Review By: Jessica Polge
Published: 2025
Genre(s): Historical Fiction, LGBTQ+, Feminism, Romance
Audience: Adult (Recommended for mature high school readers)
Content Warnings: Sexual harassment, homophobia, sexism, physical abuse
Goodreads Link: Atmosphere
Summary:
Set in the early 1980s at the dawn of the U.S. space shuttle era, Atmosphere follows Joan Goodwin, a physics professor who joins NASA’s first class of female scientists. During her training, Joan forms deep bonds with her team and falls in love with a fellow astronaut, Vanessa Ford. As their relationship deepens, a shuttle mission gone wrong forces Joan to confront both her fears and her heart.
Review:
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid delivers an emotionally rich blend of history, science, and love. The novel captures the excitement of NASA’s space race through a feminist lens, spotlighting women fighting for respect and recognition in a male-dominated field. Joan’s journey from professor to astronaut is as much about identity and courage as it is about exploration.
Reid’s writing balances technical detail with raw emotion, exploring themes of ambition, belonging, and authenticity. The love story between Joan and Vanessa, unfolding against the backdrop of 1980s societal constraints, feels deeply human and tender. The depiction of women breaking barriers and finding strength in solidarity makes this both an inspiring and heart-wrenching read.
Educators could use this novel to discuss women in STEM, LGBTQ+ history, and ethical dilemmas in science. Projects might include researching real women astronauts or writing creative “letters from space” that explore isolation and discovery.
