Printable Book Club Questions for Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

The story alternates between the present timeline where mission STS-LR9 is experiencing disaster and then back to the start of Joan’s journey with the space program. How did the balance between the two storylines create more tension for the story?
What sparked Joan’s love for space? Why did she decide to apply to NASA’s space program?
We meet a big cast of characters including Vanessa, Griff, Lydia and more. Why was it important for us to get to know so many characters?
When did it become apparent there was something more than friendship between Vanessa and Joan?
What did you think about their love story overall?
Vanessa and Joan have to go to great lengths to hide their romance. While the book is set in the ’80s, there’s still similar parallels to today. Do you feel they would still have to hide their romance if the story was set in present day? Or do you think things have changed?
There is plenty of rich detail about the NASA space program. Did you feel you learned anything new about space travel while reading the novel?
A big focus on the novel is the love Joan has for her niece Frances. Joan’s sister Barbara is selfish and not emotionally available for Frances so a lot of the heavy hitting goes to Joan. Let’s talk about Joan’s bond with Frances. How would you have handled the situation with her sister if you were Joan?
While Joan does get an adventure in space, she’s sick for most of it. And quickly learns that she prefers to stay on Earth and help with the space program from there. Why was staying Earthbound a better fit for Joan?
There’s sexism at display for the women working at the space program, and Taylor Jenkins Reid (TJR) showed different reactions to it. Where Vanessa and Joan were annoyed and called it out, Lydia laughed along with the men, finding it an easier route. Let’s discuss how the TJR displayed sexism in the novel.
Joan and Vanessa discuss quite a bit from their love of space to their different perspectives about God. What stuck out to you the most from their conversations?
NASA eventually gets wind of the romance between Joan and Vanessa. And Joan ends up becoming guardian of Frances. As a result of the two events, Joan breaks up with Vanessa in order to save Vanessa’s career. But Vanessa refuses to let Joan leave her behind. What did you think as those scenes were unfolding?
It eventually all leads to the mission where Vanessa is in space, and several crew members die. What does it say about Vanessa that she wouldn’t leave Lydia behind?
Did you think Vanessa had died trying to come back to Earth? What was your reaction when it’s revealed she survived and successfully brought Lydia back?
What were your thoughts on the ending? What happens next for Joan and Vanessa?
If TJR writes a sequel, what would you like to see the story focus on?