Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

A heartfelt historical romance set in NASA’s thrilling space shuttle era.

Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Atmosphere is a sweeping novel set against the thrilling backdrop of NASA’s 1980s space shuttle program, following astrophysics professor Joan Goodwin as she transforms into an astronaut and discovers love and passion in the most unlikely of places. The story begins in the summer of 1980 when Joan joins the Johnson Space Center’s astronaut training alongside a diverse and talented group of candidates, including Top Gun pilots and mission specialists. As Joan prepares for her first flight, she not only confronts the physical and mental challenges of becoming an astronaut but also embarks on a profound personal journey that questions her place in the universe and explores the transformative power of love.

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At the heart of Atmosphere lies the evolving relationship between Joan and Vanessa Ford, a magnetic aeronautical engineer, which blossoms amid the high-stakes environment of NASA’s Mission Control. Their romance, tender and fraught with the need for secrecy due to societal pressures of the era, is portrayed with remarkable authenticity and emotional depth, highlighting themes of queer joy and self-discovery. Reid skillfully weaves this intimate love story with the larger narrative of human limitation, sacrifice, and the awe-inspiring vastness of space, making the novel both a space thriller and a poignant exploration of identity and belonging.

“Atmosphere is a masterful blend of space history and intimate storytelling that showcases Taylor Jenkins Reid’s talent for creating deeply human characters against extraordinary backdrops.”

The Book Guide® Editor

Reid’s meticulous depiction of 1980s NASA culture and the challenges faced by women in STEM enriches the novel’s immersive atmosphere. The supporting characters, from the formidable mission specialist Lydia Danes to Joan’s niece Frances, add layers of complexity and warmth to the story. The narrative’s tension builds masterfully toward the climactic space mission in December 1984, where everything changes in an instant, underscoring the risks and rewards of pushing beyond earthly limits. Atmosphere stands as a testament to Reid’s ability to transport readers to iconic times and places while delivering a passionate, soaring story about love among the stars.