his best friends Kenny and Sherry Mitchell. Kogon immediately establishes Matthew as someone who struggles with decision-making—a character trait that becomes central to the story's emotional core. When Matthew receives a devastating phone call about his brother Paul's death, he's thrust into a situation that will challenge everything he thought he knew about himself.
The Art of Character Development
What makes Unconditional truly exceptional is Kogon's masterful character development. Matthew's transformation from an indecisive bachelor to a devoted father unfolds with remarkable authenticity. The author doesn't rush this evolution; instead, he allows readers to witness every stumble, every small victory, and every moment of doubt that shapes Matthew's journey into fatherhood.
Allie, despite being an infant when the story begins, emerges as a fully realized character as she grows throughout the narrative. Kogon skillfully portrays her development from a vulnerable newborn with health complications to a thoughtful, creative teenager finding her own path. Her struggles with anxiety and social situations feel genuine and relatable, showcasing the author's deep understanding of adolescent psychology.
The supporting characters, particularly Sherry and Kenny Mitchell, provide crucial emotional anchors throughout the story. Sherry serves as both Matthew's voice of reason and Allie's surrogate maternal figure, while Kenny's journey through retirement challenges adds layers of complexity to their friendship dynamic. Their relationship with Matthew and Allie feels lived-in and authentic, demonstrating how chosen family can be just as powerful as biological bonds.
Emotional Depth and Authentic Relationships
Kogon excels at capturing the small, intimate moments that define parent-child relationships. From Matthew's early panic about changing diapers to his pride watching Allie take her first photographs, the novel is filled with scenes that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the joys and challenges of parenting. The author skillfully portrays the learning curve of single parenthood while highlighting the profound rewards that come with unconditional love.
The evolution of Matthew and Allie's relationship forms the emotional backbone of the novel. Their shared love of photography becomes a beautiful metaphor for how they see and capture life together. The scenes where they embark on photo expeditions—from Arizona's wildflower fields to the dramatic landscapes of Denmark—are some of the novel's most poignant moments, showcasing their growing bond and mutual understanding.
Themes That Resonate
The Nature of Family
Unconditional beautifully illustrates how family transcends traditional definitions. Matthew's decision to adopt Allie creates a family unit that proves to be extraordinarily strong and loving. The novel explores how family can be found in unexpected places, as evidenced by the crucial role that Sherry and Kenny play in both Matthew and Allie's lives.
Growing Up at Any Age
While Allie's coming-of-age story runs parallel to the main narrative, Matthew's own growth is equally compelling. His journey from someone who struggles with decisions to a man who can make life-altering choices about a child's future demonstrates that personal growth continues throughout our lives.
The Power of Unconditional Love
The title perfectly encapsulates the novel's central theme. Kogon explores how unconditional love—between parent and child, between friends, and even between former romantic partners—can sustain people through life's most challenging moments. This love is portrayed as both a gift and a choice that characters make repeatedly, creating lasting bonds that endure through decades.
Writing Style and Narrative Structure
Kogon's prose is accessible yet emotionally sophisticated, striking a perfect balance between literary depth and readability. His background in screenwriting brings strength to the novel's dialogue and visual storytelling. The author has a particular gift for capturing authentic conversations, whether between Matthew and his friends or between father and daughter as Allie grows older.
The narrative structure, spanning eighteen years, allows Kogon to explore how relationships evolve over time. Rather than simply hitting major milestones, he focuses on the quiet moments that often prove most significant in shaping lives. The pacing feels natural and thoughtful, giving readers time to fully invest in the characters' journeys.
A Fresh Voice in Literary Fiction
This novel represents Kogon's venture into literary fiction following his previous works, which include the young adult comedy "Max Mooth—Cyber Sleuth and the Case of the Zombie Virus" and children's books featuring "Squiglet the Rhyming Piglet." The transition demonstrates his versatility as a storyteller and his ability to tackle complex emotional terrain while maintaining his engaging narrative voice.
The author's experience as a filmmaker (his 2018 film "Dance Baby Dance") brings a cinematic quality to the novel's visual descriptions, particularly in the photography scenes. Readers can easily envision the landscapes Matthew and Allie capture together, from Arizona's desert beauty to Denmark's dramatic coastlines.
The Photography Connection
One of the novel's most beautiful elements is how photography serves as both plot device and metaphor. Kogon uses the craft to explore themes of perspective, capturing moments in time, and seeing beauty in unexpected places. The father-daughter photography expeditions become opportunities for both characters to grow and connect, while also providing readers with vivid, almost tactile descriptions of various landscapes and natural wonders.
Emotional Intelligence and Growth
Kogon demonstrates remarkable emotional intelligence in his portrayal of both Matthew and Allie's psychological development. Matthew's anxiety about raising a daughter alone feels authentic and touching, while Allie's struggles with social situations and self-confidence are portrayed with sensitivity and understanding. The author shows how both characters learn to lean on each other and their chosen family for support.
The Supporting Cast
Kenny and Sherry Mitchell deserve special recognition as some of the most well-developed supporting characters in contemporary fiction. Their own marriage dynamics, career challenges, and parenting experiences provide rich subplots that enhance rather than distract from the main narrative. Monica, Matthew's on-and-off romantic interest, is portrayed with complexity and understanding, avoiding common tropes about the woman who "gets away."
Final Thoughts
Unconditional succeeds brilliantly as both an engaging family drama and a thoughtful exploration of what it means to love without reservation. Kogon has crafted a novel that celebrates the beautiful, sometimes overwhelming experience of opening your heart completely to another person. The story reminds us that the most profound relationships often begin with a single moment of choice—and that choosing love, again and again, can transform not just individual lives but entire legacies.
This novel will particularly resonate with readers who appreciate character-driven narratives, stories about non-traditional families, and explorations of how love shapes us across decades. Kogon has delivered a genuinely moving story that lingers long after the final page, reminding us that sometimes the most important decisions we make happen in an instant, but their effects ripple through entire lifetimes. The novel stands as a testament to the enduring power of family bonds and the extraordinary capacity of the human heart to grow and love unconditionally.
July 21, 2025
Stephen Kogon's Unconditional operates as a masterclass in character-driven narrative structure, employing the unexpected parenthood trope to explore deeper questions about identity, choice, and the malleability of human nature. The novel's eighteen-year span allows Kogon to examine how relationships evolve through distinct phases, each bringing unique challenges and revelations.
The author demonstrates sophisticated understanding of dual coming-of-age narratives, positioning Matthew's journey into fatherhood alongside Allie's adolescent development. This parallel structure creates rich thematic resonance, particularly in scenes where both characters confront their limitations and discover hidden strengths. Kogon's decision to make photography their shared passion functions brilliantly as both plot device and metaphor for perspective, memory, and the art of seeing clearly.
The prose style reflects careful attention to emotional authenticity over melodrama. Kogon resists the temptation to sentimentalize either the adoption process or the father-daughter relationship, instead grounding both in realistic details that accumulate into profound emotional truth. His dialogue captures the rhythms of genuine conversation, particularly in the banter between Matthew and his longtime friends Kenny and Sherry.
The novel's treatment of anxiety and social challenges through Allie's character demonstrates nuanced psychological insight. Rather than presenting these as obstacles to overcome, Kogon shows how understanding and accommodation can create space for growth and self-acceptance. The Denmark sequence serves as a pivotal moment where Allie's internal journey meets external adventure, resulting in genuine character transformation.
Kogon's cinematic background enriches the narrative through vivid scene-setting and visual metaphors that enhance rather than overwhelm the emotional core. Unconditional succeeds as both accessible family drama and sophisticated literary exploration of what it means to choose love repeatedly over time.
The author demonstrates sophisticated understanding of dual coming-of-age narratives, positioning Matthew's journey into fatherhood alongside Allie's adolescent development. This parallel structure creates rich thematic resonance, particularly in scenes where both characters confront their limitations and discover hidden strengths. Kogon's decision to make photography their shared passion functions brilliantly as both plot device and metaphor for perspective, memory, and the art of seeing clearly.
The prose style reflects careful attention to emotional authenticity over melodrama. Kogon resists the temptation to sentimentalize either the adoption process or the father-daughter relationship, instead grounding both in realistic details that accumulate into profound emotional truth. His dialogue captures the rhythms of genuine conversation, particularly in the banter between Matthew and his longtime friends Kenny and Sherry.
The novel's treatment of anxiety and social challenges through Allie's character demonstrates nuanced psychological insight. Rather than presenting these as obstacles to overcome, Kogon shows how understanding and accommodation can create space for growth and self-acceptance. The Denmark sequence serves as a pivotal moment where Allie's internal journey meets external adventure, resulting in genuine character transformation.
Kogon's cinematic background enriches the narrative through vivid scene-setting and visual metaphors that enhance rather than overwhelm the emotional core. Unconditional succeeds as both accessible family drama and sophisticated literary exploration of what it means to choose love repeatedly over time.
July 21, 2025
Sometimes life hands you a moment that changes everything in the span of a heartbeat. Stephen Kogon's Unconditional captures one such moment when Matthew Russell receives a phone call that transforms him from a carefree sports photographer into an instant father. This isn't just another adoption story—it's a profound meditation on how love reshapes us in ways we never imagined possible.
Kogon writes with the precision of someone who understands that parenthood isn't about grand gestures but about a thousand tiny decisions made with trembling hands. When Matthew first holds baby Allie, the author doesn't rely on sentimental clichés; instead, he shows us the raw terror and overwhelming tenderness that floods through this unprepared man. The authenticity is breathtaking.
What struck me most deeply was how Kogon traces the parallel coming-of-age stories of both father and daughter. Matthew learns to braid hair and navigate teenage emotions while Allie discovers her artistic voice through photography. Their shared adventures—from Arizona mountains to Danish butterfly gardens—become sacred spaces where their bond deepens beyond words.
The supporting characters feel like people you'd want in your own corner during life's storms. Sherry's fierce loyalty and Kenny's gentle humor provide exactly the kind of chosen family that makes survival possible. Monica's storyline adds complexity without overshadowing the central relationship.
Kogon's background in filmmaking shows in his visual storytelling, particularly during the photography sequences that serve as metaphors for capturing life's fleeting beauty. This novel reminded me why I fell in love with reading—because sometimes a story can hold up a mirror to your own capacity for love and show you possibilities you never knew existed.
Kogon writes with the precision of someone who understands that parenthood isn't about grand gestures but about a thousand tiny decisions made with trembling hands. When Matthew first holds baby Allie, the author doesn't rely on sentimental clichés; instead, he shows us the raw terror and overwhelming tenderness that floods through this unprepared man. The authenticity is breathtaking.
What struck me most deeply was how Kogon traces the parallel coming-of-age stories of both father and daughter. Matthew learns to braid hair and navigate teenage emotions while Allie discovers her artistic voice through photography. Their shared adventures—from Arizona mountains to Danish butterfly gardens—become sacred spaces where their bond deepens beyond words.
The supporting characters feel like people you'd want in your own corner during life's storms. Sherry's fierce loyalty and Kenny's gentle humor provide exactly the kind of chosen family that makes survival possible. Monica's storyline adds complexity without overshadowing the central relationship.
Kogon's background in filmmaking shows in his visual storytelling, particularly during the photography sequences that serve as metaphors for capturing life's fleeting beauty. This novel reminded me why I fell in love with reading—because sometimes a story can hold up a mirror to your own capacity for love and show you possibilities you never knew existed.
July 14, 2025
In UNCONDITIONAL, Matthew Russell's life is upended when he becomes the unexpected guardian of his newborn niece, Allie, after a family tragedy. As a team photographer for the Arizona Cardinals, Matthew's world was once filled with the thrill of sports and the comfort of close friendships. But now, he must navigate the challenges of single fatherhood, leaving behind his career and romantic prospects to embrace a life of profound responsibility and love. Set against the backdrop of contemporary life, this emotionally rich narrative explores themes of parental love, sacrifice, and resilience. Matthew's journey from an unprepared guardian to a devoted father is marked by the support of friends and the enduring bond with Allie, who grows from a vulnerable child into a confident young adult. Together, they face life's adversities, from health scares to school bullying, with courage and determination. UNCONDITIONAL is a heartfelt exploration of family dynamics, personal growth, and the unbreakable ties that bind us. It is a story for those who appreciate the complexities of love and the triumphs of the human spirit.
July 21, 2025
Coming-of-age stories often focus solely on the young protagonist, but Stephen Kogon brilliantly flips this convention in Unconditional by presenting two characters growing up simultaneously—Matthew learning fatherhood and Allie navigating childhood and adolescence. This dual perspective elevates the novel far beyond typical family drama into something genuinely innovative within the genre.
Kogon understands that the best coming-of-age narratives aren't just about reaching milestones but about discovering who you are when life demands more than you think you can give. Matthew's transformation from "Mr. Indecisive" to a man capable of life-altering choices happens gradually, convincingly, through moments both mundane and extraordinary. The author shows rather than tells us about this growth through actions like Matthew learning to make elaborate sandwiches or navigating school bullying situations.
The photography element works perfectly as a narrative device, providing both father and daughter with a shared language for exploring their world. Their expeditions to capture Arizona's wildflowers or Denmark's dramatic landscapes become opportunities for bonding and self-discovery. Kogon clearly researched photography techniques extensively, making these scenes technically accurate and emotionally resonant.
Allie's character development feels particularly authentic for the genre. Her struggles with anxiety and social situations never feel forced or melodramatic—they're simply part of who she is, and Kogon shows how the right support system can help rather than "fix" these traits. Her journey from scared child to confident young woman happens organically through experiences rather than sudden revelations.
The novel successfully balances multiple genre elements—family drama, romance subplot with Monica, friendship dynamics, and personal growth narratives—without losing focus on its central relationship. Kogon has crafted a coming-of-age story that honors both its characters and its readers' intelligence.
Kogon understands that the best coming-of-age narratives aren't just about reaching milestones but about discovering who you are when life demands more than you think you can give. Matthew's transformation from "Mr. Indecisive" to a man capable of life-altering choices happens gradually, convincingly, through moments both mundane and extraordinary. The author shows rather than tells us about this growth through actions like Matthew learning to make elaborate sandwiches or navigating school bullying situations.
The photography element works perfectly as a narrative device, providing both father and daughter with a shared language for exploring their world. Their expeditions to capture Arizona's wildflowers or Denmark's dramatic landscapes become opportunities for bonding and self-discovery. Kogon clearly researched photography techniques extensively, making these scenes technically accurate and emotionally resonant.
Allie's character development feels particularly authentic for the genre. Her struggles with anxiety and social situations never feel forced or melodramatic—they're simply part of who she is, and Kogon shows how the right support system can help rather than "fix" these traits. Her journey from scared child to confident young woman happens organically through experiences rather than sudden revelations.
The novel successfully balances multiple genre elements—family drama, romance subplot with Monica, friendship dynamics, and personal growth narratives—without losing focus on its central relationship. Kogon has crafted a coming-of-age story that honors both its characters and its readers' intelligence.
July 21, 2025
Unconditional delivers exactly what its title promises: a clear-eyed examination of love without conditions or expectations. Stephen Kogon has written a novel that works on multiple levels—as family drama, character study, and meditation on what it means to choose responsibility over convenience.
The practical aspects of Matthew's journey into single fatherhood ring true throughout. Kogon doesn't gloss over the logistics of suddenly caring for a premature infant with health complications. The scenes of Matthew learning to administer medication, decode crying patterns, and navigate medical appointments feel researched and authentic. This attention to realistic detail grounds the emotional elements in believable circumstances.
Financially, the novel presents an honest picture of how adopting a child affects career choices and lifestyle. Matthew's transition from staff photographer to freelancer, his careful budgeting for health insurance, and his eventual move to a more family-friendly job all reflect real-world considerations many readers will recognize.
The friendship dynamics between Matthew, Kenny, and Sherry provide the novel's emotional backbone while avoiding unrealistic perfection. These characters support each other through depression, career changes, and life transitions in ways that feel earned rather than convenient. Their relationships evolve naturally over the eighteen-year timespan.
Allie's development from anxious child to confident teenager happens through specific, relatable experiences—school bullying, social awkwardness, finding passion in photography. Kogon avoids the trap of making her either too precocious or too problem-free. Her struggles feel age-appropriate and her growth feels genuine.
The novel's structure, spanning nearly two decades, allows readers to see how small daily choices accumulate into transformed lives. Kogon has written a story that understands love as both feeling and action, both gift and commitment.
The practical aspects of Matthew's journey into single fatherhood ring true throughout. Kogon doesn't gloss over the logistics of suddenly caring for a premature infant with health complications. The scenes of Matthew learning to administer medication, decode crying patterns, and navigate medical appointments feel researched and authentic. This attention to realistic detail grounds the emotional elements in believable circumstances.
Financially, the novel presents an honest picture of how adopting a child affects career choices and lifestyle. Matthew's transition from staff photographer to freelancer, his careful budgeting for health insurance, and his eventual move to a more family-friendly job all reflect real-world considerations many readers will recognize.
The friendship dynamics between Matthew, Kenny, and Sherry provide the novel's emotional backbone while avoiding unrealistic perfection. These characters support each other through depression, career changes, and life transitions in ways that feel earned rather than convenient. Their relationships evolve naturally over the eighteen-year timespan.
Allie's development from anxious child to confident teenager happens through specific, relatable experiences—school bullying, social awkwardness, finding passion in photography. Kogon avoids the trap of making her either too precocious or too problem-free. Her struggles feel age-appropriate and her growth feels genuine.
The novel's structure, spanning nearly two decades, allows readers to see how small daily choices accumulate into transformed lives. Kogon has written a story that understands love as both feeling and action, both gift and commitment.
August 11, 2025
Goodreads book giveaway win.
This was a beautifully written book about unconditional love between a father and daughter. This book left me in tears and I'm so glad I was given the opportunity to read it.
This was a beautifully written book about unconditional love between a father and daughter. This book left me in tears and I'm so glad I was given the opportunity to read it.
July 13, 2025
A beautiful story that stays with you
Just finished this book, and I’m still sitting with all the feelings. It’s a warm, honest story about love, loss, and the messy beauty of family. I loved how real and deeply human it felt and it made me think about what really matters in life. Beautiful and unforgettable.
Just finished this book, and I’m still sitting with all the feelings. It’s a warm, honest story about love, loss, and the messy beauty of family. I loved how real and deeply human it felt and it made me think about what really matters in life. Beautiful and unforgettable.
August 15, 2025
Unconditional by Stephan Kogon is an amazing read. Matthew is a 25 year old batchelor who spends most of his time with his best friend Sherry and her husband Kenny.
While chatting with Monica , a friend of Sherry's Matthew receives a phone call that his older brother Paul not only has committed suicide but also has left him a premature baby, a three day old girl named Allie. Matthew is now faced with a choice, he can walk away and have the baby go to foster care, or become a father immediately.
Once he meets Allie, his mind is instantly made up. Matthew along with his friends, decided to navigate single parenting. The book then takes us through the next 18 years of Allie's life.
This book is the most heartfelt thing I have read in a long time. I love books that make you feel something, and this book definitely does that!
Thank you Stephen Kogon for partnering with NetGalley. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
While chatting with Monica , a friend of Sherry's Matthew receives a phone call that his older brother Paul not only has committed suicide but also has left him a premature baby, a three day old girl named Allie. Matthew is now faced with a choice, he can walk away and have the baby go to foster care, or become a father immediately.
Once he meets Allie, his mind is instantly made up. Matthew along with his friends, decided to navigate single parenting. The book then takes us through the next 18 years of Allie's life.
This book is the most heartfelt thing I have read in a long time. I love books that make you feel something, and this book definitely does that!
Thank you Stephen Kogon for partnering with NetGalley. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
August 4, 2025
This was a lovely book...very different from my usual reads. It shows that when your life turns totally upside down unexpectedly...it can be the beginning of a new and glorious journey.
Beautiful and flawed characters learn and grow as they face the future.
Highly recommend for a delightful change of pace.
Beautiful and flawed characters learn and grow as they face the future.
Highly recommend for a delightful change of pace.
August 6, 2025
Break out the Kleenex
I so enjoyed this book. The love be between the two felt so real it was hard to believe this book was fiction.
I so enjoyed this book. The love be between the two felt so real it was hard to believe this book was fiction.
September 10, 2025
Loved everything about this book.
Tissues highly recommended for the end...
Tissues highly recommended for the end...
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews