All Out

by Saundra Mitchell
All Out cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Technical
  • ID: 2099
  • Added: 2025-10-12
  • Updated: 2025-10-12
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
audiofilemagazine.com · Unknown · 2025-10-15
inclusive 4.00

All Out is a collection of 17 short stories featuring LGBTQ+ characters in historical settings, ranging from fourteenth-century England to 1999. The six narrators bring a wide spectrum of characters to life, with performances varying in strength but collectively offering an inclusive and relatable experience for many listeners. The stories include real-life events, personalities, and elements of legend or fantasy, making it a diverse and engaging read.

All Out is an anthology that stands out for its diverse and inclusive representation of LGBTQ+ characters across different historical periods. The collection includes 17 short stories, each set in a unique historical context, from medieval England to late 20th-century America. The six narrators do an excellent job of capturing the essence of each character, although the strength of their performances varies. Some stories, like Alex Sanchez's 'The Secret Life of a Teenage Boy,' are particularly poignant, highlighting the struggles and yearnings of a young man coming to terms with his identity. The inclusion of real-life events and legendary elements adds depth and authenticity to the narratives. Overall, the anthology ensures that listeners from various backgrounds can find characters and situations they can relate to, making it a valuable and engaging listen.

Quick quotes

    Six narrators inhabit the wide spectrum of LGBTQ+ characters featured in these 17 short stories.

    Each story has a historical setting, ranging from fourteenth-century England to Massachusetts in 1999.

    While the individual performances vary in strength, as a whole, this inclusive collection ensures that many listeners, regardless of their own identities, will find characters or situations they can relate to.

kirkusreviews.com · Unknown · 2025-10-15
good 4.00

All Out is a diverse and well-written historical fiction anthology featuring queer teens throughout the ages. The stories offer a range of cultures, time periods, and identities, though one story's depressing ending was a struggle for the reviewer.

All Out is a compelling anthology that takes readers on a journey through time and genres, showcasing the lives and loves of queer teens in various historical settings. The collection includes a variety of stories, from a transgender soldier in 1870s Mexico to asexual teens in the 1970s roller-disco scene. While the anthology is praised for its diversity and historical insights, one story, 'Every Shade of Red,' left a depressing impression due to its ending. The reviewer found it challenging to read multiple stories with unhappy endings for queer characters, highlighting the overuse of tropes like 'bury your gays.' Despite this, stories like 'Roja' and 'Healing Rosa' provided valuable historical context, and 'The Dresser & the Chambermaid' and 'The Girl With the Blue Lantern' were particularly enjoyable for their mix of amusement and mystery.

Quick quotes

    Take a journey through time and genres and discover a past where queer figures live, love and shape the world around them.

    I think the only story I struggled with was “Every Shade of Red” by Elliot Wake.

    Overall, I’d say the entire anthology as a whole is a four on my rating scale.

cajacobs.com · Unknown · 2024-01-05
excellent 4.50

All Out is an anthology of diverse historical fiction featuring queer teens, offering a range of identities and time periods. The collection is praised for its strong representation, with standout stories like 'Roja' and 'Every Shade of Red' that highlight unique perspectives and emotional depth.

All Out is a collection of short stories that span various historical periods, each featuring queer teens and their experiences. The anthology is celebrated for its inclusive representation, covering a wide spectrum of LGBT+ identities. Stories like 'Roja' and 'Every Shade of Red' are particularly highlighted for their compelling narratives and emotional resonance. While some stories were less impactful, the overall collection is seen as a valuable contribution to queer literature, offering a glimpse into often overlooked historical perspectives. The anthology is not just about romance but also about self-discovery and identity, making it a significant read for its representation alone.

Quick quotes

    I wanted to protect his body as though it were mine. But my own, I wanted these men to see it, and remember. I wanted them to know that I was my abuela’s granddaughter, that I carried the blood of poison girls.

    All I’m saying,” said Vince, “is we don’t need to have ourselves figured out in one night. You know?

    Sometimes, in a thunderstorm, a lance of white fire would spear down from heaven and split the stone heart of an ancient tree, a crack so deep it seemed to come from the core of the earth. You could feel the skin of the world tense against it. Robin’s kiss felt like that.

readingeverynight.wordpress.com · Unknown · 2019-05-03
excellent 4.50

All Out is a compelling anthology that offers a diverse range of historical fiction stories featuring queer teens. The collection is praised for its engaging narratives and the way it brings to life lesser-known historical moments through a queer lens.

All Out is an anthology that stands out for its ability to blend historical fiction with queer narratives. Each story is set in a different time period and location, providing a rich tapestry of experiences. The collection is particularly notable for its inclusivity and the way it highlights the resilience and diversity of queer teens throughout history. The stories are well-crafted and engaging, making it a valuable addition to the genre. The anthology successfully brings to life historical moments that are often overlooked, offering a fresh perspective on history through the lens of queer youth. The variety of settings and time periods ensures that there is something for every reader to enjoy and relate to.

Quick quotes

    The stories in All Out are a delightful mix of historical fiction and queer narratives.

    This anthology is a must-read for anyone interested in diverse historical fiction.

    The collection offers a fresh perspective on history through the lens of queer youth.

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