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.

Why do ratings max out at five stars? I don't think I can properly express how much I loved this book - the whole thing was beautiful, from the talks of stars and the universe to the love story that unfolded. The 1980s NASA setting was a great backdrop, I found myself rooting for everyone on the team (especially Joan and Vanessa, of course), although the split timelines were built for maximum emotional damage and the present-day situation usually gave me brutal whiplash. Would totally get my heart ripped out again just to enjoy the slow burn of the romance and the inspiring dialogues about space.

TJR mentioned wanting her readers to come away from this book with a renewed sense of wonder and awe towards the universe, and I definitely say she accomplished that!

The blurb for this book shouts “an epic new novel set against the backdrop of the 1980s Space Shuttle program about the extraordinary lengths we go to live and love beyond our limits.”

For me this was misleading. I was all ready for a novel filled with excitement, tension and extraordinary space encounters. What I felt I got was very much a love story set against this background.

The first 30% was great as we are introduced to a group of men and women hoping to become part of the crew for a new mission.

About this time the novel starts to shift from exciting space travel to an exploration of personal identity and LOVE!! Nothing wrong with a love story but that isn’t what I was expecting.

Joan Goodwin is a single professor of astronomy at Rice University. She is pretty content with her life until - she learns that NASA is accepting applications from women scientists. They would be the first women involved in the Space Shuttle program.

Vanessa is an aeronautical engineer who has always dreamed about flying in space. She is already a skilled pilot and has dreamt about flying the shuttle back to earth.

Hank Redmond – another pilot; John Griffin - an astrophysicist; Lydia Danes - mission specialist; Donna Fitzgerald the morale booster for the team.

If you go into this one expecting less excitement and more drama - you will enjoy this novel more than I did!

I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to read and review this novel.

This is my third TJR book and every time I read one I think ‘oh now this one, THIS is my favorite’. But this is beautiful, and it is the women astronauts story we all deserve in this trash fire hell year of 2025. Add it to cart. Right now. You won’t regret this.

Atmosphere is a masterful exploration of self-discovery, set against the backdrop of the 1980s space shuttle program. At its core is Joan Goodwin, a reserved and thoughtful astronomer whose quiet life is upended when she embarks on a transformative journey—not just into space, but into the depths of her own heart.

Joan's relationship with Vanessa Ford, a fellow astronaut and aeronautical engineer, is the catalyst for her profound personal growth. Initially, Joan is hesitant, unsure of her feelings and the implications of loving another woman in a time and profession where such relationships are fraught with challenges. However, through Vanessa's unwavering support and understanding, Joan begins to embrace her true self.

Their love story is tender and authentic, capturing the complexities of navigating identity and desire in a world that often demands conformity. Vanessa doesn't just become Joan's partner; she becomes her mirror, reflecting a version of Joan that is bold, unapologetic, and deserving of love.

Through their connection, Joan learns invaluable lessons about trust, vulnerability, and the courage it takes to love freely. Atmosphere is not just a romance; it's a celebration of the quiet yet powerful ways love can transform us, urging us to reach for the stars within ourselves.

Highly recommend for anyone who loves character-driven fiction, slow-burn queer romance, and stories about the hard, beautiful work of becoming.

Let me just wipe the tears off my face as I write this. The last 30 pages were heart racing and emotional!
I am a ride or die TJR fan and Atmosphere doesn't disappoint. I went in not knowing anything and quickly got absorbed into the world of 1980s NASA space program. While NASA was the background of the book it focused more on the relationships that the main character had with her family and co-astronauts who became closer to her than her actual family.
I loved it so much and I can't wait for it to come out on Audiobook so I can listen to Julia Whelan (assumed) read it to me again.

Thank you to NetGalley, Taylor Jenkins Reid and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the eARC.

Atmosphere is one of the most beautifully written love stories - not just between the characters but the relationship we as humans have with the universe.

The entire time I felt like I was observing the past, and wishing to be a fly on the wall at NASA. Not only was this a slow burn, but the sense of finding yourself in a world that’s not made for you to be different, and the found family that loves you in spite of those differences - this left me heartbroken, and happy simultaneously.

If there is one thing that I can say for certain, it’s that TJR’s way of story telling is one of my favorite parts of reading anything and everything she writes, and the research she puts into her work (even if it’s not perfect) shows, and always leaves me with different views on life.

Atmosphere, I love you - and you deserve the world of stars.

I just finished this and I am still breathless! If you are anything like me you will finish this book sobbing. I love Joan, I love Frances, I love Vanessa, and Griff, Donna, Hank, even Lydia these characters are just amazing!
Joan Goodwin joins NASA in the early 80s and as a female in the corps it is not easy! She struggles with the sexism, the challenges of her personal life and the struggle to balance that with her work, and when she finds love, she finds herself!
I wish I could keep reading, I’m so invested in this story!
Thank you so much to Taylor Jenkins Reid and the team at Penguin Random House and NetGalley for choosing me to be a part of the Atmosphere Launch Team! One of my favorite reads of 2025 so far!

Wow-I’m not sure how to review this one. TJR is a favorite. I was so excited to get this ARC from NetGalley. To begin with, in the first 3rd of the book there were just too many characters, acronyms and terms to keep up with. I even made a cheat sheet. And the storyline was really boring or too technical -again -at first. Then it took a turn and the pieces started falling into place as it focused mainly on 2 characters Joan and Vanessa. I was hooked and thought I knew exactly how it was going to end -until the last page. What started out as 2 stars ended with 4. I’m glad I stuck with it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the eARC.

Joan Goodwin is a local professor of physics and astronomy. She holds her family together by being the one stable family member - often taking care of her sister and niece. Joan has never had a boyfriend and frankly isn't interested. Instead, her heart is set on NASA. She applies to a program at NASA, and is at first rejected. So she applies again. And this time, she is selected from thousands to begin training as an astronaut. This story takes place over the course of a few years as Joan begins to build relationships with fellow soon-to-be-astronauts as well as tries to hold her own family together. Then, something goes wrong with a flight.

Taylor Jenkins Reid has such a strong ability to fictionalize real events, and she showcases her talent in Atmosphere. With everything in the news the last several months regarding space exploration, this is such a timely piece. I absolutely fell in love with the characters and the story line. I would recommend this to anyone who has enjoyed Reid's previous novels, reading about women empowerment, or enjoys historical fiction. Atmosphere is told in alternating timelines which helps to build the suspension. This story never felt too technical with NASA/space terminology, and I am thankful for that. My only "complaint" with this book is that we do not have any appearances of previous characters, as Reid's books usually have mentions of characters from parallel story lines.

I enjoyed the astronaut story line, how they competed and supported each other. I also liked the niece storyline.

This story gripped me from the very beginning and I found the quick changes between two timelines to really propel the story forward and build great tension. By about halfway through the book, the narrative stays focused on the earlier timeline for longer stretches of time, and while this slowed the pace of the story down, it made space for some really beautiful writing about womanhood, motherhood, family, love, career, and legacy. I found this part of the book to be very compelling and thought-provoking, and I think this will stick with me for a long time.

This book steps away from the celebrity aspect of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s last few novels, but I really enjoyed it. I liked diving into a relatable character whose job and moment in history were unique, but this didn’t really seem to change who she was as a person or turn her into a massive celebrity. I also think this book struck a great balance between technical/scientific language and the love story at the heart of it. I could’ve gone for even more terminology and more insight into NASA at this point in history! I loved Frances and all the other secondary characters too, and it would’ve been fun to see even more interactions with Joan’s fellow astronaut candidates. And that ending, wow! I cried a few times while reading this book, but especially at the ending. Overall, I had a great time reading this book (even though it did break my heart), and I’m very excited to recommend and share this book with others!

Thank you to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the chance to be part of the Atmosphere launch team and read an advance copy of this book!

Thank you Random House Publishing Group for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

In Atmosphere, a reserved astronomy professor’s lifelong obsession with the stars propels her into NASA’s Space Shuttle program, where unexpected friendships and love challenge everything she thought she knew, until one mission changes it all.

I honestly believe Taylor Jenkins Reid could write in any genre and I’d still fall in love with her books. Atmosphere just proves that even more. I went into this one completely blind, knowing nothing except that it was by TJR, and as usual, she didn’t disappoint. The way she creates characters that feel so real and flawed always pulls me in, and this time she pairs that with breathtaking descriptions of space, pulse-pounding space mission scenes, and an emotional, sapphic love story at its core. I also loved the found family vibes and the authentic, well-researched look at NASA in the 1980s. Even though the pacing felt a little uneven at times, Reid’s ability to balance complex technical details with deep character development shows just how much she keeps growing as a writer. If you love stories about space, self-discovery, and love that sneaks up on you, this one’s a must-read!

Atmosphere is scheduled for publication on June 4, 2025, by Random House Publishing Group.

I'm the biggest fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid's books and was (pardon the pun) absolutely over the moon to hear she was tackling a story of women in the space program. This book had all of my catnip favorites and was so enjoyable to read. I already ordered two of the special editions. It's *that* good of a book!