A review by panic_at_the_bookshelf
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston

funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

If anything the representation in this book is on point. Though homophobia and racism is mentioned, it's not the main focus on the book. If anything Casey MqCuiston gave us a story where people's background can be casually mentioned. No big deal, no big drama.

This is a queer romance that shows us all aspects of falling in love with someone. From the denial to the fear of losing them. From pure joy to the insecurities that come along with letting someone close. 

I am also super happy about how there are plenty of hints to the people from the LGBTQIA+ community who fought so hard for our rights and freedom. Not the mention the ode to drag queens. They are portrayed as openhearted, protective, loving and determinated people instead of bitches. Casey has shown us how the community can be such a warm and welcoming place. 

I also love how even side-characters get a background story. They aren't just some decoration for the story. There is a depth to them that makes everything more realistic even when the author plays with timelines. 

There are only a few minor things that bugged me just a little. The first part of the story has plenty of scenes (sometimes super random ones) where the focus is on August's virginity. I know society portrays virginity as a shame once you reach a certain age. Yet I felt weird when reading how the character shames herself on this and there isn't much else done with it. At least I didn't feel like a lot was done to this. 

I also feel as if some things conveniently happened when the characters were facing a problem. Sometimes it felt too convenient to me. 

However those two elements are literally the only thing that bugged me throughout this book. I would highly recommend this books if you want queer romance, a diverse cast of characters and a bit of a mindfuck. Heck, I wasn't able to put down the book for the last 100 pages because I was absolutely hooked and needed to know how the mystery would be taken care of... 

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