Obsessed with this cover, the characters, the plot, the narration, and this entire book. I could not put it down. I'm in love with Joan, Frances, Vanessa, and Griff. The shift in timelines was incredibly well-done to make me fall in love with each character and build such intense suspense while also breaking my heart.

It's a normal day at work for Joan Goodwin, astronaut at NASA, until one moment changes everything. While that moment unfurls, the story flashes back to Joan's time training as an astronaut, befriending the rest of the trainees, and taking care of her niece, Frances.

Taylor Jenkins Reid has never missed for me. She writes women so well, especially while confronting the challenges of their relationships, jobs, and time period. I know nothing about the stars but now I want nothing more than for Joan to take me on a sky-gazing nighttime picnic and teach me about the world.

A story about female astronauts, an accident in space, and finding your own place in the world should not make me cry like this did.

The latest tale from Taylor Jenkins Reid left me crying, gasping, and laughing. A story full of humor and joy, heartbreak and history, space and family. I cannot recommend this highly enough.

Atmosphere is exactly what you’d expect from Taylor Jenkins Reid—in the best way. It’s thoughtful, emotional, and the kind of story that pulls you in without trying too hard. The characters are layered and feel like real people, and the whole thing has this subtle tension that keeps you turning the pages. It’s not flashy, but it sticks with you. If you like her other books, you’ll probably love this one too.

"Atmosphere" by Taylor Jenkins Reid is yet another remarkable feat from a master storyteller who consistently captivates readers with her relatable characters and emotionally charged narratives. In this novel, Reid crafts a compelling tale that elegantly explores themes of love, ambition, and the complexities of human connection, all set against a beautifully rendered backdrop.

From the very first page, Reid's trademark prose shines through, drawing readers into the protagonist's world with vivid imagery and heartfelt emotion. The character development is perfection, making it easy to invest in their journeys as they navigate the highs and lows of life. Reid deftly balances poignant moments with subtle humor, creating a narrative that feels both grounded and uplifting.

What truly sets this book apart is Reid’s ability to capture the essence of the human experience, making readers reflect on their own lives and relationships. The exploration of dreams and aspirations adds depth to the story, inviting readers to consider the choices that shape our paths.

"Atmosphere" is a must-read that solidifies Taylor Jenkins Reid’s unparalleled storytelling ability. This novel reaffirms that TJR can do no wrong! A huge and heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.

I AM SOBBING AT 5AM. I am a long time of TJR and this book is just as brilliant as her backlist. The sapphic romance was tragically beautiful and the found family was so beautiful. The relationship between the sisters was a hard read but unfortunately, quite a few of aunties relate. I love Joan, I love Vanessa, and I love Frances. EVERYONE READ THIS.

Just finished reading this book…. And I’m still wiping tears from my eyes. It’s only April and I feel like this will have been the best book I’ve read so far this year. Speechless.

There is no doubt Taylor Jenkins Reid is an amazing writer. I've enjoyed every book of hers I've read. Having said that, when I began reading this one, I got a little nervous. NASA and space travel isn't a topic I seek out, But wow. This is just such a beautiful book. I haven't cried reading a book in ages, but this one wrecked me in just a great way. I really thought this was so well-written, I fell madly in love with the characters, and just found myself lost in the story. SO GOOD!

Another winner from TJR. She just gets better and better. I finished this book two days ago and can't stop thinking about it. I love how she draws you in right at the beginning and doesn't let go until the last sentence. Definitely one of my favorite authors. She does not disappoint!

Thought provoking historical fiction about the female astronauts in NASA and their experiences to prove their rights. This novel gives a fascinating insight into how women fought for their rights to be a part of NASA. Joan has always wanted to become an astronaut. She works in the Johnson Space Center in Houston and meets the captivating Vanessa. Joan has always prioritized her career but now she has a love that inspires her passion. In December 1984, Joan finds herself in a dangerous situation as disaster strikes the space mission. With chapters alternating between the 1984 disaster and the past, Taylor Jenkins Reid weaves together important historical information about the events of NASA and the fights for women to become a part of the American space program.

TJR does not need me to champion her books - she's doing just fine. That said, I probably won't stop talking about this book for a long time. I loved it so much. It was everything that I hoped it would be. Featuring complex, challenging female characters, deep relationships ranging from romantic to platonic to familial, I could not get enough of these characters. The discussions about feminism and sexuality fit right in and were never heavy handed. My heart ached for Joan and Vanessa at various points, but I loved the way they fought for each other and their relationship. It felt both realistic and aspirational. The story legitimately had me on the edge of my seat by the end. It was excellently paced, with enough science to make it feel grounded. I could not put it down. I can't wait to put this into people's hands.

A new Taylor Jenkins Reid book is always something to look forward to. Reid is at the top of her storytelling game in Atmosphere. Told in dual timelines, Atmosphere features an interesting and engaging cast of characters, suspense galore, with a love story at its core. While not my favorite TJR book (that would be Daisy Jones and the Six and Malibu Rising), Atmosphere is still a light, fun read. Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my review.

Taylor Jenkins Reid has done it again, with an in-depth look at NASA's astronaut program in the 1980s, when women were finally being accepted into the program. She balances the grueling preparation, the forming of surprising bonds, and an unforeseen romance between former astronomy professor Joan Goodwin and a fellow female astonaut, Vanessa Ford, the latter which shakes Joan's understanding of who she is and how she fits into the grand scheme. Reid crafts a layered and compelling web of relationships that resonate with honesty and depth. The depiction of NASA in the 1980s rings true, clearly rooted in careful research and historical insight., complete with the sexism and systemic barriers women faced in the space program. Reid tackles them head-on, while still honoring the perseverance and triumphs of these trailblazing women. The amount of research that was done to write this novel is immense and really highlights the issues women are still facing in todays STEM-driven world.

Beautiful. A love story in the truest sense in that there are so many ways to look at love, to feel love, and to recognize love. Love and wonder infuse this book.

Taylor Jenkins Reid, known for her deeply personal portraits set against vivid historical backdrops—from Hollywood’s golden era in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo to the gritty '70s rock scene in Daisy Jones & The Six—takes a bold leap with Atmosphere. This time, she sets her sights on uncharted ground: the 1980s NASA Space Shuttle era. Blending emotional depth with historical detail, Reid delivers a poignant and far-reaching tale of love, sacrifice, and the bonds that tether us together, even in the vast, isolating expanse of space.

At the heart of Atmosphere is the story of Joan Goodwin, an astronomy professor whose passion for the cosmos compels her to apply for NASA’s Space Shuttle program during the groundbreaking era when women are first invited to join. Through Joan’s perspective, readers are immersed in the grueling preparation, the formation of surprising bonds, and, most profoundly, a tender and unforeseen romance with fellow astronaut hopeful Vanessa Ford—one that upends Joan’s understanding of who she is and where she belongs in the grand scheme of things. What truly elevates the novel is Reid’s meticulous balance between the intricate details of the space program and the raw, emotional journeys of the people within it. She skillfully intertwines her characters’ drive for professional achievement with their inner battles, crafting a layered and compelling web of relationships that resonate with honesty and depth. Reid’s depiction of NASA in the 1980s rings true, clearly rooted in careful research and historical insight. She doesn’t gloss over the sexism and systemic barriers women faced in the space program but tackles them head-on, while still honoring the perseverance and triumphs of these trailblazing women. Her commitment to historical accuracy not only anchors the narrative in its time but also lends it a timely resonance, echoing ongoing conversations about gender equity in STEM today. The novel’s most powerful triumph lies in its ability to render the immensity of space deeply personal. Reid artfully implies that the true frontiers aren’t only measured in miles, but in emotions—the lengths we go for love, the limits we challenge in pursuit of what truly matters. She transforms the cosmic into something profoundly human, reminding us that the bravest journeys often happen within.

Atmosphere marks both a shift and a step forward in Taylor Jenkins Reid’s literary journey. Though the story sometimes stumbles in its pacing and a few plot threads could benefit from deeper exploration, the novel largely delivers on its bold vision. It stands as proof of Reid’s expanding range as an author—she confidently navigates intricate technical terrain without losing the emotional richness that has become her trademark.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for honest review.

For stargazers, empowered women, and celestial enthusiasts, “Atmosphere” by TJR offers a captivating perspective on the challenges faced by women in science during the 1980s in America.

The story follows Joan Goodwin, a Physics and Astronomy Professor in Texas. She is a stargazer and space enthusiast, and has long put aside her dreams space suits, shuttles and astronauts. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when her younger sister, Barbara, informs her about a commercial for NASA’s recruitment of astronauts and scientists. Barbara relays that NASA is specifically seeking women for the program. Barbara and Joan have a complex dynamic, as sisters often do. But her love for Barbara’s daughter, Frances is unparalleled.

Despite her initial disappointment when she is not selected for the first round, Joan decides to apply again and is accepted into the program in late 1979. The novel delves into NASA’s Space Shuttle program, introducing Joan’s group of colleagues who become her friends and chosen family. These individuals come from all walks of life; including a Top Gun Pilot, a scientist, a mission specialist, and an aeronautical engineer turned pilot.

Amidst the excitement of the program, Joan forms a special bond with one of her colleagues. This relationship helps her to finally confront her sexuality and realize why she never thought traditional love with her. Joan must navigate this reckoning in secret, fearing it may jeopardize her career at NASA. This storyline adds a layer of emotional depth to the novel, exploring the complexities of love and the societal pressures that make it difficult for Joan to live authentically.

“Atmosphere” is thrilling, emotional, and heart-breaking all at the same time. It emphasizes the importance of self-love, acceptance, and the dynamics of complex family relationships.
I thoroughly enjoyed the non-linear narrative, which began in 1984 with the space shuttle disaster and then took us back to the very beginning. This created a suspenseful atmosphere as we gradually learned more about the characters and couldn’t help but worry about a possible ill-fated end.

“We asked for so much, didn’t we? We wanted to touch the stars, and look at what we did”

In "Atmosphere" by Taylor Jankins Reid, we follow Joan Goodwin as she goes from being a teacher at a college to being one of the first women to be an astronaut in the 1980s. As she pursues this endeavor, she must deal with family discourse while also coming to terms and accepting her sexuality in a time when having an alternative lifestyle would put you at risk of losing everything.

This was a phenomenal book. This woman really nails every subject she wants to write about. From old Hollywood to tennis and now to the space shuttle program. She must really know how to research, but I choose to believe she is just this smart. I would read anything she writes.

I loved all of the characters in this story and how they interacted and became this found family within NASA. I felt so bad for Joan's niece and how she was being treated by her mom but was so very happy with how her story ended. Everyone deserves to have a person who loves them that fiercely. Of course, Joan and Vanessa's relationship was beautiful to watch develop and then watch them fight for it.

I was on the edge of my seat in the end, I could not decide which way Taylor was going end that she ended it perfectly.


This book is perfect for those of us out there who are interested in NASA and the early space program while still having a story to follow other than just reading facts. This book also represents what it must have been like to realize that you are gay in a time that that was really frowned upon.

Taylor Jenkins Reid has done it again with another heart wrenching and emotional romance read!
Joan never saw herself as an astronaut, but always envisioned herself among the stars. Its the 1980s, and women haven't been previously given the chance to join NASA's space program. When a call for women in the engineering and sciences fields is placed, Joan throws her name in because of her niece Frances' insistence - and is accepted amongst only a small handful of women. Amongst spectacular men and women, Joan builds relationships with them all, drawn particularly to Vanessa Ford, a magnetic aeronautical engineer. Told from the past and present timeline as relationships bloom and desires are discovered, a mission in December 1984 changes everything in an instant.
I have loved Taylor Jenkins Reid's books, and this book is no exception. I love how their books are set in historic time periods that Reid does an amazing job of capturing without losing the plot or the characters. I hadn't known prior to reading this that our love interests were two women in the space program, but I can't imagine them being any two different people after reading. Joan is a very naive and optimistic person, and her connection to Vanessa brings out emotions and feelings in her that she hasn't felt before. The two compliment each other in so many ways, and their love is inspiring. I also love the relationship that is created between Joan, her sister Barbara, and Joan's niece Frances, because it is such a realistic dynamic that adds to both Joan and Vanessa's characters in the story.
The only thing I had of note "against" the book was all of the NASA jargon and space terms used pulled me out of the story at times, but to be fair, I was reading a book set during the 1980s NASA space program, so that was to be expected.

This book gutted me in the absolute best way. I was honored to hear Taylor speak this morning at the Texas Library Association conference and I'm so impressed by her taking on such a different setting for this incredible novel. Thank you, as always, to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.

WOW! What an amazing read. A love story that takes place in the early 1980s and involves outer space. Taylor Jenkin Reid has taken a piece of history - the late 70s and early 80s, when women were first being accepted into NASA's astronaut training program and turned it into a heart-stopping love story. I cannot wait to share this book with others.

Okay just rip my fucking heart out 😭 the ending had me laying in my bed sobbing at 4:30 am. This was one of my most anticipated books of the year and it did not disappoint. Such a phenomenal story, this will go down as one of my favorites by TJR. Highly recommend.