Book
About the Book
They Don't Know Steve
They Don’t Know Steve follows a young man’s fight to protect his family, discover who he truly is, and confront the darkness that hides behind familiar walls. From sun-drenched backyard courts and familiar neighborhood corners to the closed rooms where secrets gather, the novel traces the explosive moment a young man chooses to reject the definitions others have placed on him.
This is a gritty, deeply human coming-of-age story that poses a fundamental question: What happens when a boy everyone thinks they understand finally chooses to define himself for the very first time?
Self Expression
Poems that celebrate creativity and the courage to express your authentic self.
Emotional Healing
Gentle words that invite reflection and reconnection with inner strength.
Cultural Richness
Exploring identity and the beautiful tapestry of diverse perspectives.
Personal Growth
Inspiration to believe in yourself and embrace life's journey.
What People Say
I loved how Robert Allen brought Washington D.C. to life; you can feel the history and the streets in this story. An empathetic, powerful read about the messy struggle to define yourself.
Allen handles complex family and identity with raw honesty, making Steve’s journey incredibly relatable. Seriously.
Allen imagined characters and gave the story a mature and authentic foundation. Steve’s explosive fight to shed the labels others placed on him and claim his true self is amazing.
Robert Allen captures the soul of D.C. in a way that feels lived-in and honest. Steve’s struggle with identity and family expectations hit close to home. This story reflects the quiet battles many young Black men face while trying to define themselves beyond what the world assumes.
I’m deeply moved by how Allen explores family, faith, and emotional inheritance feels authentic and raw. Steve’s journey is painful, powerful, and necessary. A strong debut that speaks truth without softening the hard parts.
They Don’t Know Steve is a gritty coming-of-age story that doesn’t rely on clichés. The tension between who Steve is and who everyone thinks he should be is written with real empathy. Robert Allen shows great respect for his characters and their struggles.
I was drawn in by the emotional depth of the storyline. The closed rooms full of secrets felt just as real as the neighborhood courts. Allen writes with maturity and heart, showing how family history and identity can collide in explosive ways.
This story stayed with me long after I finished it. Steve’s decision to define himself is both heartbreaking and empowering. Robert Allen’s voice is confident and compassionate, and his understanding of faith, family, and self-discovery shines through every page.