Taylor Jenkins Reid knocks it out of the park again with another cozy yet realistic historical romance. This book was exactly what I expected in the best way. I enjoyed the non-traditional back and forth structure of the timeline. It added a nice level of suspense. The addition of Francis's niece and sister added a layer of depth to this story. This was a perfect mixture of a sweet sapphic love story and an inspirational history of woman astronauts. Fans of Reid's past works will love this!

As Joan Goodwin trains as an astronaut in 1980 she becomes close with her fellow astronaut candidates. Her passion has always been space but she’s beginning to learn about herself here on earth as well.

If you enjoy space, you’ll love this one. It’s very heavy on space science as a lot takes place out of space inside the shuttle. The background is a character study and was a little slow for me but it all picked up in the end and made for an emotional story.

“If we do it, if we leave the planet, we will carry that with us into every room we enter for the rest of our lives.”

Atmosphere comes out 6/3.

The Martian meets Top Gun for female audiences in Taylor Jenkins Reid's new faux celebrity historical fiction. Atmosphere (Taylor Jenkins Reid, Penguin Random House, 2025) centers around Joan Goodwin, one of the select few candidates chosen to participate in the 1980s Space Shuttle program at NASA. Although following her life’s ambition, Joan goes from one male-dominated field to the next. Set over four years, Joan must not only navigate her new responsibilities as an astronaut-in-training, but she must also learn how to form new relationships with her fellow candidates - and friends?- and nurture her existing ones with her sister and beloved niece. Atmosphere explores what one is willing to do for their career, for their dreams, and for love.

Reid’s new book falls right in line with the dazzling historic perfection of her other acclaimed novels, like Daisy Jones & the Six. Readers that already enjoy Reid’s work, both her romance novels and her faux celebrity novels, will undoubtedly obsess over Atmosphere, as it masterfully blends historical fiction, queer romance, and science with a touch of action through a seemingly doomed shuttle mission.

Immediately, you’re thrust into the chaos of the December 1984 shuttle mission, with no idea who you’re reading about or what they’re about to go through. We know that Vanessa is on a space shuttle with four other astronauts and that Joan is communicating to them back on Earth from mission control. The apathy presented in this opening chapter leaves the reader wondering what relationships Joan has with these astronauts, and also the stakes of the story that we are working towards. Other than the occasional flash forward to December 1984, we follow Joan chronologically from around 1979 until the shuttle mission.

While the pacing might seem off at first, it actually makes a lot of sense when you realize that the time jumps highlight events that are most important to Joan throughout her training, not just what would be considered a significant milestone for an astronaut. It’s very clear throughout the narrative that, although Joan is one hundred percent committed to her job and her ambitions, her loved ones are the absolute top priority of her life, and though this is challenged at times, it is never doubted that that is the case. The relationships of the main characters are front and center throughout the novel and are so beautiful and tender and real. The challenges these relationships face are dealt with in such a raw and realistic way that it’s so difficult to choose a side when problems do arise. The only thing that Atmosphere leaves to be desired is the way that the characters cope in the aftermath of the mission.

Packed full of action and emotion, Atmosphere does not disappoint as Reid draws readers into the allure and wonder of NASA.

I have been a fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid's works for years, and with each new book, my anticipation grows, as does my worry. Will this one be as good as the others? Will I connect to the characters as much as in previous books? Will I enjoy the storyline as greatly as in other books? Atmosphere did not disappoint, on any level. I found the science and the points about the inner workings of the space program accessible and not a deterrent to the enjoyment of the book. TJR did her research, and it showed. I thoroughly enjoyed the back and forth in the storyline; she chose perfect points at which to switch back and forth so that the flow of the narrative was not disrupted, and it was easy to follow with what was happening in both sections. Overall, Atmosphere is a book about figuring out where you belong and being willing and able to shift those ideas when the time comes. It is about love and loss and found family. The characters were well-rounded and complex and I found myself seeing pieces of people I love throughout the ones in the book. The storyline was fast-paced and grabbed the reader immediately and didn't let go until the final line. This work sits at the top of TJR's bibliography and will remain in my brain for years to come.

Before the reader begins reading the novel 'Atmosphere", author Taylor Jenkins Reid wrote a letter to the reader that sets the background for why she wrote this novel. In it, she describes the main character Joan as "a passionate, excitable astronomer." Joan is so much more including being one of the women selected to be in the second group of astronauts in NASA that allowed women. The other supporting characters are likeable for the most part. Her sister Barbara's treatment of her daughter Frances was troubling and heartbreaking to read. An immensely enjoyable novel, like TJR's other works the reader will be surprised by some turn of events while able to predict other plot points well before they occur. Whether a first time Taylor Reid Jenkins reader or someone who has enjoyed her other works, this novel will likely fly off the shelves upon publication on June 3, 2025.

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this arc in return for an honest review.

It wasn’t what I was expecting but it was so good! The way Carrie Soto Is Back was full of tennis content this one has tons of astronaut/NASA content. Space exploration in the early 80’s!

Dual timeline. Well developed characters!! Strong female leads! This book explores what life was like for women in the 1980s, especially in male-dominated fields. One big theme is the struggle to balance professional ambition with personal fulfillment. It also dives into biological family vs those you choose as your family.

5 stars. This book had me in tears. Al the emotions.

in my mind, there's a strict divide between the crappy romance of TJR, and the fantastic historical fiction of TJR. I have to say, this leaned towards the former, and I didn't love it. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't as bad a some of the earlier books, this one felt a bit too melodramatic for me. It felt like there needed to be some sort of epilogue, because that ending was way too "clutch my pearls," for it to be a good TJR.

Joan has dreamt of little else than making a mark in the world to be a better role model for her niece. When NASA accepts female astronauts, she throws her hat in the ring without looking back. When the personal risks the professional, Joan makes some tough calls that she doesn't want to make.

I liked Joan overall. As an aunt who would also walk over hot coals for my nephew and nieces, I strongly related to that plot line. Everything else fell so flat compared to TJR of the last 5-7 years, I almost couldn't believe it. I liked it, but not my favorite.

Thanks, NG!

I’m a big Taylor Jenkins Reid fan, and while this wasn’t ,y favorite book of hers I still really enjoyed it. I loved the NASA setting and the revised version of history. I thought all the characters were interesting but I didn’t like the set up of time in 1984 and flashbacks because the 1984 sections were much more interesting than the flashbacks.

Oh, what a breath of fresh air Taylor Jenkins Reid is. Her writing is so sumptuous and immersive, with a depth of emotion that feels effortless yet profound. With "Atmosphere", I felt transported—thrown right into the heart of the 1980s, like I was living inside a cinematic experience à la Apollo 13.

I completely fell in love with Joan and her entire team. Every character felt real and vibrant, and Joan in particular stole my heart. The emotions she carried—often unspoken—were conveyed with such grace and subtlety that I found myself feeling them right alongside her.

Every detail in this book is crafted with care. Even the scientific elements, while never overwhelming, were fascinating and balanced perfectly with the human story at its core.

As soon as I turned the last page, I found myself missing Joan and her world. I truly hope we get to see these characters again—I'd love nothing more than to follow them into whatever comes next.

Thank you to Taylor Jenkins Reid, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for sending me the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was the best Taylor Jenkins Reid book I've read yet. This story was so sad but also so real and it brought tears to my eyes but also laughter.

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.