Reviews - All Out: The No-Longer-Secret Stories of Queer Teens throughout the Ages

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All Out: The No-Longer-Secret Stories of Queer Teens throughout the Ages

I have mixed feelings about this book - I certainly enjoyed it but it didn't live up to my expectations. I really enjoyed almost all the stories besides 'Willows' which was really long and did not make much sense.

I love the premise of this book, getting a snapshot of different identities within the LGBTQ+ (saying that the majority were gay or lesbian but there was significantly less trans, non-binary, bi, etc which was a shame since stories with those identities are pretty much non-existent.

My main problem with this book is that the stories I loved I wanted WAYYY more of, just as I was getting drawn into the character's story it would end - and often with an open ending. Don't get me wrong I understand the point of this book, that its meant to be short stories but I'm still a bit sad I didn't get MORE!

Definitely a good read for anyone after some cute queer lit!

mellowbry's review against another edition

4.25

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-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: Yes

Favorites

"Every Shade of Red," "Burnt Umber," "Roja," "The Inferno and the Butterfly," "Walking After Midnight."

Great

"Molly's Lips", "New Year," "Healing Rosa," "The End of the World as We Know It."

Good

"And They Don't Kiss at the End," "The Coven."

Meh

"The Girl With the Blue Lantern," "The Sweet Trade," "The Dresser and the Chambermaid," "The Secret Life of a Teenage Boy."

Skipped

"Willows," "Three Witches."

casefoil's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

narcophelia's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 22%

Do not mistake my DNF as me not enjoying this book. I loved the stories I read. They were extremely well written and have such a refreshing take on folklore and fairy tales. The problem was 1000% me. I thought I could read an anthology but I couldn't. I don't know why. Anthologies are incredibly hard for me to read all in a sitting. I will revisit the book because I did enjoy the stories I read.