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.
McQuiston said this is the "weird, fun, horny project of [their] heart" and it definitely was. There is so much to enjoy and celebrate about this book—I love to read about characters that need more representation and think it is so important for everyone to be seen and validated.
But One Last Stop didn't totally work for me and I can't exactly pinpoint why... I found that the quirky character traits were overdone and it detracted from the overall enjoyment of the story (I'm a less is more person and McQuiston had a lot going on). The bit of sci-fi did nothing for me either. There were lots of truly beautiful parts—and also important historical moments—but again, overshadowed by the weird. I almost gave up but pushed through and ultimately, I'm glad I did.
Although One Last Stop was just okay/good for me, it will certainly resonate with a lot of readers and have its audience. That being said I love love loved Red, White & Royal Blue and will definitely pick up their next book.
CASEY McQUISTON is a New York Times bestselling author of romantic comedies and a pie enthusiast. They write stories about smart people with bad manners falling in love.
McQuiston was born and raised in southern Louisiana, they now live in New York City with their poodle mix/personal assistant, Pepper.
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