Taylor Jenkins Reid has built her reputation crafting intimate character studies against the backdrop of fascinating historical moments, from the golden age of Hollywood in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo to the 1970s rock scene in Daisy Jones & The Six. With Atmosphere, Taylor Jenkins Reid ventures into new territory—both literally and metaphorically—by setting her latest novel within NASA’s Space Shuttle program of the 1980s. The result is an ambitious and emotionally resonant story that explores love, sacrifice, and human connection against the vastness of space.
The Heart of the Story
At its core, Atmosphere follows Joan Goodwin, an astronomy professor whose lifelong fascination with the stars leads her to apply for NASA’s Space Shuttle program as they begin accepting women candidates. Through Joan’s eyes, we experience the rigorous training, the forging of unlikely friendships, and most significantly, an unexpected romance with fellow astronaut candidate Vanessa Ford that challenges everything Joan thought she knew about herself and her place in the universe.
The novel’s strength lies in Reid’s careful attention to both the technical aspects of the space program and the deeply human stories that unfold within it. She masterfully weaves together the professional ambitions of her characters with their personal struggles, creating a rich tapestry of relationships that feels authentic and earned.
Technical Excellence Meets Emotional Depth
Reid’s research shines through in her detailed descriptions of astronaut training, Mission Control operations, and the mechanics of spaceflight. However, she never lets the technical elements overshadow the human story at the center. The author maintains a delicate balance between scientific accuracy and emotional resonance, making complex concepts accessible while keeping the focus on her characters’ internal journeys.
What Works Brilliantly
- The immersive portrayal of NASA culture in the 1980s
- The gradual development of Joan and Vanessa’s relationship
- Strong supporting characters, particularly Frances and Lydia
- Authentic representation of the challenges faced by women in STEM
- Masterful building of tension leading to the climactic space mission
Areas for Improvement
- Some secondary plot threads feel underdeveloped
- The pacing occasionally slows in the middle sections
- Certain technical aspects might be overwhelming for some readers
- A few character decisions in the final act strain credibility
Breaking New Ground
What sets Atmosphere apart from by Taylor Jenkins Reid’s previous works is its ambitious scope. While her earlier novels excelled at capturing specific moments in time, this book reaches for something larger—both in its setting and themes. The space program serves as both literal backdrop and metaphor, allowing Reid to explore questions about human limitation, sacrifice, and the nature of love itself.
Character Development and Relationships
The heart of the novel lies in its characters. Joan’s journey from reserved academic to passionate astronaut is compelling, but it’s her relationship with her niece Frances that provides some of the book’s most touching moments. The dynamic between Joan and Vanessa evolves naturally, with Reid carefully laying the groundwork for their connection long before it becomes romantic.
The supporting cast is equally well-drawn. Lydia Danes emerges as a particularly complex character, while Donna and Hank’s relationship provides an interesting counterpoint to Joan and Vanessa’s more complicated situation.
Style and Structure
Reid employs her trademark blend of intimate character moments and larger historical context, but adds new elements to her repertoire. The technical language of spaceflight is seamlessly integrated into the narrative, and the author’s descriptions of space itself are often breathtaking. The structure, alternating between the main timeline and the crucial mission in 1984, builds tension effectively while allowing for deeper character development.
Themes and Deeper Meaning
Atmosphere explores several interconnected themes:
- The tension between professional ambition and personal fulfillment
- The nature of sacrifice and what we’re willing to risk for love
- The role of chosen family versus biological family
- The search for identity and acceptance in a restrictive society
- The human need to explore and push boundaries
Historical Context and Relevance
Reid’s portrayal of NASA in the 1980s feels authentic and well-researched. The book doesn’t shy away from addressing the discrimination and challenges faced by women in the space program, while also celebrating their achievements. The author’s attention to historical detail helps ground the story in reality while making it relevant to contemporary discussions about gender equality in STEM fields.
Impact and Lasting Impressions
The novel’s greatest achievement is how it makes the vast expanse of space feel intimately connected to human experience. Reid suggests that the greatest frontiers we face aren’t just physical but emotional—the distances we’re willing to cross for love, the boundaries we’re prepared to push for what matters most.
Final Verdict
Atmosphere represents both a departure and an evolution for Taylor Jenkins Reid. While it occasionally struggles with pacing and some plot elements could be more fully developed, the novel succeeds in its ambitious goals. It’s a testament to Reid’s growing capabilities as a writer that she can tackle such complex technical material while maintaining the emotional depth her readers expect.
The book will particularly appeal to:
- Fans of historical fiction with strong romantic elements
- Readers interested in women’s experiences in STEM fields
- Those who enjoy character-driven narratives with technical elements
- Anyone who has ever wondered about the human side of space exploration
Similar Books and Recommendations
Readers who enjoy Atmosphere might also appreciate:
- The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal
- Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
- Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven
- An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield
The Author’s Journey
With Atmosphere, Taylor Jenkins Reid continues to prove herself as one of contemporary fiction’s most versatile voices. While maintaining the emotional authenticity that made her previous books successful, she pushes herself into new territory both technically and thematically. The result is a novel that, while not perfect, demonstrates significant artistic growth and ambition.
This book solidifies Reid’s position as a writer who can tackle complex historical settings while never losing sight of the human stories at their center. It’s a worthy addition to her bibliography and suggests exciting possibilities for where she might take readers next.
