Taylor Jenkins Reid hit it out of the park again with her newest novel, Atmosphere! This is a queer romance that takes place in the 1980s, following main character Joan Goodwin as she embarks on a life-altering journey to become one of NASA's first female scientists in the Space Shuttle program. Joan deals with family, friends, lovers, and her career in this emotional, inspiring historical fiction novel. While parts of the novel are told through Vanessa's POV, most of the story is told through Joan's narrative; the reader watches her transform from a logical, detached narrator into one who embraces love and emotion, and it's a wonderful thing to behold!

Setting/topic: Like Reid's other historical fiction novels, this book immerses the reader in the setting, and in this instance, it is the 1980s space exploration time period at NASA. We see the (fictional) workings of NASA and the training that the astronauts and scientists go through. While most of it was very complicated to me, it was fun to learn about. Part of the story revolves around a space mission that most of Joan's classmates are on, while Joan is giving orders from the ground; this part of the story seemed unrealistic, but it added a lot of suspense to the plot. The rest of the story is about Joan's experience at her new job, learning the ins and outs of NASA.

Romance: This romance was adorable! Joan experiences a queer awakening near the middle of the novel, falling for one of her coworkers, Vanessa. The love Vanessa and Joan share transforms Joan's life. The bond and pull between Joan and Vanessa was palpable! I enjoyed these two characters coming to find and welcome each other into their lives.

Themes/Topics: This novel explored topics of feminism, misogyny, family, homophobia, LGBTQ+ rights, and more. Joan faces issues with her male coworkers at NASA and struggles to find out the best way to address the blatant sexism. As Vanessa and Joan fall in love, they realize they must hide their relationship in order to keep their jobs; this brought up the important discussion of LGBTQ+ rights throughout history. Finally, as Joan starts to transform her career, she must balance her work with caring for her niece, Frances. Frances and Joan have a precious relationship, but Frances' mother (and Joan's sister) Barbara is jealous, and she tries to tear the two apart. I feel like TJR offered great commentary on all these topics in a subtle but meaningful way.

Overall, I would give this book a 4.5! Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I DNF’d at 30%. I do not read books with lesbian subplots and I did not know there would be one when I went into it. This is a me thing, and I’m sure others will not be bothered by it.

Taylor Jenkins Reid has been one of my favorite authors for years and I was unbelievably excited to hear she has a new release coming out. Atmosphere is emotional, romantic and poignant and one of her best works. The story of Joan and Vanessa is beautifully written and when the book ended I wanted more. The suspense of the last few pages had me on the edge of my seat and I was so happy with the ending. This book is amazing and I am truly in awe of the writing.
4.25 stars

This was an absolutely incredible story. First woman astronauts, navigating a same sex relationship, family drama, and grief, this book had it all. Taylor Jenkins Reid really did her research on Nasa and the study of the stars/space. I learned a lot, cried a lot, and got frustrated with the sister character so much it hurt. Highly recommend!

Such a wonderful queer love story, in space! Everything I didn't know to even ask for from Taylor Jenkins Reid.

Taylor Jenkins Reid does it again! I knew from the synopsis alone that I would love it - a historical fiction about women astronauts in the '80s? I'm in. Add a beautifully realistic sapphic romance to the mix? *chefs kiss*

The book had me riveted from the start. It held all the hallmarks of a TJR favorite throughout—fully fleshed-out and relatable characters, impeccable details that proved TJR did her due diligence researching NASA in the '80s, and the very real urge to keep asking myself, "Wait, this IS historical fiction, right? This didn't happen? Let me Google a couple of things just to be sure."

I cannot wait to have this title on our shelves. I know our customers will love Joan and Vanessa as much as I did.

If you're looking for a gripping, emotional read, I highly recommend Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid. It's a love story set against the backdrop of the 1980s space shuttle program, and it’s one of those books that pulls you in right from the start.

Joan Goodwin, a reserved physics professor, has always been fascinated by the stars. When she sees an ad for women scientists to join NASA, she decides to go for it—and she gets in. As she trains with a diverse group of astronauts in Houston, Joan discovers not only a new passion for space but also a love she never expected.

This book is full of emotion, excitement, and a bit of heartbreak, and it’ll make you think about love, ambition, and finding your place in the world. If you’re into powerful stories with complex characters, Atmosphere is definitely worth picking up!

In ATMOSPHERE, Taylor Jenkins Reid ventures bravely into the world of space exploration and the early days of NASA’s space shuttle program. Protagonist Joan Goodwin, an Astrophysics professor, realizes a dream when she is accepted into NASA’s astronaut training program. But, once among her fellow trainees, Joan’s life transforms in ways she never expected. She realizes she is in love with Vanessa, and finally understands why she always felt incomplete and unfulfilled before. Experiencing real loves gives Joan a confidence and a deeper understanding of her own relationship to the vast universe than she has ever had before. However, in the early 1980s, a lesbian relationship is not accepted at NASA, so Joan and Vanessa may lose everything if they are discovered. Then, when Vanessa’s shuttle mission goes awry, it seems the couple may never be together again.
ATMOSPHERE is a fantastic book that is really about all kinds of love. In addition to the central relationship, there is also a beautiful bond between Joan and her young niece Frances, as well as the bonds among the “chosen family” of the “group 9” astronauts.
Jenkins Reid does a great job of making the science in the novel both believable and accessible for the reader. This book was well written, expertly paced, and incredibly moving. ATMOSPHERE will lead you to examining the many forms of love in your own life, as well as your own place in this vast universe.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC for review.

I am a big fan of Reid's earlier novels but this and the previous have been struggles for me. This novel follows Joanie, a female astronaut recruit in the 1980s. This turns into a love story but I found myself bored through most of the novel.

Thank you to the publisher and author for the eARC. Before going out of this world with Atmosphere. Pack plenty of tissues and your favorite comfort meal. This book has so many heartfelt moments. Family bonds, self discovery, strength, self love, mental health rep, diversity, religion, and found family. The amount of effort and time that went into plotting this book. Amazing A+ as a space fanatic I appreciated the time and studying that went into this book. While the strength of the FMC was great. I personally enjoyed the secondary characters more. My heart shattered reading this book. The last bit was just soul crushing. That ending phenomenal. It kept you on your toes while you held your breath.

The strength our main girl Joan had was unlimited. Everything she did for her loved ones and the people she cared about. It really was inspiring. I loved her view on life. It really made you appreciate life even more. Pretty sure if I went outside and looked at the moon I would sob. Which is not unusual for me, but would hit even harder now.

If you have an interest in space. Definitely pick up this book on release day. I would keep going but going into this blind is the way to go.

Taylor Jenkins Reid always does such a beautiful job at making you fall in love with all the characters in her books. This book isn't just about astronauts making their way into space, but it's about found family, finding yourself, and making the most of the life you want to live. I really enjoyed it

I have been a fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid way back before Evelyn Hugo and Daisy took the world by storm. This is perhaps my favorite book she's written, and I've read them all. That's saying a lot for the author with a cult following of at least the aforementioned books. Atmosphere tells the story of a teacher who becomes an astronaut in the 80s right at the beginning of the space shuttle program. In the process, she meets lifelong friends and discovered her own self. With an alternating timeline, the tension builds until the final pages. It was absolutely beautiful and it will stay with me for a long time.

Taylor Jenkins Reid is an automatic read for me, so I was excited to see this new book from her. I am old enough to remember watching the Challenger explosion during class in elementary school, so I suspect readers from my generation will be drawn in by the setting and time period. Reid did a great job helping the reader understand what astronaut training was like and the challenges that women faced as they tried to become astronauts. I enjoyed the way she moved between the present and the past and also how she developed the character of Joan. The love story and the relationship Joan had with her sister and niece weave nicely into the more technical parts of the plot. Overall, this was a great book and I am sure TJR fans won't be disappointed.

Taylor Jenkins Reid's "Atmosphere" is a moving novel that transcends the typical historical fiction genre. Reid weaves a narrative that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant, capturing the spirit of the 1980s Space Shuttle program while exploring the complexities of human relationships.

Joan Goodwin is a protagonist who is both intelligent and vulnerable, making her relatable and engaging. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, with each character adding depth and nuance to the story. The exploration of the challenges faced by women in STEM during this era is particularly impactful.

Her meticulous research brings the 1980s NASA world to life, creating an immersive and authentic experience for the reader. The details of astronaut training and space missions are woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding a layer of realism.

"Atmosphere" is more than just a story about space; it's a story about love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of dreams. Reid skillfully explores the complexities of human emotions, leaving the reader with a lasting impression. The book handles same sex relationships with care, and adds a layer of depth to the story.

The pacing of the novel is excellent, keeping the reader engaged from beginning to end. The combination of historical detail, compelling characters, and emotional depth creates a truly unforgettable reading experience.
In conclusion, "Atmosphere" is a triumph for Taylor Jenkins Reid. It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys character-driven stories, historical fiction, or simply a beautifully written novel that will stay with you long after you've finished reading.

I want to thank the publisher for granting me a digital ARC of Atmosphere in exchange for an honest review. I have now read it twice and can confidently say this is my favorite of all Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books.

From the very first chapter, Atmosphere pulls the reader in with an opening that raises intriguing questions and ends on a cliffhanger. In a style reminiscent of Liane Moriarty, Reid then shifts back in time, immersing us in Joan Goodwin’s life—her career as a physicist, her relationships, and her journey to becoming an astronaut. The novel moves fluidly between past and present, building toward that climactic moment in space.

I hadn’t read the publisher’s summary before requesting the ARC—all I needed to know was “Taylor Jenkins Reid” and “set in space.” So, I was surprised to discover the romantic storyline, but I found myself hoping for Joan and this other character to connect. Their dynamic was compelling, and I loved how their relationship unfolded. More than that, I appreciated how quotidian their love felt—grounded in everyday moments rather than grand gestures.

Some reviewers have criticized the novel’s focus on Joan’s family drama, particularly her relationship with her sister, but I couldn’t disagree more. These personal stakes heightened the novel’s emotional impact, adding weight to the story’s climax and making the final scene all the more poignant. Joan’s speech in the closing chapter carried the weight of everything she had come to understand about this person, making the moment all the more poignant. The ache in my heart mirrored that of the people in mission control.

Reid has crafted what I believe to be her best work to date—not through flowery prose, but through clear, precise writing that makes every moment land with emotional weight. This novel celebrates found family, the importance of community, and the courage to fight for what we want while embracing the moments that change our priorities.

I was initially drawn to this book for personal reasons: I grew up hearing about the space race from both the American and Soviet perspectives. My earliest trips off my island were to watch rocket launches. I still drive hours to find a patch of dark sky for meteor showers or lunar eclipses, even if it means arriving at work sleep-deprived. I have read countless astronaut autobiographies, and I have chaperoned students to Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. But I fell in love with this book because it captures something I’ve always admired—the beauty of ordinary people excelling in extraordinary circumstances, learning from one another, and, sometimes, falling in love.

Atmosphere may not be a novel of great literary experimentation like [author:Samantha Harvey|1918920]’s[book:Orbital|123136728], but it captivated me just as powerfully. When it releases in June, I will be buying both the hardcover and the audiobook. If Taylor Jenkins Reid goes on tour, I’ll do my best to attend—I saw her speak when Daisy Jones & The Six was released, and while I loved that book’s innovative format (I can still remember where I was when I read the first sentence), Atmosphere means even more to me. I would love to hear her talk about it—and maybe even ask her a few questions.

TJR does it again. This book brings laughter, joy, fear, sadness and compassion. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions in the best way. It takes you back in time and yet it feels so modern. It’s a book about women in STEM before women in STEM was considered a thing. It’s multidimensional in regard to different relationships in a woman’s life and you can see how all our relationships can form and change us. I crowd. I smiled. I cheered. Highly recommend.

This book was incredible. I am not often interested in books about space and astronauts, but this book was a genuine treat to read. The last 10% absolutely destroyed me, and I can’t wait for more people to start talking about this. Please read!

What a perfect book to have read at the beginning of Women's History Month, even if this tale of two female astronauts is fiction.
Main character Joan is a brilliant astronomer, and also a dedicated caretaker to her irresponsible younger sister Barbara, and her beloved niece Frances. When Joan is accepted into NASA's astronaut program, women have not yet been in space, and she and her fellow females in the cohort have much to prove.
Out of all of her group, Joan is most taken by the brash and charismatic pilot, Vanessa. And while Atmosphere does have a riveting spaceship crisis as part of the plot, this novel is essentially an evolving love story between the two women. Vanessa has long known of her sexual identity, while the more traditional Joan is slow to realize why she is so magnetically drawn to her friend. As with the lesbian romance in the author's earlier novel The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, this love affair must also be kept secret as they both would risk their careers with NASA.
Taylor Jenkins Reid writes great novels about relationships, and not just centered on the romantic variety. Just as in her previous novel, Carrie Soto is Back, where she writes such a beautiful story about the tennis star and her love for her father, in Atmosphere, the author really develops the relationship between Joan and her young niece Frances. It is one of the best parts of this novel.
I usually complain about books being too long, but my quibble with Atmosphere is that it ends too abruptly, leaving this reader wanting to know more about how the story would unfold.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this advanced readers copy in exchange for my review.

LOVED this book! I think this is my favorite read of 2025 so far. As someone that reads a fair amount of LGBTQIA+ literature I especially enjoyed the layered perspectives of the challenges the FMCs faced as queer women both in societyas a whole as well as their experiences in a white male-dominated STEM field in the 80s. The love story was a bit of a slow burn, which felt frustrating at times, but all in all I adored the story as much, if not more, than the other TJR books I've had the privilege to read in the past. Highly recommend!

Oh, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one. While it didn’t disappoint, it just wasn’t to the level of Carrie Soto for me. But for fans of TJR’s writing, this was so well done. The romantic arc between Joan and Vanessa was well-paced and believable, and if I wasn’t dead inside, I would have cried through the last chapter like a baby. Highly recommend this book if you love love and are a fan of romances.

Joan is determined to be an astronaut. It’s early 1980s and women are **juuuuuuust* beginning to be taken seriously…..sort of almost barely. Joan falls deeply in love with her flight school classmates and they develop a deep bond. But the sparkle of one classmate in particular cannot be denied.
Enter Vanessa. Vanessa knows who she is. She knows what she wants. And she knows that there is so much more to Joan than even Joan knows. These two women support, encourage, challenge, and eventually love each other in a truly precious way.
But for Joan, there’s also her sister Barbara (rigid, close-minded) and Joan’s niece Frances (precocious, adores Joanie more than any other adult in her life) and her professional peers and instructors who will not tolerate, as one put it, “sexual deviance”.
Again, Reid shines at character development, particularly the slow burn of Joan and Vanessa’s romance, and the action that this story hangs on crescendos in a masterful way