Book Summary
In Atmosphere, Taylor Jenkins Reid transports readers to the 1980s NASA Space Shuttle program, where reserved astronomy professor Joan Goodwin auditions to become one of the first female astronauts. Selected alongside a diverse crew—including the magnetic engineer Vanessa Ford—Joan discovers a passion for space and a love that defies era-appropriate norms. The novel oscillates between Joan’s training years and a pivotal 1984 mission (STS-LR9), weaving a tale of ambition, secrecy, and heart-stopping crisis.
Reid’s signature blend of historical immersion and emotional depth shines here. While the space program’s technicalities anchor the plot (think Andy Weir-esque accuracy), the story’s soul lies in Joan’s relationships—with Vanessa, her precocious niece Frances, and her toxic sister Barbara. Critics note the ending’s “breathless” intensity, though some found the middle sections slow.
Key Themes
Love in the Shadows: Set against the backdrop of 1980s LGBTQ+ discrimination, Joan and Vanessa’s romance is tender yet fraught with risk. Their hidden trysts and coded workplace interactions highlight the era’s oppressive norms, making their bond both revolutionary and tragically fragile.
Women in STEM: Reid meticulously portrays the sexism female astronauts faced—from condescending trainers to NASA’s “subtle warnings” about “behavior”. Joan’s journey mirrors real pioneers like Sally Ride, balancing professional grit with personal sacrifice.
What Makes It Unique
Genre-Blending Mastery: Unlike Reid’s past hits (Daisy Jones, Evelyn Hugo), Atmosphere merges historical fiction, LGBTQ+ romance, and sci-fi thrills. The NASA setting feels fresh, with Reid’s research evident in shuttle protocols and zero-gravity descriptions.
Character-Driven Tension: The disaster teased in Chapter 1 looms over every joyful moment, creating unbearable suspense. Reviewers praised how Reid makes latches and oxygen levels as gripping as the love story.
Reader Reactions
BookTok and Goodreads users (57% 5-star ratings) adore Joan and Vanessa’s chemistry: Houston, we have lift off!
cheered one reviewer about their first kiss. Others wept at the ending’s “unconventional” resolution, though some criticized Barbara’s villainy as “overdone”.
Librarians noted the novel’s crossover appeal: Even non-space fans will care deeply
. The aunt-niece dynamic between Joan and Frances also resonated, with readers calling it the book’s secret heartbeat
.
About the Author
Taylor Jenkins Reid is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones & The Six. Known for crafting immersive period pieces with fierce female leads, Reid spent two years researching NASA’s archives to authentically depict 1980s astronaut culture.
Her choice to center queer love here aligns with her broader mission: I want to show women loving beyond limits,
she told Yahoo Entertainment. Atmosphere continues her streak of making niche worlds (tennis, rock ‘n’ roll) universally relatable.
Memorable Quotes
“I was circling two hundred miles above the Earth, and all I wanted was to get home and see you. Do you understand that? […] You are the center of mine.”
“The meaning of life had to be up there, somewhere.”
Where to Buy
- Amazon (hardcover)
- Goodreads (community reviews)
- Local bookstores via Bookshop.org