Atmosphere

Taylor Jenkins Reid (TJR) is back once again with her signature mix of compelling characters and immersive world-building in her latest release, Atmosphere. Having already conquered 'BookTok' with a string of bestsellers, it's no surprise that this new addition to her repertoire has been hotly anticipated. With emotionally charged storylines set against dazzling, high-stakes backdrops, Reid continues to perfect a formula that delivers every time.

From 1950s Hollywood actors and 1970s LA rock legends to 1980s Malibu A-lister parties and 1990s sports icons, each of Reid’s novels reads like a behind-the-scenes MTV exclusive - dripping in drama, glamour, and humanity. Typically coming in at a digestible 300–400 pages, these standalone stories are perfect holiday reads: accessible yet rich, never skimping on depth of character or narrative payoff.

In Atmosphere, Reid catapults readers into a new world, the high-pressure, high-stakes environment of NASA’s 1980s space program. While the characters in this instalment are less star-struck than those in her previous novels, their ambitions are no less intense. Here, obsession with success, discovery, legacy and survival drive the narrative. The inclusion of the first female astronauts introduces a potent layer of tension, as gender dynamics, reputation, and the burden of proving oneself take centre stage. Add to this mix forbidden workplace romances, a regressive and patriarchal workplace culture, the exploration of sexual identity, and strained family relationships, and you have a storyline that rockets forward with urgency and emotional complexity. And that's just the launchpad, Atmosphere also centres on a catastrophic space accident that pushes every character to their limits, professionally and personally. TJR fans will find everything they’ve come to expect and more in this gripping, character-driven exploration of ambition, love, and legacy, set against the vast, volatile backdrop of space exploration. Undoubtedly, Atmosphere packs in a great deal of context and plot, yet it never feels rushed or overwhelming. Instead, Reid masterfully maintains an immersive pace, intense when it needs to be, but always clear, drawing readers into the emotional landscape of her characters. The result is a story that feels grounded in vulnerability, where the stakes are not just professional or physical, but deeply personal. Not everyone makes it out unscathed, and Reid doesn’t shy away from emotional consequences.

At the heart of it all is Joan Goodwin, our quiet but compelling protagonist. Joan is the kind of character who doesn’t scream for attention, but earns respect through quiet resilience and unwavering determination. She’s a portrait of introverted strength: someone who consistently shows up, delivers, and often excels under the radar. As she grapples with challenges in her career, her complex family dynamics, and the unfolding of her romantic identity, readers are invited into a deeply personal journey of growth and self-acceptance. Her first serious romantic relationship with a colleague unfolds with tenderness and tension, revealing layers of Joan’s emotional world as she comes to terms with her sexuality. It's nearly impossible not to feel the emotional weight Joan carries, or to see parts of ourselves reflected in her experiences, whether in the workplace, in love, or in the quiet moments of self-doubt. Her pragmatic, thoughtful approach to life’s complications makes her both relatable and admirable. She’s not impulsive or overly idealistic, but ambitious nevertheless, and it’s this roundedness that gives her character a quiet warmth and strength readers will likely carry with them long after the final chapter. Vanessa, by contrast, is far more fiery, radiating confidence, drive, and a fearless can-do attitude. She’s tough on the outside but undeniably soft at her core: a woman who is proud of her identity and brimming with the self-belief that Joan sometimes lacks. This contrast makes the dynamic between Joan and Vanessa not only compelling, but genuinely enriching. They challenge and uplift one another in all the right ways, each becoming a catalyst for the other’s growth. Their relationship feels real and raw, and Reid does a masterful job of navigating its many complexities. Set against a politically charged backdrop, their love must weather scrutiny, danger, and the immense pressure of their careers, yet it remains the book’s most powerful and tender through-lines.

The story is further enriched by a vibrant supporting cast of fellow astronauts and NASA recruits, each with distinct personalities, flaws, and arcs that leave you emotionally invested. Some of these characters are so well-drawn they feel worthy of books of their own, adding texture and dimension to the narrative without ever stealing focus. Perhaps most striking, however, is the inclusion of Joan’s sister and young niece, characters who help anchor the story in its time and place. Through them, Reid explores gender roles, expectations of motherhood, and the emotional cost of ambition for women in the 1980s. Their presence offers a poignant contrast to the world of NASA, highlighting just how rare and fragile the opportunity for women in space really was. These domestic scenes don’t slow the story down; instead, they deepen it, reminding readers that the emotional gravity of this book extends far beyond liftoff. TJR continues to write exceptionally well-rounded women, and Atmosphere is no exception. The novel offers a dynamic roster of contrasting and complex female characters, each distinct in personality, ambition, and worldview. While tensions inevitably arise and rivalries spark, there’s an underlying current of solidarity that binds them. Reid captures the nuanced reality of womanhood: competition and conflict coexist with deep empathy, mutual respect, and a shared desire to see other women thrive. This story feels like a quiet yet powerful testament to female resilience, ambition, and ally-ship, celebrating not only the strength of individual women, but the strength they find in one another.

As for the scientific and technical aspects of astronaut life, Reid makes the experience feel entirely convincing, especially to readers with little prior knowledge. The high-stakes communication between ground control and outer space provides a smart and suspenseful narrative framework. It not only heightens the dramatic tension but also mirrors the emotional disconnect the characters often face. In a setting where staying composed can be the difference between life and death, moments where the characters must suppress emotion in favour of professionalism are heart-wrenching and difficult to witness. The portrayal of Joan and Vanessa’s relationship set against the backdrop of 1980s America, is handled with sensitivity and realism. Reid doesn’t shy away from exploring both the joy and the difficulty of a lesbian relationship in a time when social acceptance was limited and precarious. Issues like internalised judgment, hiding in plain sight, fears around family-building, and the risk of professional scrutiny are woven throughout the narrative with nuance and care. There’s a palpable awareness of the socio-political landscape, and Reid clearly considered how these external pressures would shape her characters and their choices. The result is a story that feels not only emotionally rich, but historically grounded and powerfully resonant.

Ultimately, Atmosphere is yet another testament to Taylor Jenkins Reid’s ability to craft emotionally complex, character-driven stories set against vivid and immersive backdrops. Balancing historical detail with deeply personal storytelling, this novel not only captures the intensity of space exploration but also the quiet, everyday bravery of women fighting to be seen, heard, and understood. With its thoughtful exploration of identity, ambition, love, and legacy, Atmosphere is a powerful and moving addition to TJR’s growing body of work one that stays with you long after the final page. Wether you have read any of Reid's books before or not, Atmosphere should be bumped up the 'to read' list & is certainly crowd pleaser!

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