The Atmospherians

by Alex McElroy
The Atmospherians cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Crime
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  • ID: 8044
  • Added: 2025-12-20
  • Updated: 2025-12-20
  • ISBN: 9781982158309
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2021-05-18
  • Reviews: 3

Sasha Marcus was once a celebrated figure in the digital world, known for her high-profile wellness brand for women. However, a confrontation with an abusive troll has left her canceled, doxxed, and isolated. With men's rights protestors raging outside her apartment, Sasha's life has taken a dramatic turn for the worse. Her oldest childhood friend, Dyson, a failed actor with a history of body issues, devises a plan for Sasha to restore her reputation by becoming the face of his new business venture, The Atmosphere. This rehabilitation community for men is billed as a workshop for job training but is actually a rigorous program designed to rid men of their toxic masculinity and heal them physically, emotionally, and socially. Sasha has little choice but to accept the offer, but what awaits her as the resident female leader of a crew of washed-up, desperate men? And what exactly does Dyson want? The Atmospherians explores themes of redemption, toxic masculinity, and the complexities of modern society through a gripping and suspenseful narrative.

Reviews
DeeDi Reads · 2025-05-22
satirical 4.25

The novel is a smart and satirical exploration of toxic masculinity and influencer culture. The reviewer found it fun and dramatic.

The reviewer describes the novel as a smart and satirical take on contemporary issues. They appreciate the book's ability to tackle serious themes with a light touch, making it both fun and thought-provoking. The reviewer also highlights the book's dramatic elements, which keep the reader engaged. They see it as a significant contribution to the discussion on masculinity and culture, offering a unique perspective on these complex issues.

Quick quotes

    The Atmospherians is a smart, satirical novel about toxic masculinity, body image, and influencer culture.

    I thought it was fun, dramatic, and deeply engaging.

    The novel provides a sharp-edged view of how contemporary gender politics have changed culture—but not what it means to be human.

Elizabeth Reads Books · Elizabeth · 2021-08-18
entertaining 4.50

The writing is clear and engaging, with effective use of literary devices. The reviewer found the book deeply entertaining.

Elizabeth praises the writing style, noting its clarity and the effective use of literary devices. She found the book to be deeply entertaining and engaging. She appreciates the author's ability to create a compelling narrative that keeps the reader hooked. Elizabeth also highlights the book's ability to balance humor and serious themes, making it a enjoyable read. She sees it as a strong debut novel that showcases the author's talent.

Quick quotes

    The writing was absolutely wonderful and clear though, and I was deeply entertained.

    McElroy used many literary devices extremely well, which made the book a joy to read.

    The novel is a smart, satirical take on toxic masculinity, body image, and influencer culture.

Kenyon Review · 2021-06-18
insightful 4.00

The novel is at its best when it avoids simplistic explanations of masculinity. It offers a nuanced exploration of complex themes.

The reviewer appreciates the book's depth and complexity, particularly when it refrains from reducing masculinity to individual traumas. They find the novel's approach to these themes refreshing and thought-provoking. The reviewer also highlights the book's ability to maintain a balance between satire and serious exploration of contemporary issues. Overall, they see it as a significant contribution to the discussion on masculinity and culture.

Quick quotes

    The Atmospherians is best when it declines to psychologize, to reduce the problems of masculinity to the scale of particular traumas.

    The novel offers a sharp-edged view of how contemporary gender politics have changed culture—but not what it means to be human.

    The novel is briskly paced and structured in short chapters that either move the plot forward, build suspense, or provide needed context.

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