Joan Goodwin might come across as a basic woman, but her love and knowledge of the stars and beautiful heart makes her stand apart from everyone else. When she is chosen to be a part of NASA, her dreams to go into space start to feel more manageable. She was selected along with several other scientists who she begins to form the oddest of friendships with. Some stronger than others, but none quite as special as her friendship with Vanessa Ford. But as the years go by and the bond with Vanessa gets stronger, space doesn’t seem like the number one priority in her life anymore.

Wow. Wow is all there really is to say. This book took you on a wild ride. The flashbacks and character development for all of the characters, primary and secondary, just was perfect. I felt a special attachment to all of them, except Barbra. Barbra was the worst. I loved this story and how it showed that in the end, love is all that matters. It was a beautiful story that had me actually leaking out of my eyes, which is not like me when it comes to reading. Well done TJR.. you did an amazing job with this amazing story.

I loved Taylor Reid's previous books and while it took me a minute to get into this one, it turned out to be just as good, if not better than the others! Great storyline, wonderful characters. It's a great beach read.

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I’m not okay. I SOBBED.

This sapphic love story was so beautifully written, I felt every emotion like it was my own. It’s emotional, raw, eye-opening, and completely unputdownable. One of the only non-thrillers that’s ever locked me in from start to finish and now it’s a top read of the year for me.

The characters are so layered, so real, and the way their lives unfold will stay with me for a long time. TJR absolutely crushed it, again. If you love stories that explore identity, love, sacrifice, and the weight of being seen for who you are, Atmosphere is a must-read.

Bring tissues. And cancel your plans. You won’t be the same after.

When I heard Taylor Jenkins Reid had a new book coming out, I knew I had to get an advanced copy of it! She is one of my favorite authors and for the most part I have enjoyed every one of her books - some more than others. And while I enjoyed reading Atmosphere, I am sorry to say it did not make my favorite list. It starts off with a really intense space scene which grabbed my attention right away but then it jumps back in time to focus on the backstory of the main character, Joan Goodwin and here’s where I felt the story dragged at times. There were so many themes in this story - first woman astronaut, sexism in NASA , breaking barriers - that were present and that could have been developed more intently but I felt were not . It is obvious throughout the story that the author did an amazing amount of research which helped to make it seem authentic. The ending was very good and helped redeem my overall opinion of the book - it actually brought tears to my eyes. However, for the most part, I was disappointed with this story.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was incredible and I’m left sobbing as I finished it. I didn’t think I’d be interested in a story about NASA and space, but it truly was a love story interwoven with space. Five resounding stars.

Whenever Taylor Jenkins Reid announces a new book, I am automatically excited to read it — and Atmosphere was certainly no different!

The story is told through two time frames which allowed me to simultaneously learn about our characters while also figuring out how the disaster had played out. I loved learning about space training and travel through the lens of female astronauts.

TJR does it again! Her books always have a way of sucking you in and immersing you in whatever world she’s creating, and Atmosphere is no different. It hits the sweet spot of being both romantic and suspenseful and when it was over, I truly found myself wanting more. This is such a great read!

Just like other TJR books, this was one that I binged and was such an emotional ride!

Read If You Like:
👩🏼‍🚀 Astronauts & Space
🥺 Emotional Story Telling
⏳ Historical Fiction
🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ+ Love Stories
☄️ Amospheric Writing

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid is set against a vivid historical backdrop of the early 1980’s and all the intrigue of space adventures and exploration. Along with the space aspects we also get a gripping love story between Joan and Vanessa who met through their acceptance to the NASA Space once women were finally being allowed entrance into their program.

In addition to the newness of women being allowed into the program their relationship also blossomed in a time when their relationship was forced to be kept hidden culturally and for work purposes since being queer was seen as sexual deviant behavior and a vulnerability to NASA that could be exploited if their sexuality was known.

The novel traces their journeys from the moment they first met through four years marked by regret, secrecy, and transformation. The two navigate a world that resists their happiness, forcing them to confront their hidden desires, disappointments, and the choices that define their future both together and separately.

The narrative focuses not on dramatic twists tied to their work with NASA but on the deep, intimate struggles that come with being true to yourself despite societal expectations.

The intimate was in which the story was told, truly makes you feel like you are getting the story from Joan and truly shoes how universal life struggles are and what we do when forced to decide if we will live a life for our own happiness or for the comfort of others.

The underlying storytelling of Joan’s involvement with her sister and niece was so powerfully written, especially as someone who has played that role of Aunt- but not mom, stepping up when their sister and the mother of the child wasn’t being who the child needed. It truly was gutting reading this part of Joan’s story intermixed with her sister and niece and their part in her life.

Atmosphere is such a beautifully written story that is truly so intimate in its storytelling and the exploration of love, regret, and what happens when you get another chance.

Taylor Jenkins Reid shows us that sometimes the greatest journeys are the ones we take within ourselves to become who we want to be and forging the life we want for ourselves and that love in all forms is life changing.

Thanks soooo much to PRHA for my gifted audiobook!

Taylor Jenkins Reid does such a great job of weaving stories and timelines, with seamless transitions. She creates beautiful and compelling characters that capture your attention and emotions. This story starts with a gripping first chapter that puts you on the edge of your seat, then it goes back and let you get to know the backstory leading up to this moment. It continues to switch timelines, endearing the story to you, while still keeping you engaged in the present. It was so much fun reading this, it is such a beautiful story! Highly recommend!

I was terribly disappointed by this book. What happened to the intrigue., fascinating characters, and flashes of humor that made earlier Reid books like Evelyn Hugo, Daisy Jones, and One True Loves so enjoyable to read. Not only was Atmosphere a ponderous slog, but I found Joan both boring and improbable — how could someone so smart not recognize her true sexual preference by the age of 30? I think I’ll go reread Evelyn Hugo and hope that Reid lightens up a bit in her next book.

A terrific love story set during the 1980's NASA Space Shuttle program.

Joan has always looked to the stars. She jumps at the chance to be part of the Space Shuttle program and becomes one of the first women admitted to the program. There she meets lifelong friends and the love of her life.

A tragedy in space forces Joan to ask, did she ask too much? Can we really have it all?

So much potential, so much atmosphere (lol) and so underwhelming.

I enjoyed this book overall, but feel that it could have been so much more. Most of it was very slice-of-life and centered on a romance, with a sprinkle of family drama + a dash of bare-minimum social commentary + the pinnacle event to keep you turning the pages.

The premise was fascinating and the love story was undoubtedly well-written. I loved the will they, won't they chemistry and tension! The dual timelines was a clever choice; increasing the reader's emotional investment x high stakes.

However, I was never truly hooked or invested. Frankly, I was expecting a lot more. What was it really like for women in such a male-dominated field in those early days? What was public sentiment like? What is life in NASA like? Unfortunately, this book felt very fluffy for the most part.

The ending was also super abrupt??? Oh and Babara sux.

This book, oh wow. Just read it. I love TJR and this books solidifies why. The writing, the research, the story, just beautiful.

This story is set during NASA's early space shuttle program. It follows Joan Goodwin, a physics professor at Rice University, who pursues her dream of becoming an astronaut. Selected to train with a diverse group of candidates, Joan’s journey is filled with challenges, camaraderie, and personal growth. The characters, particularly Joan and her fellow astronauts, are complex and relatable, each struggling with their ambitions and vulnerabilities. Reid beautifully combines the technical aspects of space exploration with emotional depth, highlighting themes of love, identity, and the obstacles women face in male-dominated fields. The story’s mix of tension, heart, and history, along with the backdrop of the Challenger disaster, made it an incredibly compelling read.

Taylor Jenkins Reid, acclaimed author of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones & The Six, brings her signature flair for character-driven storytelling to Atmosphere, a novel that pulses with emotional depth.

The story unfolds between 1981 and 1984, when NASA's space shuttle program is becoming a reality. Atmosphere follows astronaut Joan Goodwin, who is grappling with her desire to be an astronaut, her role as second mother to her niece Frances, and her commitment to a new relationship.

The pacing is deliberate, giving the reader time to reflect alongside the protagonist. Some may find the plot quieter than her previous bestsellers, but what it lacks in sensational twists it makes up for in resonance and atmosphere (true to the title). Reid masterfully illustrates how the environment—both physical and emotional—shapes the choices people make.

This is a quick read; I was slightly disappointed in the abrupt ending. However, if you’re a fan of introspective fiction with a touch of melancholy beauty, Atmosphere is a worthy read. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an advance e-reader copy of this book!

TJR has done it again. After three long years of waiting, I’m happy to report that Atmosphere was well worth it. Set against the vivid backdrop of the 1980s, it follows Joan Goodwin, one of the first women scientists in NASA’s space shuttle program – a premise that instantly got my attention.

What I love most about Reid’s work is her ability to craft strong, layered female characters. She brings us into unique stories in different eras, always placing women at the center of groundbreaking moments. Joan is no exception – I absolutely fell in love with her and her story. And I think you will too.

At this point, you probably don’t need another review of this book, and you likely already know whether or not you plan to read it. But between the beautiful cover and the compelling story inside, I couldn’t resist adding my two cents.

Very interesting and engaging read. I really like TJR books and this one follows her typical writing. I thought the story was unique and the characters relatable. If you like Taylor Jenkins Reid you’ll probably like this one!

Atmosphere, a historical fiction/romance is a love story. It’s a love story to the universe, a love story about forbidden love, and a love story about family. It is a deep, intense, and very touching adventure into the life of Joan Goodwin, a brilliant professor enthralled with the stars who becomes one of the first female astronauts. Joan, already a dedicated aunt to her sweet niece Francis, finds a family connection and a sense of understanding she didn’t know existed in her fellow astronaut candidates. She finds something she didn’t know she was missing in the arms of her friend turned love, astronaut Vanessa Ford. Written in a series of flashbacks that introduces you to the characters and their relationships, the story also is set in the midst of a space mission gone horribly wrong. I loved this book and the ending had me on the edge of my seat. TJR can write no wrong. I loved this book!!

✨Atmosphere a Love Story by Taylor Jenkins Reid✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am embarrassed to admit that I have not read a book by Taylor Jenkins Reid before reading Atmosphere a Love Story. But I have all her books on my TBR. So when I received the ebook ARC from @netgalley @randomhouse @Ballantinebooks @taylorjenkinsreid I knew it was time.
Set in the 1980’s, this story follows Joan Goodwin and fellow ASCANs (astronaut candidates) on their journey from their training to their space shuttle mission. This is a story of love- love of the stars, love of a passion, love of coworkers we call friends, love of family and a forbidden love story. Love in all forms. Being told in third person and alternating time from past to present was super effective in keeping the suspense and character development. I loved following this group of intelligent and talented individuals (nerds and pilots) who all have different personalities but are united by their passion and drive to be an astronaut; their willingness to risk whatever it takes to reach the stars. Being a math and science person, I enjoyed all the NASA and space talk. It also brought back memories of being in school and watching the fateful Challenger launch at school. What stood out to me was seeing women in STEM, true trailblazers and the challenges they faced in such a male dominated profession. This was a clear example of people doing what they love and loving what they do. The second half of the novel felt like it focused more on the love story between Joan and Vanessa. I’m less of a romance reader and more of a thriller/suspense reader so honestly, I felt like I was looking forward to the 1984 mission chapters more. Overall a fantastic read. Well written with such great character development. It is safe to say I will be moving TJR books up my TBR list! #AtmosphereALoveStory #NetGalley #randomHouse #ballantinebooks #TaylorJenkinsReid

Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the eARC of this book. I was instantly intrigued by this book since it was set in the 80's and dealt with the space program. It balanced the technical side of all the astronaut training well with the character development and storyline. The back and forth timelines seemed to enhance the story while providing much needed context to how they got to where they were in the present. Overall it was a great book that I stayed up many a night trying to finish. Great book that I would highly recommend.