Book Review - Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Title: Atmosphere
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Genre: Historical Fiction/ Romance
Published: 2025
 
Description: Joan Goodwin has been obsessed with the stars for as long as she can remember. Thoughtful and reserved, Joan is content with her life as a professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University and as aunt to her precocious niece, Frances. That is, until she comes across an advertisement seeking the first women scientists to join NASA’s Space Shuttle program. Suddenly, Joan burns to be one of the few people to go to space.

Selected from a pool of thousands of applicants in the summer of 1980, Joan begins training at Houston’s Johnson Space Center, alongside an exceptional group of fellow candidates: Top Gun pilot Hank Redmond and scientist John Griffin, who are kind and easy-going even when the stakes are highest; mission specialist Lydia Danes, who has worked too hard to play nice; warm-hearted Donna Fitzgerald, who is navigating her own secrets; and Vanessa Ford, the magnetic and mysterious aeronautical engineer, who can fix any engine and fly any plane.

As the new astronauts become unlikely friends and prepare for their first flights, Joan finds a passion and a love she never imagined. In this new light, Joan begins to question everything she thinks she knows about her place in the observable universe.

Then, in December of 1984, on mission STS-LR9, everything changes in an instant.
 
Review: “Atmosphere” is the latest book by Taylor Jenkins Reid, whom I previously read “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” and “Daisy Jones and the Six” from. Like other books, Reid choses a certain period in time, focusing on a field of work. In her previous book, the ones I read, they were 1950s Hollywood and the 60s and 70s music scene. For “Atmosphere” it’s the 1980s and NASA.
 
The story follows Joan. For as long as she can remember, she has been obsessed with the stars. She is content with her job as an astronomy professor, until she sees an advertisement asking for female scientists for the NASA Space Shuttle Program; a dream come true. In the summer of 1980, she begins her training, together with a group of fellow candidates. As unexpected friendships develop, Joan discovers a passion and love she never thought possible. But then, during the STS-LR9 mission, everything changes in an instant.
 
I was already a fan of her work, but based on two book, I couldn’t really say whether I could call her a favorite author yet. I usually say that after I have loved three books. And with “Atmosphere”, it’s Reid at her best. She transports readers back to an iconic time and place in a breathtaking novel about the transcendent power of love.
 
The novel combines elements of romance, science fiction and historical fiction, with a strong focus on the emotional journey of the characters and the impact of their choices. It explores the complex relationships between Joan and other characters, including her family friends and romantic interests, particular in the context of the intense pressure of the space program. I loved Joan, she is one of my favorite characters I read from this year. I loved her relationship with Vanessa, but my favorite was definitely the bond she has with her niece Frances.
 
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s writing style is compelling and she again manages to create vivid characters. She made me laugh and cry several times throughout the story. I was hooked from start to finish and can confidently say that this is my favorite book by her so far. And it’s most definitely a favorite of the year and of all-time.
 
In short “Atmosphere” is a novel that will appeal to a wide range of readers, from fans of Reid’s previous work to lovers of historical fiction and stories about space travel and the human experience. I will be recommending this book to everyone that loves to read.
 
Rating: 5/ 5