Atmosphere: A GMA Book Club Pick
By Taylor Jenkins Reid
- Release Date: 2025-06-03
- Genre: Fiction & Literature
Description
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK • From the author of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones & The Six comes an epic new novel set against the backdrop of the 1980s space shuttle program about the extraordinary lengths we go to live and love beyond our limits.
“Thrilling . . . heartbreaking . . . uplifting . . . the fast-paced, emotionally charged story of one ambitious young woman, finding both her voice and her passion.”—Kristin Hannah, author of The Women
“NASA? Space missions? The ’80s? This is a collection of all the things I love.”—Andy Weir, author of Project Hail Mary and The Martian
A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: Time, NPR, Good Housekeeping, Them, Marie Claire, Book Riot, Library Journal, Chicago Public Library, She Reads
Joan Goodwin has been obsessed with the stars for as long as she can remember. Thoughtful and reserved, Joan is content with her life as a professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University and as aunt to her precocious niece, Frances. That is, until she comes across an advertisement seeking the first women scientists to join NASA’s space shuttle program. Suddenly, Joan burns to be one of the few people to go to space.
Selected from a pool of thousands of applicants in the summer of 1980, Joan begins training at Houston’s Johnson Space Center, alongside an exceptional group of fellow candidates: Top Gun pilot Hank Redmond and scientist John Griffin, who are kind and easygoing even when the stakes are highest; mission specialist Lydia Danes, who has worked too hard to play nice; warmhearted Donna Fitzgerald, who is navigating her own secrets; and Vanessa Ford, the magnetic and mysterious aeronautical engineer, who can fix any engine and fly any plane.
As the new astronauts become unlikely friends and prepare for their first flights, Joan finds a passion and a love she never imagined. In this new light, Joan begins to question everything she thinks she knows about her place in the observable universe.
Then, in December of 1984, on mission STS-LR9, it all changes in an instant.
Fast-paced, thrilling, and emotional, Atmosphere is Taylor Jenkins Reid at her best: transporting readers to iconic times and places, creating complex protagonists, and telling a passionate and soaring story about the transformative power of love—this time among the stars.
Reviews
Historical Love Story?
3By Mcb717Ms. Reid put a lot of research into this book. At least the first half of it. Learning about NASA during the ‘80’s time frame. However, the book’s focus turned into a love story between two female astronauts. It began to focus too much on their lives, their struggles as people. A little too much. Had it not been for this ongoing chatter back and forth with about and between these two characters (forgetting that the story started out about NASA), I would have given this book 4.5 stars. But, I could not…Roger That!
5By JudiJaeThank you for writing this book. This story is more important now than ever! EVERYONE deserves to live their life without fear of who they are and who they love!!! Thank you for making that clear!Excellent!
4By ABQBlytheWhen an excellent book. I enjoyed this very much.Surprised
5By MHumm82I know the title says a love story, but the depth of feelings described by this author went far beyond my expectations. Thank you for your words. I am grieving my mother’s recent death, and this story seemed to soothe me. It allowed some reframing of my thoughts about her passing.Made for tv trash
4By cbadlandEdit: Well, I was a bit miffed when I discovered this was more of a “forbidden” 1980s romance novel. But I ended up reading to end. It was not bad. I’m sure it will make a great movie.Out of this world
5By Bakey DrakeyGorgeous, brilliant beautifully told story. I couldn’t put it down.Wow, just finished and still crying! What an awesome story!
5By melsy2025@I’ve read several of her books and loved them all. Was a little skeptical about the premise of this one. However, once I started reading everything just fell into place and I was hooked. Great book!Atmosphere
5By Case based CMEThis is a great book, I couldn't put it down.Wonderful
5By MartinatastestheglobeOne of the most wonderful books I read this yearI felt like I was reading my life in another life.
5By Emana_thoThis book is so special. If someone asks me, “what does it feel like to be in love?” I’ll tell them to read this book.Love in space and time
5By Inked23TaraThis is what falling while looking up feels like… it was so expertly executed and I couldn’t put it down. To know what it feels like to have to hide who you really are while finding your place in the world is like slipping through time. You feel out of place and exactly where you are supposed to be at the same time. This book captured that. Thank you for telling the real love stories that some of us waited so long to find.Second time reading this! And I will probably read it again!
5By Ty9203I just love it……………Beautiful book
5By Eminem rocks 8mileThis is my favorite story told by Taylor yet. I loved all of the characters and was able to visualize it all. Thank you for creating a beautiful love story!Five stars!
5By lorgig12Beautifully written. Loved this book!Heartfelt, suspenseful, gut-wrenching and authentic!
5By Photogal1This book caught me by surprise in the depth of emotions it offered and the reality of what it was to be a a female astronaut at NASA when the shuttle program first started. I couldn’t put this book down until I found out how it ended!On the edge of my seat
5By cccccc1962I love how Taylor writes a story. I wasn’t sure this storyline would be for me BUT since I am a huge fan! READ this book it is amazing. Learning about NASA, and all things related is a bonus. The characters are great! Definitely movie material. Thank you for a great summer read.Atmosphere
5By Cww217Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!Incredible
5By Jen642Read it in a couple days, and I was riveted the entire time. 5 stars from me!Loved this story!
5By Expedition EliraLoved these characters, the unique storyline, and the story of their journey!
