did i finish this book or did this book finish me?

i fell in love with daisy jones and the six because of the unreliable narrators and the fact that they were so flawed they were believable. I fell in love with atmosphere because of the reliable narrators and their flaws that made them real people.

i loved this book from page one. sometimes you pick up a book and you know it’s going to alter your life in some way. this was one of those books.

i fell in love with the characters. i fell in love with the found family. i fell in love with the romance. i fell in love with space. as somebody who can’t sit through any movies that take place in space, this book made me want to learn more about what’s out there.

i can’t even write about how much i loved this book because i fear it would be a gazillion pages. but please know i loved this book so much. joan and vanessa and frances and even lydia have my whole heart. i will be thinking of each of them anytime I listen to ‘i don’t want to live on the moon’ from sesame street or ‘space oddity’ by bowie.

thank you so much to penguinrandomhouse for an ARC of this book 🔭

“To look up at the nighttime sky is to become a part of a long line of people throughout human history who looked above at that same set of stars. It is to witness time unfolding.”

Thank Penguin Random House Canada for the eARC.

Atmosphere followed Joan who has hopes of becoming and astronaut with NASA. WE MEET Joan’s sister Barbara, who’s very easy to dislike, and her niece Frances. We also meet the group of hopeful astronauts Joan is grouped with. Jenkins Reid is fabulous at writing great characters and you can’t help but like - Lydia was my fave!


It took a while before I realized what JenkinsReid was hinting at with regards to Joan and I don’t want to spoil it here. Just a really nice live story in the plot- which I thought was so sweet.

I enjoyed learning some astronaut and NASA specifics. I had no idea and it was great because it was set at a time when women were JUST being allowed to fill these roles.

I have never met a book by this author that I didn’t love but this one was hard to LOVE. It moved pretty slowly and at times it felt difficult to get through. The plot moved quite slow and not a lot of action. The action came a little too late in the story line for me.

Overall, I would give this book 2.7 stars.

You can never go wrong when picking up a Taylor Jenkins Reid book. Like all of her others, this one is beautifully written, keeps you intrigued, gets you right from page 1. You will feel all the emotions as you read this book!

While I didn’t expect to enjoy the subject matter as much as some of TJR’s other books, I was wrong. I could not put this book down. It was engaging and emotional and like always Taylor Jenkins Reid does an excellent job of capturing the particular world the story is set in for a general audience. Loved it!

This was my favourite Taylor Jenkins Reid book so far! It had everything: suspense, romance, personal growth, family drama, the works. I loved the main character, Joan, the love of her life, Vanessa, and her beloved niece Frances.

I think this book will appeal to a very wide audience, and I can absolutely imagine it as a successful film or limited series. It will be one of my go-to recommendations for 2025!

Thanks very much to the publisher and to NetGalley for the chance to read a digital ARC in advance of publication.

Atmosphere is a well written, well researched book that brings to life strong characters, the early space era and so much more.

I predict it will be quite a few Book Club selection and justifiably so.

It is the 1980's and Joan Goodwin follows her dream to be a woman astronaut when NASA finally allows women into their space program.

Women have more to prove and it wont be an easy road.

Joan's class is full of fascinating people and they all have something to offer each other and the program.

The training is rigorous.

Taylor Jenkins Reid leads the reader down the path of astronomy, the power and history of stars, the history of the space progam and so much more than that.

The heart of the book is the characters and their relationships specially that of Joan's niece and her surprising attraction to fellow astronaut Vanessa.

Times were different then.

I dont want to say much more in order not to spoil the suspense, the story but I will say the book is hard to put down and it is one of my favourite Taylor Jenkins Reid.

I wont forget it anytime soon and have preordered my hard copy as I must have this book on my shelf.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada (adult)/Doubleday Canada for privilege of reading and reviewing this outstanding book Atmosphere.

Well, TRJ has done what only the VHS tape of "Apollo 13" at the cottage my family rented every summer has done before: made me care (AND CRY) about space. I didn't find the protagonist quite as compelling as Carrie Soto or Evelyn Hugo, and my eyes glazed over whenever there was concentrated talk of latch doors/ bulkheads/ compression ducts/ other spacey-tech jargon, but I'll be damned if I wasn't invested in this love story regardless.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

Cover thoughts: I looked back at my cover thoughts for Carrie Soto, and the exact same note applies: it's a cool vibe, but I wish they'd find a girl without Instagram face.

4.5
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the e-arc!
What an emotional turmoil of a story (maybe finishing it in 36 hours didn’t help). This is one of my favourite TJR books, and she does exactly what she does best - character work. I was so invested in every one of these characters lives, good and bad. Even though this novel goes between past and present day, revealing some important plot points, TJR does an incredible job at weaving them together and making you feel so deeply for the characters that when you get to present day, you are waiting and hoping for the best.
My heart rate changed about 15 times while reading the last few chapters, but woah was this a page turner.
Cant wait for this book to be published and for this story to be in the world!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. My review may contain spoilers.

When the girls say "I want a book to devastate me", this is the kind of book they mean!

Equal parts smart contemporary fiction, social commentary, and heart-racing suspense, this novel was an absolute joy to read from beginning to end. I may be biased in part because I've always loved space and NASA, so this book was already up my alley. The LGBTQ+ love story was a bonus, as well as the other relationships showcased and prioritized throughout the journey. I really appreciated that while this is posed as a "love story", it's unclear if the real love story is between Vanessa and Joan, between Joan and her niece, between the whole group of astronauts, or between astronauts and space. I guess it's all of the above, and that's what makes it such a wonderful read: there are lots of story arcs to care about, and we get ample time with all of them.

I did find the romance between Joan and Vanessa to be a bit slow in the earlier part of the book, but I think in hindsight that made sense for the overall story (and being that they were in the position they were in). Aside from that, I am really having a hard time thinking of anything that I would consider a negative about the book.

Definitely a recommend from me!

- love love love, cannot recommend enough nor wait for this book to be added to my library
- i enjoyed learning about everything TJR wrote when it came to space, relationships and how emotionally connected people can become through their passions
- each character was easily distinguishable and had their own role in making each space mission a success
- the emotional journey throughout this book was beautiful, and TJR did a great job of slowly bringing us in and to this new world
- it wasn't a super "space heavy" book, if that's what you're looking for, but more about how space and the idea of what it represents can impact ourlives

5/5

I might need a couple of days to digest this… TJR did it again and I hope hope hoooope this is adapted into a tv series eventually🤞

Atmosphere truly was a love story, but it wasn’t one you’d expect. It was so much bigger than romance - Joanie showed us unconventional maternal love, a deep sense of purpose and a love for her job, for the Earth and the stars. One of my favourite plot points was the bond that grew between Vanessa and Francis. Their dynamic pretty quickly turned into a fun Auntie/Niece vibe. I lived for their PB&J and strawberry milkshake dates, and absolutely adored their rebellious kindred spirits. In hindsight it totally makes sense that Vanessa so easily took up the space of “cool auntie,” because Joan had always been so much more than that to Fran. She was the one person who really understood her. The one who would always look out for her and sacrifice everything to keep her world spinning 💙

The last page came as a shock, I reaaaally wasn’t ready for the story to end… I can, however, imagine the beautiful life that the girls would continue to live. I feel like I got to know them well enough that I could fill in the blanks; would have loved an Epilogue tho! Like please just tell me about how the world keeps spinning after such a dramatic/traumatic event!!!!

The descriptions were gorgeous, even poetic in some instances. This story showed me new ways to see the world and for that I am grateful. Thank you to TJR for this masterpiece, and to NetGalley for the ARC.

Seriously, such a joy. Pick this up ASAP!

I love love love Taylor jenkins Reid and while unfairly to her I had high expectations for this one; it fell flat for me and I’m not entirely sure why.

We all know this is a historical fiction based on female astronauts but what I didn’t know was that it’s an LGBTQ love story as well as a family drama. While I loved the love story aspect; the family subplot was extremely boring for me and honestly I think this book was just too smart for me. I feel like everything went over my head seeing as there’s tons of five star reviews.

My other complaint is that there are two timelines and I HATED knowing what was happening in present day as it changed my mood on how I felt toward events happening in the past. I think it would have had more of an emotional impact had I not known what was currently happening until the end.

But that being said; we do still receive our beloved TJR writing style, meaning it’s super easy to read and get lost in.
Overall, I’m glad I read it, but Carrie Soto will always be my queen 🎾

Atmosphere is the first Taylor Jenkins Reid book I've read (I know I know) and must say I loved it! One of my favourite books so far this year. I read this in one sitting. Full of suspense and emotions I could not put this down!
Taking place in the 80s during NASA space shuttle program we meet Joan Goodwin just as tragedy is about to strike. From here we go back to follow along with her and her fellow astronaut candidates through the years of training. See how family, friendship, relationships and love all develop amongst this group of individuals.

Huge huge huugeeee thank you to Penguin Random House for an ARC of one of my highly anticipated books of the year. I’ve been a TJR fan since first reading Evelyn Hugo (duh ofc) and every one of her novels since have been such a pleasure to read. But this one…this one might be my absolute all time favorite (sorry Carrie Soto, I still love you!!) 

Truly truly an absolute amazing read. There is so much to talk about so I’m breaking this down into what I loved: 


- Vanessa and Joan!!!!! THESE TWO!! Everything about their relationship is so raw and real. The love they have for one another, which can’t be expressed outright because of who they are and what they do, but the fact it’s so plain to see to everyone around them. It’s in their words, in their actions, the way they commit themselves to one another. The moment Joan knows the decision Vanessa has made in space before anyone else does, because she KNOWS this woman, the love of her life. Their relationship was so joyful to read, especially in those sad moments. I love both of them so much, and there are so many things that happen between the two of them that make me want to wrap myself up and just be.

- Frances and Joan’s relationship!!! I love that Frances was as big of a part of this story as Joan’s relationship with Vanessa was. The idea that no matter how old we are, we deserve to feel wanted and deserve to feel loved. I’m happy that TJR gave us a slice of this. To see that no matter what, Frances was always the best part of Joan. I sobbed the moment that she came from space the first thing she did was check on Frances. The way she affirms Frances’ feelings in a way that Barbara could never, Joan was always meant to be a mom - just a mom to Frances. There is something so absolutely special and beautiful with the way TJR writes family dynamics (hello Malibu Rising!) I was just really happy that Frances always had Joan in her corner.

- The group dynamic between the astronauts. I can’t, I love everything about them. They way they all understood each other, the way they were a found family in this tough environment. The worst part is reading about all the astronauts dying on the space ship, and then reading about their relationships as they start to build. It’s like we are given this slice into who these people are, and they’re taken away from us so soon. We don’t even know what we have until they’re all gone (and yes I’m talking about Griff!! I loved that Joan loved him) and yes even Lydia too, so misunderstood - but not to Joan, never to Joan.

- Lastly, Joan….I LOVE YOU JOAN!! She might be my favorite FMC ever of all time. She is what we all wish we were, brave, strong, pure. She is all of it in one and I wish I could say she reminds me of me, but no she is so much better.

Everything about this book is so deeply human and so deeply real. At its core this novel is about love. Romantic love, the love you have for your family - despite how hard that love might be, and the love between friends. And if there’s anything you take away from this, TJR knows how to write a love story. 

God I love this woman!

As a massive fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid I was ecstatic to be privileged to receive an early copy of a very coveted book like Atmosphere. Atmosphere will take your breath away with amazing character development and Taylor Jenkins Reid's amazing way of intertwining characters and their backstories.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

🎧Song Pairing: Cloudbusting - Kate Bush (the MC loves Kate Bush, I mean who can blame her. What a queen)

💭What I thought would happen:

My most anticipated book of the year! Obvi it’s spacey but like is it HF?

📖What actually happens:

🚀1st females in NASA Astronaut program
👩‍🔬Women in STEM
🏳️‍🌈LGBTQ+
🩶1980s
💫Space excursion crisis

🗯Thoughts/sassy musings:

The people have spoken - I polled ya’ll to see which book would be reviewed today late last night and it wasn’t even close to the other 3 contenders.

I had no freaking chill whatsoever when this hit my NetGalley. I wanted to read before hearing others opinions.

Loved it! If I wasn’t getting misty, I had some serious goosebumps. Even now have goose pimples thinking of what happened 😱

I’d say this one while great falls after my love of Evelyn Hugo and Carrie Soto - who can beat those queens I mean seriously? As I’ve read all of TJR’s books I’d say 3rd is still a solid place to be!

TJR might be able to be classified as women’s fiction, a term that to some may feel derogatory, but I use it in the sense that it’s about strong women seeing strong women characters in their novels. Whether it’s Daisy or Evelyn, or even Emma from #OneTrueLoves which was my first book by @tj almost a decade ago.

Seeing how her writing has changed (much like some other favs like Hannah or Picoult), it’s been a journey to realize that the term ‘women’s lit’ feels like the definition is channeling into a better description. And with it, the FMC she creates with it.

This novel is about space.
It’s about family.
Expectations, community and science.
But within all of that is a love story and the FMC going through a transformation that sees her stronger with the ones who walk all over her and the gift of being “that person” for someone else: both little and adult.

The opening chapter had my heart thumping as we enter 1984 up in space where something has gone epically wrong for astronaut Vanessa. Back on the ground, her command leader speaker (not the right title but easier this way) Joan is trying to assess without emotion.. knowing darn well it will be impossible to separate the two.

As the book progresses, we flip back and forth in time to see how these women (and the group around them) find themselves as some of the first women astronauts. It’s part historical fiction (ugh is 1980 really HF now?) and part teaching a piece of history with emotions we may never feel.

I was fascinated to tip my toes into this NASA world. I could never do it, knowing that my own feet need to stay firmly on earth (I puke in helicopters ok?🤣), but also amazed at what humans have done to space exploration and the way in which women have broken into a male dominated part of Government.

There were pieces as I said earlier that went over my head but she writes in such a way that I can already see this up on 📺 or 🎥. It’s got that genre blending that works so well in that format.

For me, I was there for the ride. Happily on earth and with tears running down my face in the last 10 min. What is it with found family that just gets me so good 😭

BIG Taylor Jenkins Reid fan here! Was so excited to receive this ARC in exchange for a review. The character development was amazing and the plot addicting. At points I felt that TJR was trying a bit too hard to make things fit together but generally I was enraptured with the story and the strong women characters - something we need more of in our novels. This is not a literary feat but rather a very digestable and enjoyable read. The ending was gripping, extremely emotional and hopeful. I read the acknowledgments at the end and could totally imagine TJR telling this story to her daughter. It’s one we need to share with ALL our daughters. Reach for the stars! Thank you to Penguin Random House and Net Galley for the ARC - and of course to Taylor Jenkins Reid for the opportunity to read this well crafted love story. What’s next TJR??? Looking forward to it already.

Completely captivating and mesmerizing, ATMOSPHERE is an incredible character study against the backdrop of NASA's Space Shuttle program from the 1980s. Taylor Jenkins Reid is a master at research, delivering a story that is both compelling and historically accurate without being too bogged down by the science/facts. This novel also feature robust supporting cast that is well-developed.

ATMOSPHERE is absolutely out of this world!

Amazing!! I loved this book so much! But I would expect nothing less from a book written by Taylor Jenkins Reid. She can write a strong female character like nobody else. This book is filled with so much emotion, friendship, perseverance and love; and I couldn't put it down. I cried so many tears. Like a lot! It really shows the human ability to do so much more than we ever dreamed possible when we have no other choice but to do it. I also adored the strong focus on women's rights and equality. She really showed the pressure put on a woman to represent all women, while a man is just himself.

I would definitely recommend this book. It is so good!

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.