Atmosphere - a woman joins NASA in the 1980s and discovers great adventure and love.

Joan Goodwin always had a passion for space, which led her to become an astrophysics professor. When NASA opened up applications to women for its space program, Joan applied. A few years later, in 1984, when this moving story begins, Joan is at Houston's Johnson Space Center communicating with Vanessa Ford, one of the surviving members on a failed space shuttle mission, as they attempt to bring the satellite back to Earth. The book shifts to the years before the shuttle disaster, detailing Joan's journey after being accepted into NASA's program. The team she trains with becomes a close-knit group. Joan feels a special connection to Vanessa, who evokes feelings she had never experienced before. Their developing relationship must remain a secret. As Vanessa's life hangs in the balance on the shuttle, Joan's role takes on a special significance.

Taylor Jenkins Reid has boldly gone to some exciting places in her wonderful novels, including Old Hollywood, the beaches of Southern California, and the pro tennis circuit. Now, she ventures into space with Atmosphere. The characters, including Joan, Vanessa, and all the others, are exceptionally well-crafted. The love story is a tender one, and another important relationship is between Joan and her sweet niece Frances, who is neglected by her mother, Barbara. These human stories unfold as we anxiously wait to learn the fate of the shuttle. I also appreciated the mentions of David Bowie's songs "Starman" and "Space Oddity." 

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Historical Fiction | Romance.

Publication Date: June 3, 2025.

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