- Historical Fiction
- Sience
- Romance
Atmosphere is set in the 1980s and follows Joan Goodwin as she begins training to become an astronaut. Not only is she pursuing a dream that seems almost impossible, but she is also one of the first female astronauts, facing the unique pressures and expectations that come with breaking barriers. What Joan doesn’t expect, however, is to discover not only a passion for the stars but also a love so deep and forbidden that it changes the course of her life.
Joan is, quite simply, a beautifully written character. Intelligent and seemingly straightforward at first glance, she reveals herself to be far more complex as the story unfolds. She is strong, passionate, determined, and deeply human. In some ways, I found myself relating to her, which made her journey all the more compelling.
We are the stars, and the stars are us. Every atom in our bodies was once out there. Was once part of them. To look at the night sky is to look at parts of who you once were, who you may one day be.
Joan Goodwin
The setting is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Reid brings the world of 1980s space exploration to life with incredible detail, creating an atmosphere so authentic that you could almost believe Joan was a real astronaut. Having recently read an astronaut’s autobiography myself, I could really appreciate the depth of research that went into this novel. Every aspect of NASA, astronaut training, and spaceflight felt vivid and believable.
Taylor Jenkins Reid is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. She has a remarkable ability to keep readers invested right until the final page, and Atmosphere is no exception. From the opening chapter, I was completely immersed. The story begins with a sense of urgency and intrigue that immediately pulls you in, and it never loses momentum. I genuinely didn’t want to put it down.
The world had decided that to be soft was to be weak. Being soft and flexible was always more durable than being hard and brittle. Admitting you were afriad always took more guts than pretending you weren’t. Being willing to make a mistake got you further than never trying. The world had decided that to be faillible was weak.
Joan Goodwin
It’s difficult to find fault with this book. The pacing is excellent, the characters are memorable, and the story remains engaging throughout.
What makes Atmosphere particularly special is the way Reid balances a thrilling, science-driven narrative with a deeply emotional love story. The romance feels especially poignant given the social attitudes of the 1980s, when being true to yourself often came at a significant cost. Through Joan’s journey, Reid explores a timeless question: what do you choose when your heart and your ambitions pull you in different directions?
The writing itself is beautiful, filled with memorable lines and moments that linger long after you’ve finished the final page.
This book is nothing short of a masterpiece. I loved every second of it and was completely captivated from beginning to end. I cannot wait to read more of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s work. Her storytelling feels effortless, and her writing is truly an art form.
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