The acknowledgments got me real good 😭

I love a good love story and TJR really knows how to tear at your heartstrings. It was so cool to learn about space and it took me back to my sixth grade field trip where we got to basically act out being on a space mission at a learning center. Science is cool!!

Thank you to Ballantine Books for the advanced copy!

From the first page, I was completely pulled in. Taylor Jenkins Reid’s writing is nothing short of poetic. I’ve always loved her storytelling, but this felt like something more. I felt so deeply connected to these characters, it was like they were speaking thoughts I’ve had in my own soul but never knew how to say out loud.

This book isn’t just a love story between two people. It’s a love letter to the universe. It’s a reflection on what it means to be human, to exist under the stars, to feel small and infinite all at once. So many lines stopped me in my tracks. So many moments made me pause and think. This book spoke to me in a way few ever have.

I wanted to binge this book but also wanted to savor every second. It gave me butterflies, it made me mad, it awed me, the entire last chapter had tears streaming down my face.

It’s a top-tier read for me now. 5 stars aren’t enough

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid offers a compelling blend of historical fiction and personal discovery, following the fictional journey of Joan Goodwin, one of the first women astronauts. Set against the backdrop of real-life space exploration milestones, Reid weaves a narrative that highlights not just scientific ambition but also the inner transformation of a woman coming to terms with who she is and what truly matters to her.
The book succeeds in portraying the emotional complexity of Joan's journey. While the science and astronaut training are present, they serve more as a backdrop to her personal growth than the main focus. This makes the novel accessible even to readers without a deep interest in space exploration.
That said, Atmosphere is not without its flaws. The pacing is a noticeable issue, about three-quarters of the book feels slow, with introspective moments and character development sometimes dragging rather than deepening the narrative. Just when the story gains momentum and becomes truly engaging in the final quarter, it comes to an abrupt end that feels unsatisfying and rushed.
Overall, Atmosphere is an interesting read with an inspiring lead character and an original premise, but it doesn’t quite reach the heights it aspires to. A stronger middle and a more thoughtful ending could have made this a standout novel in Reid’s collection.

Reid's prose seamlessly blends technical precision with emotional depth. Her meticulous research into NASA operations and spaceflight procedures adds authenticity to the narrative without overwhelming the reader. The novel explores themes of ambition, identity, and the transformative power of love, particularly within the context of LGBTQ+ relationships in a historically restrictive environment. Atmosphere offers a fresh and engaging narrative that explores the complexities of love and ambition in the face of adversity.

Taylor Jenkins Reid has once again proven herself a literary powerhouse with The Atmosphere. From the very first page, she envelops readers in a world so vividly rendered that you can practically feel the air shift with every emotional turn. Her signature style—intimate, perceptive, and heartbreakingly honest—is on full display, drawing readers into the lives of characters who feel so real, it's like breathing alongside them.

I’m crying so hard that I can’t breathe. I’ll have to come back to write my full review once I compose myself.
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I’m leaving my initial reaction because it’s relevant. This. Book. The very beginning had me on edge and breathless. It gripped me immediately. Then it took me back to where the story really started, and I was captivated by Joan and her journey to and through NASA.

But it wasn’t just her life with NASA. Her story was so layered and nuanced. Through Joan, I felt like I experienced so many different kinds of love. Familial unconditional love for her niece, Frances. Burdened love for her sister, Barbara, who took and took and took without guilt or shame. Platonic love for her fellow ASCANs and teammates. Self-love as she learned who she was, how to set boundaries, and how to open herself up to the things she never knew she wanted. And the soul-deep romantic love that was an integral part of discovering herself.

There was so much beauty and pain and tragedy in so many different forms throughout this book. So many thoughtful moments and conversations, high stakes balanced by quiet peace, and all of it left me feeling deeply. I cried in the middle. I ugly-cried my way through the last 20%. I was breathless at the beginning from the intensity and left breathless at the end for an entire different reason. This is without a doubt my favorite TJR book to date.

Thank you endlessly to Ballantine via NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

In Atmosphere, Taylor Jenkins Reid delivers an emotionally rich and inspiring historical novel set against the backdrop of NASA’s pioneering space program in the 1980s. At its heart is Joan, a quietly determined woman whose lifelong love of the stars leads her to pursue a place among the first female astronauts in history.

Reid masterfully captures both the cultural climate of the era and the intense physical and emotional demands placed on women seeking to break barriers in male-dominated fields. Joan’s journey is one of remarkable transformation, both professionally and personally, as she finds her voice, discovers a deep sense of purpose, and opens herself up to unexpected love.

The novel shines with well-drawn characters, authentic detail, and a powerful sense of place. Reid’s signature emotional depth and character-driven storytelling are on full display here. Atmosphere is a moving exploration of resilience, identity, and the courage it takes to defy expectations, both societal and personal.

A compelling, beautifully written novel that lingers long after the final page. Highly recommended.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for this eARC.

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid is everything I want in a historical fiction: emotional, empowering, and absolutely unforgettable.

Set in the 1980s, this story follows Joan, a woman who has always looked to the stars with wonder and ambition. When NASA opens its doors to female candidates, Joan seizes the opportunity and begins the grueling training to become one of the first women astronauts in history. Along the way, she finds a new kind of family among her fellow trainees and falls into a love she never expected... or was told she shouldn't want.

TJR is a master of character development, and Atmosphere is no exception. Each character feels lived-in and real, and Joan’s journey, from quiet dreamer to strong, self-assured woman, is beautifully done. The 1980s setting is so vivid, and the challenges Joan faces as a woman in a male-dominated field, as well as someone learning to love authentically, are portrayed with nuance and care.

I especially loved the emotional complexity between Joan and her sister, Barbara. Barbara’s selfishness and abandonment of her own daughter, Frances, made my blood boil, but it made Joan’s eventual confrontation with her all the more satisfying. That moment of Joan standing her ground? POWERFUL.

The last 10% of the book had me absolutely breathless! I was on the edge of my seat, flipping pages as fast as I could. I laughed, I sobbed, and I felt everything in between. Atmosphere is a stunning, heartfelt story of resilience, love, and chasing the stars, literally and figuratively.

Highly recommend this one to fans of character-driven historical fiction with heart.
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House and TJR for the eARC!

I really wanted to love this book from beginning to end, but I had a tough time getting into the first half. The pacing was slower than I'm used to from a TJR book and it actually took me over a week to get through—when I usually devour a TJR book in a day.

But once I hit the halfway point, I was all in. I started to really connect with the characters, and the story finally grabbed me. I admired Joan's ambition, drive, and the way she loved and supported those around her. Watching the main relationship develop was one of the highlights for me.

It’s not my favorite TJR book, but I’m still glad I read it. Definitely worth sticking with.

It is impossible to overstate how simply magnificent Atmosphere is. In some ways Atmosphere is "stepping out of her comfort zone" for Taylor Jenkins Reid as the novel is very technical at times-a "necessary evil" as Atmosphere revolves around astronauts training for space shuttle missions. But in ways that matter most Atmosphere is a continuation of what Miss Reid does best- personal relationships and love stories. The characters, writing, and setting (literally out of this world!) are stellar. Joan, Vanessa and the other NASA trainees undergo grueling preparation for space travel, but it's what happens on the ground that tugs at your heart and has you rooting for them. Although Atmosphere is set in the 1970's and 80's, the challenges Joan and Vanessa face are still happening today. It is sad to think of how far we have not come in almost 50 years. But Atmosphere is a ride you don't want to miss-it is beautiful and brave, heartbreaking yet hopeful, challenging and courageous. It is hard to find all of that in one novel, yet Atmosphere does it spectacularly.

Thank you to Ballatine publishers, netgalley, and Taylor Jenkins Reid for allowing me to read her newest book. I am a fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid and look forward to everything she writes. This book accomplished a new setting full of family, space, and relationships. I cannot wait to tell my friends and this book and to immediately put it on their tbr pile. Thank you for allowing me to read a great book. I rarely reread books but, this one I will reread.

Taylor Jenkins Reid for me is an author I either love their books or am disappointed. Atmosphere falls in the really enjoyed category would absolutely recommend. She has a way of writing characters you can easily connect with and understand what they are feeling even if you really don't have anything in common with them. I loved the time setting of the story and the early days of NASA and space exploration. Giving this 4 stars I want to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

The new TJR book- so many thoughts.
I am trying to be a TJR completist, so of course I highly anticipated this one. Her new book is a departure for her- it's set in the 80's, following Joan who is one of the first women to enter the astronaut training program. She has never fit in with her family- her spoiled sister has her helping raise her niece- but in the program, she makes friends and finds her dreams of space to give her lots in common with her coworkers. Even though it is a male dominated field, she and her fellow female candidates are making strides and proving their worth. When she starts a secret relationship with a peer, Joan finds another thing that was missing in her life.

This is a women in STEM/workplace/space drama with lots of romance and talk about space craft and stars and some scattered action scenes. I want to be interested in space and astronauts, but I'm really not. I've watched and tried to like movies like Contact and Gravity, but I just don't connect with them. So, this book was going to be a struggle for me. Of course, the writing itself is really good and has lots of classic TJR scenes and relationships (and a character to really hate) but I found the main love story detached and kind of flat (probably because it was being kept a secret). I strongly disliked Joan's sister but wondered why their parents were only briefly in the book. I loved the secondary characters and the spots of humor but wanted more of those.

So, I liked this book, but it didn't blow me away and I'm not sure my book club will like it at all. It is certainly a different one for TJR and I'm interested to see where everyone else lands on it.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy for review.

Ok I’m so excited for this release in 2 weeks so I can tell everyone how AMAZING and ADDICTIVE this book is! It’s the kind of book that booksellers get excited to share with customers and one another. This is a page-turner that will have you staying up until 2 in the morning even though you work the next morning! It has an Evelyn Hugo/women in STEM/ Apollo 13 (please make an edge of your seat blockbuster movie asap) vibe -and you will be thinking about it long after you finish.
#joangoodwin4president

One of my most anticipated reads of the summer! Love the title, love the cover, love the concept of women in the space shuttle program in the 80's, and I've enjoyed Reid's previous books. All of this said, I didn't love this one like I had hoped.

Without spoilers, let me share a few things. It was heavy on the dialogue, relationships between characters, but I really only felt connected to our main POV. It starts off strong with a very intriguing plot point, but then drags us through the previous history leading up to it that it lost a lot of steam. By the end of the book. I kind of didn't care how it was going to settle out.

I really would have loved more science/space talk. More info about the shuttle program, etc. But what I got was how people felt about each other, their interactions with their family members, and of course some unfair chauvinist ideals that were prevalent at the time.

I didn't feel any passion for the job, I didn't feel connected to anyone. The plot was slow and by the time I was finally given the resolution, I was over it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the gifted e-ARC of this book.

Y'all I cried by the time I was finishing this book holy moly. It was so moving and compelling. It gave nostalgia for the 70's while also making social commentary on life as a woman in STEM during that period of time. I really enjoyed this!

This book was incredible. Taylor Jenkins Reid has done it again! I loved the characters and the relationships between them. There was so much love for NASA and space which was so nice. If you love space and queer relationships you'll love this!

INCREDIBLE. Just incredible. I was drawn in because of the space/NASA/queer love themes, and this tops Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones for me. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC - I'll be ranting and raving over this one for a while.

We get to follow Joan, an astronomy professor who loves the stars in the sky just as much as she loves her niece, Frances. Her intelligence and determination land her a spot on the mission of her dreams - to see the Earth from above. While training long hours and gruesome trials for this departure from Earth, she's grappling not only the love she has for her niece and the safe haven she wants to provide her, but she's learning the realms of her own sexuality as well. This is set during the 1980's, when women are finally given a shot at proving they can be 'one of the guys' in more ways than cracking sexist jokes in the workplace. Joan has to find it in herself to face her sister as she's caught up in the life she dreams of for herself and not her daughter - her sister is constantly feeling upstaged by Joan though it's clear the path set for her sister was an ending of the choices she's made for herself. This was the peak source of emotional impact for me. It was heartbreaking. Loving someone so small and vulnerable, teaching them the complexity of beyond while also keeping them close and loved and SAFE - all while trying to keep your own image safe in the eyes of a government entity that is being watched world wide. Being the caretaker of someone who just wants their mom to love them, watching her push her away and what feels like abandoning her for her own love interest. I look at my son and think of the world I want to give him, and a fictional book made me cry more than once, wanting to shake this woman for not seeing that her daughter just needed her. But that's where Joan steps in and gives her the love and support a little girl needs, introducing her to the woman she secretly loves, the woman she's come to share her life with behind closed doors.

Getting to see Joan and Vanessa's relationship blossom and weave in and out of the troubles that queer couples faced at this time (and still to present day) was gut wrenching and oh, so beautiful. If you're looking for what is known as "spice" you won't find it here, but you'll find such a precious tale of romance. By 55% of this book I was just rushing through the pages to see what was to come. Not only was the relationship plot point touching, but the friendships made along the way were so special - by the end I was so hurt, but in a good way.

I think the kicker for me was the historical aspect, which, of course TJR is going to go above and beyond for a new story. Having a small amount of knowledge but a huge interest in the aspect of NASA from the 70's - 90's, I was SO excited to see all of these events I learned about be explored but also creating this character and having this story come to life of women in the program, not only just in a nostalgic way but in a way that feels like you know these people. You've seen them on TV and now you're getting to know them in what feels like real life, present day. Just incredible. I was rooting for them the entire time.

I could go on and on, but truly this was an outstanding piece of work. I would say it should be turned into a show or movie but I'd hate to see it downplayed from the writing. Between the relationships, the family trauma and chosen family versus bio family struggle, the idea that you don't want to risk your career but you want to love out loud because someone is worth it, all down to the last chunk of the book that had me knees to chin in tears - this is the one. Loved it. Will be buying a physical copy. Will be supporting the hype.

There’s something extraordinary about the way Taylor Jenkins Reid builds a world around one woman’s inner transformation—Atmosphere is no exception. Set against the backdrop of the 1980s NASA shuttle program, it’s not just a story about space; it’s about grief, purpose, and rediscovering the will to reach for something more.

Joan is not the typical heroine. She’s quiet, self-contained, and perfectly content staying grounded—until she isn’t. Watching her navigate the complexities of astronaut training, friendship, and long-buried pain felt personal in a way I wasn’t expecting. The stakes feel both vast and intimate, and Jenkins Reid somehow balances technical accuracy with the emotional weight of a woman who’s learning how to live again.

The relationships in this book shine—especially the camaraderie between the women. It’s hopeful without being naive, and inspiring without glossing over the cost of ambition. Every page pulses with heart.

Atmosphere is powerful, reflective, and quietly thrilling. I didn’t just read it—I felt it.

Rating: ★★★★★

It took me a minute to really get into ATMOSPHERE. But let me tell you, the last 1/3 had me reading quickly so I could see what’s next.

I love the bond Joan had with her niece, Frances. I liked the character development.

I also liked and appreciated all the research that went into the book. I could really tell how deeply TJR researched NASA and astronomy, and she does a good job immersing readers into that world (or should I say “out of this world?” ;))

Read if you like: Strong female characters surviving and thriving in a male-dominated field. Family themes. Dual timelines. Lots of character development (with pockets of action sprinkled throughout). NASA in the 80s. Found family.

I think others will like it a lot (especially if they’re a TJR fan).