- Date Published:
2025 - Length:
352 pages—Listening Time: 9 hr 52 minutes - Genre:
Historical Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction - Setting:
1980s, NASA, Houston, Texas - Awards:
None to date, but this book was released in June 2025, so may win awards as time passes - Languages:
English - Sensitive Aspects:
Sexism and gender dynamics, LGBTQ representation and secrecy, emotional family conflict, high-stakes danger, sexist language, homophobia, family dysfunction, and neglect - Movie:
The Atmosphere adaptation was announced in May, a month before the book even hit shelves. It is expected to be produced by Laika Studios and written and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck. - Recommend for Book Club:
Yes, if your group enjoys romance blended with space travel
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid is currently #1 on the New York Times bestseller list, so what I have to say about it might not be popular. I hate that I don't love it, but I have to be honest with this review.
I don't believe my age influenced my opinion, although the book is clearly aimed at a younger audience. I've read quite a few books penned by Taylor Jenkins Reid and really enjoyed all of them except for Carrie Soto Is Back. While I loved The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones and the Six, Atmosphere just didn't resonate with me.
The genre mashup (romance, historical fiction, and science fiction) is certainly ambitious, and the plot feels somewhat relevant, I suppose. But I'm not so sure the disregard for NASA protocol is believable, even for the 1980s. Honestly, I found the first half of the book boring, though it did capture my attention later on. But by the end it had become a bit sappy and overly dramatic. The writing style was just not as engaging as other works by this author.
Character-wise, the principal character, Joan, was underdeveloped, naive, and even shallow. She seemed asexual rather than a closet lesbian. And was Vanessa, Joan's bad girl love interest, supposed to be an engineer or a pilot? The reader never got to see her "on the job." The narrative relied heavily on exposition rather than demonstrating the characters' actions and personalities. It was challenging for me to bond with any of them.
Overall, I found the book to be lacking in depth, believability, and narrative cohesion.
There, I've had my say. To its credit, I loved the cover of this book. I encourage you to carefully consider the summary and the reasons provided below for reading this book, and then decide for yourself whether it’s worth your time.
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid is an emotional novel set during the early 1980s, against the backdrop of NASA’s Space Shuttle program. ThThe story centers around Joan Goodwin, a reserved physics and astronomy professor at Rice University in Texas, who is unexpectedly selected to join NASA’s first class of female scientist-astronauts.
Joan, who has always been fascinated by the stars, finds her life transformed as she enters the intense world of astronaut training at Houston’s Johnson Space Center. There, she forms close bonds with a diverse group of fellow trainees, including the magnetic engineer Vanessa Ford, Top Gun pilot Hank Redmond, mission specialist Lydia Danes, and others. As Joan and Vanessa prepare for their missions, an unexpected and deeply felt romance blossoms between them. BeBecause it is the 1980s and both individuals are women, they must keep their relationship secret to protect their careers in a male-dominated, conservative institution.
The novel explores themes of ambition, identity, love, and the courage required to defy societal expectations—especially for women and LGBTQ+ individuals in environments where they must constantly prove themselves and hide their true selves. The narrative alternates between the build-up to and the aftermath of a pivotal event: the STS-LR9 shuttle mission in December 1984, during which everything changes in an instant, testing Joan’s resilience and profoundly affecting her relationships and sense of self.
Reid uses the vastness of space as both a literal and metaphorical backdrop, contrasting the cold, infinite cosmos with the intense intimacy and emotional stakes of Joan’s personal life. The novel is praised for its emotional impact, especially its devastating final act, and for attempting to make the high stakes of space exploration feel immediate and authentic.
Ultimately, Atmosphere is about reaching for the stars—both literally and figuratively—and discovering what truly matters when everything else falls away. by Taylor Jenkins Reid is an emotional novel set during the early 1980s, against the backdrop of NASA’s Space Shuttle program. The story centers around Joan Goodwin, a reserved physics and astronomy professor at Rice University in Texas, who is unexpectedly selected to join NASA’s first class of female scientist-astronauts.
Joan, who has always been fascinated by the stars, finds her life transformed as she enters the intense world of astronaut training at Houston’s Johnson Space Center. There, she forms close bonds with a diverse group of fellow trainees, including the magnetic engineer Vanessa Ford, Top Gun pilot Hank Redmond, mission specialist Lydia Danes, and others. As Joan and Vanessa prepare for their missions, an unexpected and deeply felt romance blossoms between them. Because it is the 1980s and both are women, they must keep their relationship secret to protect their careers in a male-dominated, conservative institution.
The novel explores themes of ambition, identity, love, and the courage required to defy societal expectations—especially for women and LGBTQ+ individuals in environments where they must constantly prove themselves and hide their true selves. The narrative alternates between the build-up to and the aftermath of a pivotal event: the STS-LR9 shuttle mission in December 1984, during which everything changes in an instant, testing Joan’s resilience and profoundly affecting her relationships and sense of self.
Reid uses the vastness of space as both a literal and metaphorical backdrop, contrasting the cold, infinite cosmos with the intense intimacy and emotional stakes of Joan’s personal life. The novel is praised for its emotional impact, especially its devastating final act, and for attempting to make the high stakes of space exploration feel immediate and authentic.
Ultimately, Atmosphere is about reaching for the stars—both literally and figuratively—and discovering what truly matters when everything else falls away.
Even though this book wasn't my personal favorite, here are several thoughtful reasons to consider as you decide for yourself.
Diverse Tastes and Perspectives
Reading is subjective. What didn’t resonate with me might deeply connect for you. Different readers bring their unique backgrounds, preferences, and emotional triggers to a story.
Broad Appeal
Taylor Jenkins Reid is recognized for her compelling storytelling and complex characters, which may attract readers who appreciate her style.
Author’s Reputation
Taylor Jenkins Reid has a reputation for writing engaging, emotionally rich novels. The book may offer strong writing, a unique structure, or relevant themes that are worth experiencing.
Expanding Horizons
Reading stories outside our usual preferences can help us understand diverse viewpoints and experiences.
Community and Trends
Atmosphere is currently being widely discussed, so you may want to read it to stay connected to current literary conversations. Reading the same book as friends or colleagues creates a shared reference point.
Get Taylor Jenkins Reid Boks
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If you’re looking for books with themes, settings, or vibes similar to Atmosphere—even if the original didn’t click for you—there are several directions you can explore. Below are recommendations that share elements like space exploration, women breaking barriers, sapphic relationships, or the emotional complexity that Taylor Jenkins Reid is known for.
Space, Science, and Female Pioneers
- Orbital by Samantha Harvey
Follows a diverse crew on the International Space Station, exploring connection and isolation in space. This book won the Booker Prize last year. - Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
The real-life story of African American women mathematicians at NASA who were crucial to the space program. - The Love Simulation by Etta Easton
A contemporary romance with a speculative twist, involving technology and relationships.
Sapphic & Queer Love Stories in Unique Settings
- The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
A found-family space adventure featuring diverse relationships, including queer representation. - Affinity by Sarah Waters
A historical novel with a haunting, slow-burn sapphic romance, set in Victorian England. - In Memoriam by Alice Winn
A moving queer love story set during World War I, for readers who appreciate emotional depth.
Emotional, Character-Driven Fiction
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
If you liked the exploration of hidden love and ambition but not the space setting, this novel dives into the life of a Hollywood icon with a secret. - Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
A fictional oral history of a 1970s rock band, rich in character drama and relationships. - One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Explores love, loss, and second chances, focusing on emotional complexity rather than external adventure.
Other Notable Recommendations
- Shoot the Moon by Billie Letts
A story of discovery and family secrets, with a strong sense of place and character. - The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silver
A poignant, imaginative take on grief and moving forward, blending reality with what-might-have-been. - In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
A twisty, emotional story about fate, friendship, and unexpected love.
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