by Ashley Dickson-Ellison (@teachingtheapocalypse)
Casey McQuiston's One Last Stop (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm)
Friends, I did not see what was coming in Casey McQuiston's One Last Stop, and let me tell you - I was here for it! Longtime listeners know that I was a huge fan of Red, White, and Royal Blue, and I still think of that one as one of my most favorite romances ever! While there are some traits that are present in both books -- heartfelt characters with rich personalities and excellent banter -- this is a very different book from Red, White, and Royal Blue, and I can see how that could be jarring for some readers... but it did not diminish my love one bit! This one is much more speculative fiction with some fascinating twists and turns that go beyond the completely realistic realm, and I found it captivating. This novel focuses on August, who in her early twenties moves from Louisiana to New York City without much plan beyond trying to find her way while going to school there.
“When you spend your whole life alone, it's incredibly appealing to move somewhere big enough to get lost in. Where being alone looks like a choice.”
But soon after she gets there, she finds her way into an unlikely roommate situation with a self-proclaimed psychic, an artist, and a third roommate who works the night shift. And then, after stumbling into a job waiting tables at a local pancake diner, August meets Jane, who she dubs "subway girl" in her brain and who she is desperate to see again. But it's New York, and she tries to accept that they won't cross paths again. But another day on the Q line results in her seeing Jane again. And again. And again! She finally gets up the courage to ask Jane on a date, and she faces rejection and starts trying to find ways to alter her commute so that they won't cross paths again.
“But, you know, that feeling? When you wake up in the morning and you have somebody to think about? Somewhere for hope to go? It’s good. Even when it’s bad, it’s good.”
Then things start to take a crazy turn as she discovers a fascinating and crazy fact about Jane's reality. Suddenly, the skill set August developed her childhood days of sleuthing with her mom, trying to help her mother find her long lost brother who disappeared when her mother was young, become very valuable as she and Jane begin to try to make sense of what is truly going on.
And I was here for all of those twists and turns and the crazy ways that August's life got more interesting! I absolutely loved the characters and the way that they formed a beautiful found family, and I found myself laughing aloud and feeling teary from all of the tender moments between them.
Have you read this one? What did you think? Let us know in the comments or on social media!
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