Atmosphere

by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Atmosphere cover
Good Books rating 3.88
Historical Fiction
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Hardback • £16.99
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Technical
  • ID: 494
  • Added: 2025-09-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780593158715
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2025-06-03
  • Formats: 30
  • Reviews: 4

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a captivating novel set against the backdrop of the 1980s space shuttle program. The story follows Joan Goodwin, a thoughtful and reserved physics professor who dreams of the stars. When she is selected as one of the first women scientists to join NASA's space shuttle program, her life takes an extraordinary turn. Alongside a diverse group of fellow candidates, including Top Gun pilot Hank Redmond and scientist John Griffin, Joan embarks on a journey of self-discovery and passion, both in her career and in love. As the astronauts prepare for their first flights, Joan's life becomes a whirlwind of new experiences and emotions. The novel explores the transformative power of love and the pursuit of one's dreams, all set against the iconic backdrop of the space race. The story takes a dramatic turn in December 1984, during mission STS-LR9, where everything changes in an instant. Atmosphere is a fast-paced, emotionally charged tale that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.

Reviews
Literary Hub · 2025-09-13
popular 4.75

Ranked as the most recommended book across numerous summer reading lists, this novel is recognized for its widespread acclaim and popularity. It stands out as a top summer pick among critics and readers alike.

Literary Hub’s aggregation of 35 summer reading lists reveals this book as the most frequently recommended title, reflecting its strong critical and popular endorsement. Its placement at the top indicates a consensus on its quality and appeal, marking it as a defining read for the season. The review implies that the novel’s success is due to its compelling storytelling and the author’s established reputation, making it a reliable choice for readers seeking a standout summer book. It suggests that this book is likely to resonate widely, offering both entertainment and literary merit.

Quick quotes

    Taylor Jenkins Reid, Atmosphere, recommended on 19 lists.

    It really speaks for itself, starting with the winner-by-a-mile.

    The Ultimate Summer 2025 Reading List.

The Girlfriend · 2025-09-13
exciting 4.50

The book is highly anticipated, praised for its exciting premise combining astronomy and NASA's space program with personal and romantic stakes. It is considered a standout summer read with strong emotional and narrative appeal.

The reviewer expresses strong enthusiasm for the book, linking it to Taylor Jenkins Reid’s previous popular works and praising its unique setting in the world of NASA and astrophysics. They emphasize the emotional resonance of the protagonist’s journey and the excitement around the space mission narrative, suggesting it will be a compelling and thrilling read. Additionally, the review situates the book as a must-have for summer reading lists, alongside other beloved authors and titles, underscoring its broad appeal and expected popularity. The tone is conversational and inviting, encouraging readers to dive into this promising novel that combines scientific ambition with heartfelt storytelling.

Quick quotes

    Joan Goodwin has been obsessed with astronomy for as long as she can remember.

    This book promises to be 'out of this world' exciting.

    No list of beach reads is complete without mention of the queen of summer reads, Elin Hilderbrand.

oceanwriterreads.com · 2025-08-04
Confusing 2.00

The reviewer criticizes the book for having contradictory plots and uneven writing, making it hard to follow.

The reviewer finds the book challenging due to its three distinct and contradictory plots. They mention that the writing jumps from scientific jargon to romantic elements, making it difficult to engage with the story consistently. The reviewer's frustration with the book's structure is evident in their critique.

Quick quotes

    This book had three distinct plots, all of which contradicted each other.

    One chapter can be filled with scientific jargon, the next, a romantic interlude.

    The contradictory nature of the plots makes it hard to follow.

ivereadthis.com · 2025-07-15
thoughtful 4.25

The novel thoughtfully explores women's independence and the pressures faced by female astronauts in a male-dominated environment. It realistically portrays complex social dynamics and rivalry among women striving to break barriers.

The reviewer appreciates how the book addresses serious issues like gender discrimination and the high stakes women face when breaking into traditionally male-dominated fields, such as NASA's astronaut program. The story reflects the intense pressure on these women to succeed not only for themselves but as representatives of all American women, highlighting the heavy burden of being 'firsts' in their field. This adds a serious and authentic layer to the narrative, making it more than just a space adventure. Furthermore, the book explores the complicated relationships among the female trainees, including tension, sabotage, and the challenge of balancing camaraderie with competition. The reviewer finds these social dynamics relatable and well depicted, helping the reader immerse in the time period and the emotional landscape of the characters. This nuanced portrayal of women’s struggles and resilience is seen as a strong point of the novel.

Quick quotes

    There were four men on that shuttle. But every American woman was.

    The pressure on the ‘first’ group of anything is immense.

    Some women actively sabotage their fellow female classmates while others simply put their head down and try to work ten times as harder.

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