đź“š Book Review: Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s latest novel, Atmosphere, is a breathtaking blend of historical fiction, emotional depth, and romantic tension—set against the thrilling backdrop of NASA’s 1980s Space Shuttle Program. If you’re familiar with Reid’s signature style—think The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo or Daisy Jones & The Six—you’ll know she’s a master at crafting immersive worlds and unforgettable characters. But Atmosphere might just be her most heartbreaking and ambitious work yet.
🌌 Plot Overview
The story follows Joan Goodwin, a reserved but brilliant astrophysics professor at Rice University, who’s long been fascinated by the stars. When NASA opens applications for its first female scientists to join the Space Shuttle Program, Joan leaps at the chance. After being accepted, she begins training alongside a diverse group of candidates, including the kind-hearted pilot Hank Redmond and the enigmatic engineer Vanessa Ford.
As Joan navigates the challenges of sexism, competition, and camaraderie, she finds herself drawn to Vanessa in ways that surprise her—and ultimately redefine her understanding of love and purpose. The narrative alternates between Joan’s journey and a high-stakes space disaster in 1984, keeping readers on edge while anchoring the story in emotional truth.
❤️ Themes & Emotional Impact
- Love Beyond Limits: Reid explores romantic and platonic love in a setting where survival and ambition collide.
- Breaking Barriers: Joan’s fight to be seen and respected in a male-dominated field is both inspiring and gut-wrenching.
- Existential Wonder: The novel asks big questions about our place in the universe, and whether the stars are worth chasing if it means losing what’s here on Earth.
✨ Why It Stands Out
- Reid’s shift from glamorous Hollywood and music scenes to the cold, vast beauty of space is bold—and it works.
- The emotional arc is devastating in the best way. Readers have called it her “most propulsive” and “most heartbreaking” novel yet.
- The love story, especially Joan’s evolving relationship with Vanessa, is tender, surprising, and deeply moving.
đź“– Final Thoughts
Atmosphere is more than just a love story—it’s a meditation on ambition, identity, and the gravity of human connection. Whether you’re a die-hard TJR fan or new to her work, this novel will leave you breathless and introspective.
