Book Review: Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The newest release by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Are you ready for this one? I held my breath to the very last page.
Quick Summary:
Joan Goodwin has always adored the stars and has felt content in her life as a professor of astronomy and physics. Her world is small, simple and predictable. When she discovers an ad for female candidates in the space program, she jumps in and doesn’t hesitate to apply. The space program opening up applications to women is a new development in the 1980s. After thousands of applications are submitted, Joan is selected and begins training at Houston’s Johnson Space Center. The candidates selected alongside her are an exceptional group, each having their strengths and specializations. Joan desires to be among the very few who have a chance to travel to space and leave Earth. Outside of the space program, Joan continues to have a simple life; she helps to take care of her niece Frances as much as possible and often finds herself stepping in when her sister Barbara takes the easy way out. Joan’s world begins to open up as she meets new people, her training group evolves into a supportive circle of friends, and she learns what she wants in life.
Thoughts:
I love Taylor Jenkins Reid. I’ve enjoyed some of her books more than others. She’s an auto-buy author in my book life. Daisy Jones and the Six, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo are two of my favourites. If you haven’t read them, you should. When it came to Atmosphere, I decided to go into this one with no expectations. I tried to go into it knowing as little as possible and decided to take my time reading it, no rushing. It was a fantastic strategy and enhanced my reading experience overall.
As the book started, I was immediately interested in Joan, her sister Barbara and her niece, Frances. Barbara seemed like the sister who shrugged off her motherly duties every time a man stepped into her life. Joan, always the one jumping in to help her and accepting her excuses. However, this results in an incredible bond between Joan and Frances. At times, you want to just smack Barbara upside the head.
While Joan begins to advance her career in the space program, she begins to discover who she is and what she wants in life. This is a “coming of age story” as an adult who hasn’t figured it all out yet. I adored her relationship with Vanessa. I won’t give any details here. This is a book about identity, sacrifice, and courage. Being a woman in a man’s world is not an easy task, loving someone that the world largely won’t accept takes tremendous courage and sacrifice.
I loved that this story took place in the ’80s. As someone who was born in 1985, I forget how much the world has advanced. I didn’t want this book to end; I savoured my time with the characters. To tell you the truth, I held my breath during the very last pages. The timeline jumps around to give Joan’s backstory, the current space mission, as well as her training. The writing style is captivating.
Did you read this one or have it on your TBR?
If you'd like to support my work, consider buying me a coffee (tea)—it helps me continue sharing as much free content as possible. I’m so grateful to everyone who’s subscribed. Happy reading!