Book Review – Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

About the Book

In the summer of 1980, astrophysics professor Joan Goodwin begins training to be an astronaut at Houston’s Johnson Space Center, alongside an exceptional group of fellow candidates: Top Gun pilot Hank Redmond; mission specialists John Griffin and Lydia Danes; warmhearted Donna Fitzgerald; and Vanessa Ford, the magnetic and mysterious aeronautical engineer.

As the new astronauts prepare for their first flights, Joan finds a passion and a love she never imagined and begins to question everything she believes about her place in the observable universe.

Then, in December of 1984, on mission STS-LR9, everything changes in an instant.

Format: Audiobook Publisher: Penguin
Publication date: 3rd June 2025 Genre: Historical Fiction

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My Review

Atmosphere is the first book I’ve read by this author but having read lots of positive reviews I thought I’d give it a try. I’m glad I did because I really enjoyed it.

The dramatic events that unfold aboard the space shuttle are absolutely gripping. The author keeps the tension high and the level of technical detail gives it a real feeling of authenticity. I enjoyed the insight into the gruelling nature of the training for the astronaut programme. There’s camaraderie amongst the candidates – after all a crew must have total confidence in each other – but there’s also intense competition for places on a mission.

Joan Goodwin is a talented astrophysicist, accomplished pianist and devoted aunt. She could have come across as too perfect but the author shows us her vulnerable side meaning she is always an empathetic figure. Her determination to become an astronaut has dominated her life leaving no time for relationships. It’s an omission that hasn’t really bothered her until she meets someone who will change her life. However, it’s a relationship that must remain hidden as discovery could jeopardise two careers. In the end, Joan’s calm demeanour proves her most important asset. It gives her the opportunity to undertake a crucial role in the space shuttle mission. But it’s one which will test her ability to control her emotions in the most difficult of circumstances.

The gripping final scenes of the book gave me real Apollo 13 vibes (the film version starring Tom Hanks).

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Kristen DiMercurio and Julia Whelan. They sounded so similar I didn’t actually realise there were two narrators until the end credits!

In three words: Dramatic, emotional, authentic
Try something similar: Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly

About the Author

Taylor Jenkins Reid is the author of the New York Times bestselling novels Atmosphere, Carrie Soto Is Back, Malibu Rising, Daisy Jones and The Six, and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, as well as One True Loves, Maybe in Another Life, After I Do, and Forever, Interrupted. She lives in Los Angeles.

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