Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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 pilots Hank Redmond and John Griffin, who are kind and easy-going even when the stakes are highest; mission specialist Lydia Danes, who has worked too hard to play nice; warm-hearted 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, everything changes in an instant.

A Story That Defies Gravity—and Expectations

The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: ❤️💚💙💛
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍🌏
Character development: 🤓😟🤯😎🥰
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration

Characters and Plot Dynamics

Atmosphere introduces us to Joan Goodwin, a fiercely driven and deeply introspective woman who becomes one of four women selected for NASA’s astronaut program in the early 1980s. Joan is defined, at least initially, by her singular focus—her dream of going to space eclipses nearly everything else in her life. She is disciplined, intelligent, and somewhat emotionally guarded, the kind of person who has always relied on structure and achievement to define her sense of self.

As Joan enters the demanding and highly competitive world of astronaut training, she is surrounded by a small but compelling cast of fellow candidates. Each of the women brings a different background, perspective, and motivation to the program, creating a dynamic that is both collaborative and quietly tense. These relationships become an important backdrop as Joan’s internal journey begins to unfold.

The novel opens with a gripping prologue centered on a devastating accident—one that immediately casts a shadow over everything that follows. This moment reframes the narrative, adding an undercurrent of tension and inevitability as we move through Joan’s story. What begins as a story about ambition and achievement gradually transforms into something far more personal. During training, Joan is forced to confront truths about herself that challenge the identity she has carefully built, ultimately upending the life she thought she wanted.

Highlights & Limitations

One of the strongest aspects of Atmosphere is its originality. While it initially seems like a historical fiction story about women breaking barriers in NASA, it evolves into something much deeper and more unexpected. The emotional arc of the story is layered and nuanced, particularly as Joan begins to question her own desires, identity, and the cost of her ambition. The unpredictability of the narrative is a major strength—you never quite know where it’s going, and that sense of discovery keeps the story engaging.

Another highlight is the character work. Joan feels incredibly real, and her internal conflict is portrayed with subtlety and care. The relationships she forms—both personal and professional—add depth without overshadowing her individual journey.

That said, the pacing may feel uneven to some listeners. The story takes its time developing Joan’s internal world, which means that those expecting a fast-paced, action-heavy plot centered on space missions might find parts of it slower than anticipated. Additionally, because the story leans heavily into introspection and emotional growth, certain plot elements may feel secondary or less developed.

Narration Performance

The narration by Julia Whelan and Kristen DiMercurio is a standout feature of this audiobook. Julia Whelan, in particular, brings Joan to life with remarkable emotional precision. She captures Joan’s quiet determination, vulnerability, and gradual transformation in a way that feels completely authentic. Her pacing and tone perfectly match the introspective nature of the story.

Kristen DiMercurio complements the performance beautifully, adding dimension to the supporting characters and helping to distinguish different voices and perspectives. Together, they create a listening experience that feels immersive and emotionally resonant. The performances elevate the material, making Joan’s journey even more impactful.

Final Opinion

Atmosphere is not the story you expect—and that’s exactly what makes it so memorable. What begins as a narrative about ambition and space exploration transforms into a deeply personal exploration of identity, self-discovery, and the courage it takes to redefine your life.

It’s the kind of audiobook that quietly sneaks up on you. You may go in thinking you know what you’re getting, only to find yourself completely surprised by where it leads. The combination of strong character development, an emotionally rich storyline, and exceptional narration makes this a standout listen.

Even if this isn’t your usual genre, it’s absolutely worth the time. It’s a story that lingers—and one that proves sometimes the most meaningful journeys aren’t the ones into space, but the ones within ourselves.

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