Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid is an adventurous and emotional story about two astronauts journey to space, and finding love along the way. One of my favorites of the year!
I adore Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novels. She’s absolutely one of my favorite authors. Her best books up until now, in my opinion are The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones and the Six. No matter the subject, I always enjoy her writing and storytelling.
And Atmosphere is officially right up there with Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones. This story following two astronauts in the ’80s is so engaging, and fascinating. You really feel like you’re on the ride with them. While there’s plenty of adventure, the heartbeat of the novel is about love. Both romantic and also family.
There were several scenes that made me choke up, and I down right cried at the thrilling ending. Atmosphere is such a ride, and she knocked this one out of the park.
What’s the Story About
Joan Goodwin has already looked to the stars. She never considered space a real possibility for her until she came 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 easygoing even when the stakes are highest; mission specialist Lydia Danes, who has worked too hard to play nice; warmhearted 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.
Joan’s Journey
Joan is one of the most likable protagonist that I’ve read in a while. That’s not to say there aren’t multiple layers to her or she’s perfect, but she’s in general a nice person and does the right thing. And I had a lot of respect for that and it also was refreshing in many ways.
She’s a devoted aunt to her niece Frances, and in many ways she serves as a mother figure as Frances’ mother is absent and selfish. The relationship between Joan and Frances was so lovely. You don’t read that many stories featuring an aunt and niece’s relationship on center stage, and I really liked it. There were so many true statements about the bittersweet aspect of watching kids grow up that I particularly reinstated with too.
And of course, a big part of this story is Joan’s journey to space! All the NASA scenes, both the preparation and actually being in space were so interesting. The details were immense, you can tell Taylor Jenkins Reid really did her homework with this. I loved the ’80s era as well, which provided some great touches.
The Love Story
But of course, this novel thrives on its love story. While Joan has never shown an interest in romantic relationships, it turns out she was looking in the wrong place. When she meets fellow astronaut Vanessa, everything changes for her, and also makes so much sense.
Joan’s coming out, and the love story between and Vanessa was quite compelling and heartfelt. You definitely see why they are a good match. But of course, it’s very complicated due to the era, but also their jobs. They have to keep their relationship a secret, which is extremely stressful.
Prior to the novel coming out, Taylor Jenkins Reid came out to the public as bisexual, and she says that writing this novel allowed her to express a different side of herself. Identity is certainly a huge theme of the novel.
Verdict
This is another fantastic book by Taylor Jenkins Reid. It’s full of heart, but also adventure. A great one for summer reading for sure.
For book clubs, check out my discussion questions here.
