📘 Book Summary
“Atmosphere” is the fast-paced, emotionally charged story of one ambitious young woman finding both her voice and her passion as she fights to become one of the first female NASA astronauts in the 1980s. The novel follows Joan Goodwin, a brilliant woman who has always been fascinated by the stars and space exploration. Set against the backdrop of NASA’s early days with female astronauts, the story explores Joan’s journey from ground control to the stars, while navigating a forbidden love affair with fellow astronaut candidate Vanessa Ford. The narrative culminates in December 1984 during mission STS-LR9, when everything changes in an instant.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Breaking barriers: The struggle of pioneering women in male-dominated fields requires immense courage and sacrifice
- Hidden love: Society’s constraints can force people to hide their authentic selves, particularly in conservative environments
- Dreams vs. reality: The price of achieving our biggest dreams often comes with unexpected consequences
- Sisterhood and support: Female solidarity is crucial when facing systemic discrimination
- Living authentically: Finding the courage to be true to yourself is worth the risk
- Love transcends boundaries: True connection can flourish even under the most challenging circumstances
📚 Overview
Fast-paced, thrilling, and emotional, Atmosphere is Taylor Jenkins Reid at her best: transporting readers to iconic times and places, with complex protagonists, telling a passionate and soaring story about the transformative power of love, this time among the stars. The novel combines historical fiction with romance, LGBTQ+ themes, and space exploration, creating a multi-layered narrative that examines both personal and professional challenges faced by women in the 1980s.
✍️ About Author
Taylor Jenkins Reid is the New York Times bestselling author of Carrie Soto Is Back, Malibu Rising, Daisy Jones & The Six, and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, as well as four other novels. She has established herself as a master of character-driven historical fiction, known for creating complex female protagonists who navigate love, ambition, and societal expectations. Reid’s novels have been adapted for screen and consistently appear on bestseller lists, earning her a devoted readership and critical acclaim.
🌟 Reception and Impact
Atmosphere has been called TJR’s “most devastating book yet” and has received widespread critical acclaim. The novel was selected as a GMA Book Club Pick, demonstrating its broad appeal and literary merit. Critics have praised Reid’s ability to blend historical accuracy with emotional depth, creating a compelling narrative about love, ambition, and sacrifice in the space program. The book has resonated particularly strongly with readers interested in LGBTQ+ representation and women’s history.
🌍 Plot and World-Building
The story begins in 1984 at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, where Joan Goodwin works as an astronaut in mission control, tasked with being the only person who speaks directly to the crew aboard the space shuttle Navigator. Reid meticulously recreates the atmosphere of 1980s NASA, capturing the excitement, pressure, and pioneering spirit of the early space program. The setting provides a rich backdrop for exploring themes of progress, discrimination, and the human cost of scientific advancement.
🎭 Main Storyline
Joan Goodwin has always dreamed of space exploration and has worked tirelessly to become one of NASA’s first female astronauts. During her training, she meets fellow astronaut candidate Vanessa Ford, sparking a romance that Joan hadn’t anticipated, as she discovers her own sexuality. Forced to hide their love for one another in public for fear of losing their chance to fly on the shuttle, the pair must navigate their relationship carefully. Joan also deals with a complicated family dynamic, including caring for her spoiled sister Barbara’s daughter Frances, who becomes a highlight in Joan’s life. The story builds toward a climactic space mission where personal and professional stakes collide dramatically.
👑 Key Characters and Themes
Joan Goodwin – The protagonist, a brilliant and determined woman fighting to achieve her dreams in a male-dominated field while discovering her identity
Vanessa Ford – Joan’s love interest and fellow astronaut candidate, representing both professional competition and personal awakening
Frances – Joan’s niece, who brings joy and grounding to Joan’s intense life
Barbara – Joan’s demanding sister, representing family obligations and traditional expectations
Key Themes:
- Breaking gender barriers in professional fields
- LGBTQ+ identity and love in conservative environments
- The cost of pursuing dreams
- Family obligations vs. personal ambition
- The power of authentic relationships
🧠 Who Should Read This?
- Fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s previous works
- Readers interested in LGBTQ+ historical fiction
- Space enthusiasts and those fascinated by NASA history
- Anyone who enjoys stories about pioneering women
- Book clubs seeking discussion-worthy contemporary fiction
- Readers of authors like Kristin Hannah, Lisa See, and Kate Quinn
- Those who appreciate emotional, character-driven narratives
💬 Best Quote
“Sometimes the most extraordinary thing you can do is love someone exactly as they are.”
📚 Final Thoughts
Atmosphere showcases Taylor Jenkins Reid’s continued evolution as a storyteller, combining her signature emotional depth with a fascinating historical setting. The novel succeeds in making the reader feel both the exhilaration of space exploration and the intimacy of forbidden love. While the pacing can be intense and the emotional stakes high, the payoff is a deeply moving story about courage, love, and the price of being true to yourself. Reid has crafted another unforgettable novel that will resonate with readers long after the final page.
👉 Read This If You…
- Loved The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo or Daisy Jones & The Six
- Enjoy stories about women breaking barriers in male-dominated fields
- Are interested in LGBTQ+ representation in historical fiction
- Want to learn about early female astronauts and NASA history
- Appreciate character-driven narratives with emotional depth
- Enjoy romance that faces real-world obstacles
- Like books that combine personal and professional challenges
- Are drawn to stories about finding your authentic self
❓ FAQ
Q: Is this book part of a series?
A: No, Atmosphere is a standalone novel.
Q: How historically accurate is the NASA setting?
A: Reid has done extensive research to accurately portray 1980s NASA, though some elements are fictionalized for dramatic effect.
Q: Is the LGBTQ+ representation well-done?
A: Critics and readers have praised Reid’s sensitive and authentic portrayal of Joan and Vanessa’s relationship.
Q: How does this compare to Reid’s other books?
A: While maintaining her signature style, Atmosphere explores new territory with its space setting and LGBTQ+ themes.
Q: Is it appropriate for young adult readers?
A: The book is aimed at adult readers but could be suitable for mature YA readers interested in the themes.
