Phew, baby! TJR never disappoints.

Atmosphere takes place during the 1980s space shuttle program and brings readers along to see behind the scenes of what it takes to travel beyond Earth. It highlights the unfairness of women in science and technology, and the efforts they take to claim respect and involvement in male-dominated roles. Even though a few select women are chosen to be a part of this mission, their reach is still cut short with lack of job permissions.

With a range of characters, mostly all likeable, the story starts off with a heavy-hitting event that draws you in to find out how they got there in the first place.

Quite often, my emotions flipped from feeling claustrophobic, suffocated, devastated, hopeful, and utterly destroyed.

Atmosphere sucked all the air from my lungs and refused to give me breath until the very last pages. Brilliantly done well.

I’ll be adding a copy of this to my forever shelf, no doubts.

I am incredibly grateful to have received an arc of this book. I’ve read several books by this author, and one of my favorite all time books is Daisy Jones and the Six. I went into this book blind because since I knew I loved the author’s writing it didn’t matter what it was about. That was kind of an error on my part. I didn’t end up liking this book at all. It’s a sapphic love story. I’m not against this, but don’t prefer to read it. I enjoyed Evelyn Hugo even though it was also basically a sapphic love story. So I kept reading. The other storyline with the main character’s sister was rough- the sister is one of worst book characters I’ve ever read with no redeeming qualities. The ending felt abrupt with unresolved plot details. I am debating on even sharing a Bookstagram review of this- maybe closer to pub date? I know so many people will love this but it was not for me.

This was superb. I've read most of Taylor Jenkins Reid's books, my favorite being Daisy Jones and the Six. Atmosphere is almost as good as that one. It makes you feel as though you are there yourself. Though clearly well-researched, I like that the NASA training and science took a backseat to the character study of Joan, and her relationship with Vanessa. I think the romance was powerful and believable for the time period. I adored seeing Joan's relationship with Frances, and would read an entire sequel about their family. Overall, this book was just truly a joy to read, and even the side characters were complex and well drawn.

Taylor has done it again for me! She has a way of making the characters so relatable and her writing style is easy-to read, making each book of hers that I’ve read, “page-turners”.

This story has lovable characters, heartbreak, and an ending I had been holding my breath for! Taylor did a fantastic job with the details of NASA and their approach to their realm. I’m thankful to have found my person who explains the color blue to me 💜

Can’t wait for my copy to arrive in time for my birthday and to see the beautiful cover in person.

Like the tv show For All Mankind in the best way possible. Atmosphere is another stunning testament to Taylor Jenkins Reid’s mastery of emotionally resonant storytelling. From the very first page, I was swept into a world that felt both intensely personal and universally relatable. The way Reid paints her characters—with flaws, hopes, regrets, and moments of breathtaking clarity—makes them linger long after the final chapter.

This novel explores the complexities of identity, love, and the quiet forces that shape our lives, all wrapped in Reid’s signature style: rich prose, poignant dialogue, and a structure that keeps you eagerly turning pages. Each chapter peels back a new layer, deepening the emotional stakes while reminding us how atmosphere—both literal and emotional—shapes who we are and how we connect with others. And especially in the current political climate, having an LGBTQ+ love story featured means more than ever.

If you're a fan of character-driven narratives that make you feel everything from joy to heartbreak, Atmosphere will absolutely speak to you. It’s the kind of story that sits with you, the kind you want to recommend to everyone and talk about for hours afterward. Reid has once again delivered a modern classic

Joan Goodwin loves the stars, so much so that's she's joined NASA's space shuttle program. She tries to juggle astronaut training with being an aunt to her niece Frances. In the summer of 1980, she is thrown into the program with a cast of characters, who are all interesting in their own rights. The program is going well, Joan has friends, and Joan seems to start going from reserved to more of the person she is meant to be. Then in 1984, disaster strikes the shuttle with Joan's friends in space. Joan is working in mission command trying to keep her cool to help bring her friends home. The book starts in 1984 and goes back and forth between the shuttle disaster and the recent past to tell the story of these astronauts. The 1984 chapters were gripping and nerve-wracking. The pre-shuttle disaster chapters were more about Joan's life and experiences rather than astronaut training. While these chapters were interesting and a good story, I felt more drawn to the shuttle disaster chapters. By the end of the book, it all came together like only Taylor Jenkins Reid can do. I really enjoyed this book and while it wasn't my favorite of hers, it was still a great read. Thank you to Net Galley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the advanced copy.

This book was incredible. It got exponentially better as I kept reading. Beautiful, beautiful book and I can’t wait for the world to read it. I was really excited for this book because I love TJR, but especially because this book took place in Houston (and Rice for about 4 pages). However, this book was so much more than just a book about Houston and NASA. These characters are incredible and TJR really really gets you to love them more than you thought was possible for fictional characters. This is a wonderful book and I’m so glad I got to read it early!

My review will be short because there's no way to do a full review without revealing numerous spoiler alerts. Reid has really outdone herself on this book! If you want to read a book that is informative, inspirational, emotional and gut wrenching - add this to your summer reading list. Although there's a lot of technical NASA information (well researched by Reid!) - you will not be able to put this book down. Kudos Taylor Jenkins Reid for another grand slam! Thanks for the ARC!

Thank you, NetGalley & Ballantine Books, for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

This review does include spoilers!

This was my first Taylor Jenkins Reid novel and… I’m still reeling. Atmosphere completely blew me away. I picked it up expecting a space-centered drama and instead got a stunning, slow-burn, heart-shattering sapphic love story wrapped in the NASA Space Shuttle program of the 1980s—with brilliant emotional layers, piercing social commentary, and characters I will never forget.

Let’s start with the biggest surprise: the love story. I had no idea going in that this was going to center around a sapphic romance, and watching Joan and Vanessa’s relationship unfold felt like witnessing something sacred. Their chemistry was electric, but it was also soft, tentative, and so achingly real—two women learning how to love in a world that never gave them the space to do it freely. Set in an era where their connection had to grow in the shadows, it was gorgeous to see Joan awaken not just to love, but to herself.

“'The whole sky makes sense to me now,' Vanessa said. 'Because of you.'"

But what truly wrecked me was the relationship between Joan and Frances. That was the real love story. Watching Joan step into this mother figure role, even as her dreams of the stars loomed above her, was breathtaking. The emotional weight of her sister’s abandonment, and Joan’s fierce, tender commitment to Frances, had me sobbing more than once. Their bond was raw and powerful, rooted in choice, not obligation, and watching it deepen made my heart ache in the best way.

Joan’s arc is a masterclass in layered character writing. She’s navigating sexism in science, unlearning rigid beliefs about religion, and realizing the strength of choosing love in all its forms.

"Persistence. Highly underrated in women. Overrated in men, but underrated in women.”

“Life is God. My life is tied to yours, and to everyone’s on this planet. How does that not instantly make us more in debt to one another?”

Reid blends emotional intimacy with rich themes like science, faith, motherhood, and feminism, and somehow makes space and astrology feel deeply human. The pacing is absolutely spot-on. The scenes from the shuttle mission are interspersed throughout the story in a way that adds just the right amount of momentum and suspense, pulling you deeper into the narrative without ever feeling jarring. When the story reached its climax, I was on the edge of my seat, my heart in my throat.

Every character, even the ones I thought I would dislike, was given such depth and dimension. There is a sense of radical empathy in this book and Reid doesn’t just show you characters, she writes their souls on the page.

Atmosphere is emotional, expansive, and deeply feminist. It is about daring to love when the world says no, about choosing family in unexpected places, and about finding your place in the universe both figuratively and literally.


This book didn’t just live up to the hype. It launched itself straight into my soul. One of my favorite reads of the year, and I cannot wait to hold the hardcover in my hands. 💫💔🚀

I hadn’t really loved the last few TJR books (okay, If I’m being honest I hated Carrie Soto and barely tolerated Malibu Rising). I wasn’t sure about this one at first… there are two alternating timelines. 1) an extremely suspenseful space disaster scene and 2) a VERY VERY slow burn (starts a little bit will they won’t they) romance between two of the main characters. Once we hit the halfway point of the book and the relationship is established, then we really start rooting for these characters and become invested in what happens to them, but it takes aWHILE to get there. A unique story for sure, and I ended up really liking it, but it could use some pacing work in the first half.

**ARC review**

If you want a book that will make you cry in public while reading it, this is it.

"Atmosphere" by Taylor Jenkins Reid is, quite simply, fantastic. From the beginning, you're drawn into a world that effortlessly blends the wonder of space exploration with the complexities of human relationships. Reid beautifully navigates the timeline of the story, weaving between past and present in a way that builds anticipation and deepens our understanding of the characters' journeys.

The "present" part of the story is imbued with a constant sense of suspense, leaving you eager to discover what unfolds next. Beyond the amazing plot, Reid's prose shines as she describes the vastness of space and the delicate nature of life with breathtaking beauty. Her words paint vivid pictures, allowing you to truly feel the awe and isolation of the cosmos.

I enjoyed how "Atmosphere" portrayed and brought to attention the early days of women at NASA. Reid sensitively depicts the challenges and inequities these pioneering women faced as they strived to contribute their intellect and skills to a field dominated by men. This historical backdrop adds a layer of depth and significance to the personal stories that unfold.

At its heart, the book explores the complexities of human connection. It offers a poignant portrayal of love in its many forms, but it doesn't shy away from the inevitable heartbreak that life can bring.

"Atmosphere" is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that will stay with you long after you've finished the final page. It's a testament to Taylor Jenkins Reid's skill as a storyteller, her ability to blend compelling narratives with rich emotional depth and historical insight. This book is a must-read.

I always love books by Taylor Jenkins Reid, and enjoyed this one as well. Learning about the space program, and it's (hesitant, and incomplete) inclusion of women in the early 1980s was so interesting, and I love TJR's writing style. That being said, I did find Joan (female main character) to be a little boring for the first 3/4 of the book, and I wanted more character development for some of her friends/side characters. But I loved the back-and-forth timelines and grew to really care about Joan and her relationships as well.

This didn't disappoint, all the feels!!! 🥹🚀👩🏼‍🚀🌠

This is a dual timeline story that alternate between the past and present of Joan Goodwin, an astronaut inducted into the NASA Space Shuttle program in the 1980s. As she enters this opportunity, we see the struggles she faces, the tight-knit crew that come together, her difficult family dynamics, and love that she unexpectedly finds.

The alternating timeline can sometimes feel choppy, but this flowed effortlessly and built up the characters / plots so well.
Another thing about Taylor Jenkins Reid is she will create such complex and in-depth characters that you are bound to become emotionally connected to.

The plot and the setting focus so heavily on NASA and space. But it was done in a way that I became passionate about the characters' passions. I don't know how else to describe it other than it was so well written and you can feel the amount of research put into this.

While I feel like this is so unique, if I'm comparing her previous works, I'd say it gives a little bit of Evelyn Hugo mixed with Carrie Soto.

Thank you thank you thank you to the publisher for the ARC. I now cannot wait for my physical copy to come 🫶🏼

when tjr announced this book and said it was going to be outside the realm we've come to know her – the california, hollywood or fame-adjacent stories – i felt super intrigued. i had no doubt that the story would remain outstanding because it's tjr and all of them are, but i was super interested to see where atmosphere would fall alongside her other books.

THERE. AREN'T. WORDS. i loved atmosphere with every fiber of my being. (!!!!!!!)

something i'm seeing in other reviews is that there's lots of space talk, lots of science and NASA and astronaut stuff and that's TRUE, but it's also very understandable. the way that things are explained reminded me of an [author:Andy Weir|6540057]novel, in that there's obviously science, but you don't need to personally hold any degree in STEM to be able to understand what's going on.

the character development and relationships are so, so good. joan's story and her reflections on being a mother to her sister's child felt incredibly impactful, especially alongside working in a male-dominated field and being in a relationship that so many didn't approve of. sapphic love story? don't mind if i do! 🥹

overall – this is one of my favorite tjr reads, but maybe it's because of how much i also enjoy science-based stories. joan's character development and relationships were so so so good, and i'll be purchasing a copy or two for my shelf!!

I would have loved to give this book 5 stars because I really love everything Taylor Jenkins Reid writes, however, I had a few questions that were never answered and left up to our imagination. Living in FL the space shuttle missions were still a big deal when I moved here in the early 90's and she did a wonderful job capturing the excitement, the missions and the unknowns that can happen. Above all she reminds us that the astronauts flying these missions are real people, with real fears, hopes, dreams and lives. TJR reminds us of the human toll space exploration takes and how in the midst of tragedy and uncertainty love always wins

Taylor Jenkins Reid really has a gift for making me interested in reading about subjects that typically don't hold particular interest for me - tennis, 70s bands, and now NASA and the civil space program. Main character Joan Goodwin is an academic astronomer who, in the late 7os, decides to apply for the space shuttle program (which had only just begun to accept female scientists). Joan has spent her whole life being responsible and putting others (especially her sister and her niece Frances) before herself. When she's accepted into the program and moves closer to the space center in Houston, she overcomes a lot of challenges to make it all work. I found Joan to be a really sympathetic and interesting character - very flawed but still very likable. The story alternates between late December 1984, when a mission goes wrong while Joan is on CAPCOM/mission control duty, and the years that led up to that moment. The full title here is "Atmosphere: A Love Story," and there are really a few love stories here, but the one I found most profound was between Joan and the stars. This was well-paced and well-written, and I did ugly cry at least once.

Taylor Jenkins Reid does it again - Atmosphere is incredible! I think I held my breath through most of this book - especially the last 10%! TJR is an auto-buy author for me no matter what (I’ve read and loved every single one of her books), but when I heard that Atmosphere was going to be set at NASA and in space, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book.

Did I build up my expectations for this book before reading? Yes. Were my expectations exceeded in the way only TJR books can do for me? Also yes!

This book is full of adventure, heartbreak, space facts, female empowerment, challenging societal pressures, and of course romance.

Do yourself a favor and set aside some time to travel to space in the 1980s in this incredible book!

P.S. If you haven’t read Taylor’s other books, drop everything and do that now!

It was fine. Leading with chaos and building a backstory as one long characterization that felt like a rehash of a storyline from the Apple+ tv show "For All Mankind" was dull and a bit preachy. I was disappointed that the book could have been a much more riveting novella.

So, I would say this is more of a 4.5, because there were some pacing issues, but I'm not mad about giving it a 5. Atmosphere is ultimately a story about love, love of family, romantic love, love of the stars. Joan and Vanessa's love story is wonderful and Joan's life feels full. I was lovely to see her grow and find her place in the world. I cried. I would highly recommend this. The only issue I had was the pacing. The story jumps from Decmber 29th, 1984 where something has happened, to seeing Joan's life starting when she joins NASA. There were long stretches of the past and the current timeline has so very important things going on. This meant some parts where there was a long gap between 'current' parts could drag a little, although near the end, I do think the 'past' parts picked up. The only change to that I would have made is to sprinkle the 'current' parts more in between the 'past' parts instead of only having four main 'current' parts.

But obviously that didn't stop me from really enjoying this book. I think it's going to end up being one of TRJ's most well regarded novels.

I have always been a huge fan of Taylor's books, they have always been 5 stars for me, but this I would rate 1 million stars if I could. I will be thinking about this book for years to come and recommend it to anyone. This is now my favorite book (which I do not declare really ever), the way these characters were written felt so real. I know people like Barbara, I've felt like Joan in life. The whole cast each had such a presence that I don't feel with most books. I was not a science person growing up but the way things were explained made it so easy to digest without oversimplification. I was on the edge of my seat the whole last 20% of the book and bawling my eyes out in the car. I think it ended in the perfect place because otherwise I wouldn't take less than knowing Joan, Vanessa and Francis' entire life story. This book was a piece of art and I will be FOREVER grateful I got the chance to read this early. Thank you Taylor for Atmosphere.