Atmosphere Review
This book made me cry. Every single part of it was made for me. The science was written perfectly and I love how Taylor Jenkins Reid writes characters. Like they are real people who make real decisions and mistakes. This was a 5 star read for sure.
🪐Story: The story is about a college professor becoming an astronaut and learning about herself. It’s told in a split timeline way where the earlier timeline is her and her friends becoming astronauts and the second timeline is a terrible accident happening in space. The timelines eventually combine into one.
👩🚀Main Characters: The main perspective we get is Joan Goodwin who is trying to get her dream of being an astronaut in 1980. She has realistic struggles for a woman in 1980 trying to make it in a “man’s field,” smartest person in the room but still gets talked down to. She also has a strained relationship with her sister but a close relationship with her niece. We do get Vanessa’s perspective some of the time, an astronaut involved in the accident.
🔭 Side Characters: My favorite character was Joan’s niece Frances who is having an absolutely terrible time. She reminded me so much of my little sister with all of her curiosity and enthusiasm. I cried multiple times
🛏️Spice: There is a small amount of spice and it’s not too explicit
🚀Drama: The Drama in this book is about being a woman in stem in 1980’s. It’s interesting and intense at times. There is also drama with Joan’s sister that adds more to her as a character. Also once again the first chapter is about an accident in space, it’s going to be dramatic.
🎼 Song: I’m arguing with the characters in the book, Starman By David Bowie
🛰️Overall: I’m rating it a 5/5 and it’s going to be a new favorite. I loved every single part of this book. If you love space you should read this.
💵 Where To Read: I bought it for my birthday at target. Look at your local library or try to find it in stores.
🏷️: #lemon8bookclub #lemon8challenge #atmosphere #taylorjenkinsreid #space
After finishing 'Atmosphere,' I found myself thinking endlessly about Joan Goodwin and Vanessa. Their stories aren't just about space; they're about resilience, ambition, and navigating a world that wasn't always ready for powerful women. Joan's journey, striving to become an astronaut in the 1980s, felt incredibly real to me. The article mentioned her struggles as a woman in a 'man's field,' and I truly empathized with her having to constantly prove herself. Imagine being the smartest person in the room, yet still being talked down to – it’s a frustration many of us can relate to, even today. The OCR also highlighted her role as CAPCOM at the Johnson Space Center on a specific date, December 29, 1984. This detail really grounds her story in a tangible historical context, making her fight for recognition even more poignant. And then there's Vanessa, whose perspective we also get. The intertwining of their lives, especially as they face the terrifying realities of space, creates such a rich narrative. Their dynamic is so complex and human, making you root for them even when they make difficult choices. It’s what makes 'Atmosphere' more than just a space story; it’s a deep dive into human connection under extreme pressure. The aesthetic of 'Atmosphere' is another huge draw. The book cover itself, with its blend of space imagery and a vintage feel (as seen in the OCR), perfectly captures the novel's essence. The 1980s setting is palpable, not just in Joan's professional challenges but also in the cultural nods. The mention of David Bowie, with songs like 'Space Oddity' and 'Starman' (which the OCR also picked up on discussing best space songs), is brilliant. It adds a layer of nostalgia and cosmic wonder that truly enhances the reading experience. It’s exactly what I look for in 'atmosphere book aesthetic' content – a vibe that transports you. Beyond Joan and Vanessa, I have to mention Frances, Joan's niece. She truly stole my heart. Her curiosity and enthusiasm, despite her own struggles, brought such a different, tender energy to the story. It’s those well-rounded 'atmosphere book characters' that make Taylor Jenkins Reid's writing so immersive. Each character, from the main players to the supporting cast, feels incredibly authentic, making their joys and heartbreaks feel like your own. This 'atmosphere novel' isn't just a thrilling space drama; it's a profound exploration of personal growth, family relationships, and the quiet strength of women pushing boundaries. If you're searching for a book that combines historical fiction, science, and deeply moving character development, this is it. It’s truly a 5/5 read that will stick with you long after you turn the final page, leaving you with that melancholic, beautiful feeling only the best stories can.