Pride Reads: “One Last Stop” by Casey McQuiston

This year’s Pride Reads series continues with One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston, a unique love story that primarily takes place on the New York City subway.

Most people who have ridden public transportation are unlikely to describe the setting as romantic. However, One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston makes a strong case for it, by telling a beautiful love story that primarily takes place on the New York City subway. Many fans are likely more familiar with McQuiston’s first novel and its recent film adaptation, Red, White & Royal Blue, but her second novel provides an equally enjoyable queer romance.

One Last Stop tells the story of August, who is looking for her purpose and place in the world. Much of her life has focused on assisting her mother in investigating the disappearance of her uncle, which does not leave much time for a social life or romance. Moving into a crowded New York City apartment, August sparks a connection with a girl on the subway, Jane. However, August soon discovers that Jane has been displaced from her original time period, stuck on the same train for decades with no memory of who she is.

As with any romance, the connection between August and Jane anchors the story. The chemistry and dynamic between them is electrifying in more ways than one, and it’s easy to root for them despite the seemingly insurmountable challenge that they face. Having a love story that is confined to one location is a difficult task, but McQuiston pulls it off as the two bond through music, food, and eventually kissing.

In addition to being a unique premise, Jane’s time displacement provides a fresh perspective of being queer in the 1970s in comparison to August’s modern-day experiences. Through Jane’s memories, the reader gets to see the attitudes and activism that accompanied the time period. Each chapter also opens with an interesting framing technique, featuring either a newspaper clipping or social media post that helps to establish Jane’s life both before and after she ended up stuck on the train from the perspective of those who have interacted with her over the years.

August’s life outside the subway is also enjoyable with lots of fun side characters. While August has never had much of a social life, her diverse group of roommates and coworkers become valuable allies as they help her figure out the mystery of Jane’s life and predicament. The found family that August assembles in addition to her romance with Jane provide a comforting narrative that is unapologetically queer.

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston features a captivating and satisfying queer love story with a strong found family subplot. There are many heartfelt and funny moments throughout that will make the ride to the delightful conclusion worth the journey.

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One Last Stop is published by St. Martin’s Griffin and is available now.

Check out more of our Pride Reads here.

Author: Jessica Wolff

Jessica Wolff is a graduate of Drexel University with a BS in Film/Video. She has a passion for entertainment and representation in entertainment. She currently resides outside of Washington, DC.

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