Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
on June 3, 2025
Genres: Fiction / Literary, Fiction / Sagas, Fiction / Women
Pages: 352
Format: Audiobook, Hardcover
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Taylor Jenkins Reid takes readers to space—literally and emotionally—in Atmosphere, a powerful and fast-paced novel set against the backdrop of NASA’s 1980s Space Shuttle program. It opens mid-action during the STS-LR9 mission, quickly immersing us in high-stakes drama before rewinding to show us how each of these characters got to this pivotal moment.
At the heart of the novel is Joan Goodwin, an astronomy professor whose quiet life shifts dramatically when she joins NASA’s astronaut training program. Her relationship with her niece Frances is one of the most touching threads of the book, especially as we learn about her complicated family dynamics and the fierce love that develops between them.
Joan’s connection with fellow astronaut Vanessa Ford adds another emotional layer to the story. Vanessa is sharp, grounded, and becomes a strong source of support for Joan—and one of the characters I loved most. While the side characters (beyond a few standouts) didn’t always stick with me, the intensity of the storytelling and the emotional depth more than made up for it.
This is a book where a lot happens—quickly. It’s packed with action, but it’s also full of heart. Reid’s exploration of women in science, ambition, love, and resilience is both inspiring and thought-provoking. I found myself hopeful and deeply moved while reading—and still thinking about it long after the last page.
Perfect for fans of historical fiction with a modern emotional edge, Atmosphere is TJR doing what she does best: telling big, bold stories that center unforgettable women.
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