“You’re the most important person I’ve ever met.” she says. “And I should have never met you at all.”
One last stop, casey mcquiston
Author: Casey McQuiston
Publication Date: 1 June 2021
Publisher: Griffin
Page Count: 432
Reading Method: Physical ARC [Thank you to the publisher!]
Dates Read: 18 June
Synopsis:
For cynical twenty-three-year-old August, moving to New York City is supposed to prove her right: that things like magic and cinematic love stories don’t exist, and the only smart way to go through life is alone. She can’t imagine how waiting tables at a 24-hour pancake diner and moving in with too many weird roommates could possibly change that. And there’s certainly no chance of her subway commute being anything more than a daily trudge through boredom and electrical failures.
But then, there’s this gorgeous girl on the train.
Jane. Dazzling, charming, mysterious, impossible Jane. Jane with her rough edges and swoopy hair and soft smile, showing up in a leather jacket to save August’s day when she needed it most. August’s subway crush becomes the best part of her day, but pretty soon, she discovers there’s one big problem: Jane doesn’t just look like an old school punk rocker. She’s literally displaced in time from the 1970s, and August is going to have to use everything she tried to leave in her own past to help her. Maybe it’s time to start believing in some things, after all.
Review:
AHHHHHHHHH! I have been WAITING for this one! I chose it as my book of the month and nearly cried when it got delayed. But then a package showed up from St. Martin’s Griffin and I could not BELIEVE I was lucky enough to receive a copy from them with additional – and adorable – swag. I’ll include extra photos of all the fun goodies at the bottom of my review! Okay okay – let’s get into the review portion!
Plot:
Plot? Fantastic. There is so much happening in One Last Stop that you’re sure to be entertained throughout. Saving a diner, meeting the love of your life on the subway (who also might not be real?!), a fabulous group of roommates, wild parties, séances, and so much more! August moved to the city to attend yet another school in search of who she wants to be. Along the way, she gathers some fabulous friends and a hot, leather jacket wearing, 70’s babe who completely stole my heart.
This story is (obviously) about love – but so much more than just romantic affection. The relationships that are formed as we go through the story are so sweet and heartwarming. I really just want to be accepted into the roommate friend group. There’s also a strong showing of community support and love as we watch the main characters try to save their beloved Pancake Billy’s House of Pancakes.
The only tiny element I wasn’t crazy about was the magical realism. I have yet to find a story in which I like it – so it’s nothing specific to One Last Stop. It’s just not my cup of tea.
Characters:
August was our main character in One Last Stop. She was alright, but I didn’t instantly click with her. She’s a bit of a minimalistic traveler who doesn’t put down roots or keep unnecessary possessions. August undergoes quite a bit of growth throughout the story. It was nice to see her open up, become more comfortable, and establish relationships with her roomates and friends.
A big part of August’s growth was Jane. Jane is an incredibly charming and mysterious passenger on August’s school route who may or may not be stuck in the subway since 1970. I wish we had a little more of Jane because when it was all said and done, I didn’t feel as connected to her as I did other characters. We do get to dive in to the mystery surrounding her situation which helped a little. But she felt a little incomplete if you were to take August out of the equation.
This book is one of those instances where the side characters stole the show! August’s roomated were my EVERYTHING. They are fun and complex and give off so much joy. I can only hope to one day have a group of friends that are so loving and accepting and down to help in whatever way they can.
Writing:
McQuiston’s writing is bursting with energy and zing! Reading a McQuiston story is always so much fun and near-impossible to put down! The spicy scenes were immaculate – though I expected nothing less. I do think there were some sections of One Last Stop that seemed to drag on a little bit. But it was never enough to make me want to set the book down and move on to something else.
Overall:
All in all, this was an excellent read. I sat down to read it and didn’t get back up until I was finished with it. I can’t wait to see what else McQuiston has in store for us!
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