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1.04k reviews for:
All Out: The No-Longer-Secret Stories of Queer Teens throughout the Ages
Saundra Mitchell
3.92 AVERAGE
1.04k reviews for:
All Out: The No-Longer-Secret Stories of Queer Teens throughout the Ages
Saundra Mitchell
3.92 AVERAGE
glorious. very much enjoyed. see individual story reviews below!
Average Rating: 3.5 --> but overall I would give this a solid 4 because there are several gems in here that I would read over and over again. (also, bonus points for a pretty cover hehe)
Roja: ★★★.5
Really, really amazing writing, characters, and atmosphere all packed into 17 pages. Would definitely recommend! I loved the author's style, just the story didn't resonate me, hence the 3.5 stars. It was a fantastic in-the-moment read though.
The Sweet Trade: ★★★
I loved the characters and the writing, and it was a fun, cute, fast-paced read. But like Roja it didn't leave me constantly thinking about it afterwards.
And They Don't Kiss at the End: ★★★★★
I did not know how much I longed for ace representation in YA literature until I read this. (okay, maybe I'm being a bit dramatic, but still) I know that not everyone may like the ending, but for me it was just perfect. SpoilerWhen they held hands, I, gahhh it was so cute I want an ending like that. Much satisfaction. EDIT: SpoilerAlso! I can't believe I forgot to mention this, but the story is also set in a largely overlooked Mid-Atlantic state, which literally almost never happens. People from this area will probably understand my enthusiasm moreso than others lol.
Burnt Umber: ★★★.5
Mackenzi Lee's humor in this is pure gold. (okay, obviously this is subjective, but, like) Also, the ending was very cute. SpoilerConstantijn x Augustus = Augustijn? Joost hEnDrIcKsZoOn can leave.
The Dresser and the Chambermaid: ★★★
A nice story. It was cute in the moment, but, idk, it just was lacking substance? I didn't find myself connecting to the characters or story all that much.
New Year: ★★★★★
I loved this story, like, a lot. Lily was incredible and I loved her relationship with her family. Can Aunt Judy adopt me please? I would enjoy just even sitting in the same room as her and listening to her talk. Also, I appreciated having a story in the anthology that didn't end in a romance.
Molly's Lips: ★★★
Good writing, good characters. Nothing bad about this, but I didn't find myself drawn to it? I think I just wasn't the intended audience for this. There were a lot of what I assumed to be Nirvana references that went right over my head. I would still definitely recommend reading it though! Other people will probably be able to enjoy the story on a more in depth level than I did, so take my review with a grain of salt.
The Coven: ★★★★
Gorgeous writing, and I am biased when it comes to settings in early 20th century Europe, don't fight me. Dean and Vivie's relationship was so pure and wonderful, both on a platonic and romantic level. And the witches' meeting was not what I expected it to be (which I think was probably the point). Overall, the story was lowkey really uplifting, if that makes sense?
Every Shade of Red: ★★★★
A Robin Hood retelling that was beautiful, but extremely heartbreaking. I just want to give Robin a hug and wrap him in warm blankets, even though I know that's not going to fix anything. I also love the found family trope, so a plus for this story. Stellar writing, good characters, but Spoilera very tragic ending.
Willows: ★★
I just had no clue what was going on? Like, I can't really review it because I was genuinely confused throughout the entire story. Maybe I'm just dumb lol.
The Girl with the Blue Lantern: ★★★★
The atmosphere was beautiful, and I loved both Ella and Oriana. I know I've said this for like 5 other stories in this anthology, but it was very cute. The story was super heartfelt and the characters were so sweet and pure. Would highly recommend.
The Secret Life of a Teenage Boy: ★★★
It was cute and all, but idk man, the age gap was a bit too weird. Although I liked the supportive family narrative, especially given the time period (1960s) and the taboo surrounding discussions of sexuality.
Walking After Midnight: ★★★★
This was just so so so cute I loved it. The writing fit the story and the atmosphere. Ahh it was so precious. Laura was so sweet and I loved Betsey's character. Squeeeeee. (also, folks, this is not a drill, we have not one, but TWO ace stories in this anthology my life has officially been fulfilled)
The End of the World As We Know It: ★★★★
I really enjoyed Ezgi's character, and the 1990s atmosphere felt super real, even though I wasn't even alive then. The end felt a bit rushed though? Idk, it was still a really good story. I would definitely read more books by Sara Farizan in the future.
Three Witches: ★★★
It started out good (well, I mean, good in a writing standpoint; reading about a girl in conversion therapy is very heartbreaking), but I was kind of lost in the end? It was set in a religious context, so maybe there's some things that I didn't pick up on. I think she was praying or something? I just got confused at the end, so I didn't get the full satisfaction of the reading experience.
The Inferno & The Butterfly: ★★★★
Very cute. Major [b: The Night Circus|9361589|The Night Circus|Erin Morgenstern|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1387124618l/9361589._SY75_.jpg|14245059] vibes in terms of story and atmosphere. Wilhelm is an absolute angel who we are lucky enough to have graced this Earth, even if maybe not in our lifetime. We all need a Wilhelm for our Alfie. Much love for these two.
Healing Rosa: ★★★
Good writing, I just didn't connect to the story all that much? The bond between the MC and Rosa was very sweet though. I also liked how the story explored the MC's relationship with her late abuela and how she is trying to find a way to carry on her abuela's legacy while also abiding by her family's wishes. I was able to sympathize with all the characters, and I liked how the author made the reader aware of each of their motives.
*I would not recommend this anthology for children under the age of 15 or pearl-clutching grandmas over the age of 60, as there are several stories that contain varying degrees of shall we say limb entanglement with some descriptions being more detailed than others.
Average Rating: 3.5 --> but overall I would give this a solid 4 because there are several gems in here that I would read over and over again. (also, bonus points for a pretty cover hehe)
Roja: ★★★.5
Really, really amazing writing, characters, and atmosphere all packed into 17 pages. Would definitely recommend! I loved the author's style, just the story didn't resonate me, hence the 3.5 stars. It was a fantastic in-the-moment read though.
The Sweet Trade: ★★★
I loved the characters and the writing, and it was a fun, cute, fast-paced read. But like Roja it didn't leave me constantly thinking about it afterwards.
And They Don't Kiss at the End: ★★★★★
I did not know how much I longed for ace representation in YA literature until I read this. (okay, maybe I'm being a bit dramatic, but still) I know that not everyone may like the ending, but for me it was just perfect. SpoilerWhen they held hands, I, gahhh it was so cute I want an ending like that. Much satisfaction. EDIT: SpoilerAlso! I can't believe I forgot to mention this, but the story is also set in a largely overlooked Mid-Atlantic state, which literally almost never happens. People from this area will probably understand my enthusiasm moreso than others lol.
Burnt Umber: ★★★.5
Mackenzi Lee's humor in this is pure gold. (okay, obviously this is subjective, but, like) Also, the ending was very cute. SpoilerConstantijn x Augustus = Augustijn? Joost hEnDrIcKsZoOn can leave.
The Dresser and the Chambermaid: ★★★
A nice story. It was cute in the moment, but, idk, it just was lacking substance? I didn't find myself connecting to the characters or story all that much.
New Year: ★★★★★
I loved this story, like, a lot. Lily was incredible and I loved her relationship with her family. Can Aunt Judy adopt me please? I would enjoy just even sitting in the same room as her and listening to her talk. Also, I appreciated having a story in the anthology that didn't end in a romance.
Molly's Lips: ★★★
Good writing, good characters. Nothing bad about this, but I didn't find myself drawn to it? I think I just wasn't the intended audience for this. There were a lot of what I assumed to be Nirvana references that went right over my head. I would still definitely recommend reading it though! Other people will probably be able to enjoy the story on a more in depth level than I did, so take my review with a grain of salt.
The Coven: ★★★★
Gorgeous writing, and I am biased when it comes to settings in early 20th century Europe, don't fight me. Dean and Vivie's relationship was so pure and wonderful, both on a platonic and romantic level. And the witches' meeting was not what I expected it to be (which I think was probably the point). Overall, the story was lowkey really uplifting, if that makes sense?
Every Shade of Red: ★★★★
A Robin Hood retelling that was beautiful, but extremely heartbreaking. I just want to give Robin a hug and wrap him in warm blankets, even though I know that's not going to fix anything. I also love the found family trope, so a plus for this story. Stellar writing, good characters, but Spoilera very tragic ending.
Willows: ★★
I just had no clue what was going on? Like, I can't really review it because I was genuinely confused throughout the entire story. Maybe I'm just dumb lol.
The Girl with the Blue Lantern: ★★★★
The atmosphere was beautiful, and I loved both Ella and Oriana. I know I've said this for like 5 other stories in this anthology, but it was very cute. The story was super heartfelt and the characters were so sweet and pure. Would highly recommend.
The Secret Life of a Teenage Boy: ★★★
It was cute and all, but idk man, the age gap was a bit too weird. Although I liked the supportive family narrative, especially given the time period (1960s) and the taboo surrounding discussions of sexuality.
Walking After Midnight: ★★★★
This was just so so so cute I loved it. The writing fit the story and the atmosphere. Ahh it was so precious. Laura was so sweet and I loved Betsey's character. Squeeeeee. (also, folks, this is not a drill, we have not one, but TWO ace stories in this anthology my life has officially been fulfilled)
The End of the World As We Know It: ★★★★
I really enjoyed Ezgi's character, and the 1990s atmosphere felt super real, even though I wasn't even alive then. The end felt a bit rushed though? Idk, it was still a really good story. I would definitely read more books by Sara Farizan in the future.
Three Witches: ★★★
It started out good (well, I mean, good in a writing standpoint; reading about a girl in conversion therapy is very heartbreaking), but I was kind of lost in the end? It was set in a religious context, so maybe there's some things that I didn't pick up on. I think she was praying or something? I just got confused at the end, so I didn't get the full satisfaction of the reading experience.
The Inferno & The Butterfly: ★★★★
Very cute. Major [b: The Night Circus|9361589|The Night Circus|Erin Morgenstern|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1387124618l/9361589._SY75_.jpg|14245059] vibes in terms of story and atmosphere. Wilhelm is an absolute angel who we are lucky enough to have graced this Earth, even if maybe not in our lifetime. We all need a Wilhelm for our Alfie. Much love for these two.
Healing Rosa: ★★★
Good writing, I just didn't connect to the story all that much? The bond between the MC and Rosa was very sweet though. I also liked how the story explored the MC's relationship with her late abuela and how she is trying to find a way to carry on her abuela's legacy while also abiding by her family's wishes. I was able to sympathize with all the characters, and I liked how the author made the reader aware of each of their motives.
*I would not recommend this anthology for children under the age of 15 or pearl-clutching grandmas over the age of 60, as there are several stories that contain varying degrees of shall we say limb entanglement with some descriptions being more detailed than others.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Custom Rating: We Have Always Been Here/5
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Especially liked "Every Shade of Red" by Elliot Wake (England, Late Fourteenth Century), because I'm a sucker for Robin Hood stories, and "The Inferno & The Butterfly" by Shaun David Hutchinson (London, 1839).
Others I really liked:
"The Sweet Trade" by Natalie C. Parker - Virginia Colony, 1717
"Molly's Lips" by Dahlia Adler - Seattle, April 10, 1994
"The Secret Life of a Teenage Boy" by Alex Sanchez - Tidewater, Virginia, 1969
"Walking After Midnight" by Kody Keplinger - Upstate New York, 1952
(Incidentally, this book of historical fiction has a story set in the year in which I graduated from high school and that's just rude.)
Others I really liked:
"The Sweet Trade" by Natalie C. Parker - Virginia Colony, 1717
"Molly's Lips" by Dahlia Adler - Seattle, April 10, 1994
"The Secret Life of a Teenage Boy" by Alex Sanchez - Tidewater, Virginia, 1969
"Walking After Midnight" by Kody Keplinger - Upstate New York, 1952
(Incidentally, this book of historical fiction has a story set in the year in which I graduated from high school and that's just rude.)
Giving this book 3,5/5 stars because every single story in this book was really nice and pleasant to read. But I can't give it more because short stories are really not my cup of tea. I know what I was getting into when I bought this books but still, I tried anyway. Some stories were funny and made me smile and crack up, while others were deeper and faced more complicated issues. however, my problem is that I get too attached to characters and short stories won't do it for me because once I finished one I wanted to know more about the hracaters and their lives, like my brain didn't catch the part were 'there is no "more"'.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I wanted to like this book, and for a time I thought this had to be at least a four star review. I loved the piece from Mackenzie Lee and I am a fan of all of her work. However, this book is saturated with ableism to a shameful extent. There is a story about a Deaf boy who falls in love with Robin Hood. Unfortunately, this character is written by a Hearing author who plays into all of the stereotypes. The character has abnormally good eyesight. Oftentimes, authors pit blind and Deaf people against each other, and this author did the same thing by having writing, "how could we, especially me, have been so blind?" Even using disability as a metaphor is offensive because disability is always used as a negative connotation. The Hearing author did not address his privilege at all and lazily relied on overused and offensive stereotypes. Additionally, so many other stories focus on finding cures for characters' disabilities rather than simply letting them live and thrive with their disabilities. "Every Shade of Red" and the repeated Cure Narrative's inclusion and Mitchell's inability to understand who this could impact disabled and Deaf readers really begs the question "Is this collection for all queer teens or just the able-bodied ones?"
This is slightly tangential, but one of the stories also hinted at the dangers of dealing with darkness (magic) and said something to the effect, "Just look what happened with Roanoke" alluding to the so called "lost colony of Roanoke." This was also lazy story telling because most colonial historians believe that an indigenous tribe took in the colonists after particularly harsh winters. By playing into the idea of a "lost colony" being associated with "darkness," the author conflates indigenous Americans with darkness which, again, is shameful.
This is slightly tangential, but one of the stories also hinted at the dangers of dealing with darkness (magic) and said something to the effect, "Just look what happened with Roanoke" alluding to the so called "lost colony of Roanoke." This was also lazy story telling because most colonial historians believe that an indigenous tribe took in the colonists after particularly harsh winters. By playing into the idea of a "lost colony" being associated with "darkness," the author conflates indigenous Americans with darkness which, again, is shameful.
This is simply a wonderful collection of stories. And there were even a few about us aces which were amazing. (Even in Queer stories there is typically a lack of ace representation which why it was s0 cool we were included in this collection). These stories cover many different time periods and countries so whatever type of stories you enjoy you will be able to find one to enjoy in this collection. If you believe in Love this collection is for you.
Quality of writing was just as high, but I just was not into most of the stories. I think even the strong writing couldn't overcome my lack of enthusiasm for historical fiction.