Book Review: Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
As an avid reader with a penchant for emotional narratives and intricate character development, I was thrilled to dive into Taylor Jenkins Reid’s latest offering, Atmosphere. The premise of a love story intertwined with the ambitious backdrop of the 1980s space shuttle program instantly caught my attention. With themes of passion, identity, and the sheer extraordinary lengths we go to for love, I was eager to see how Reid would weave these elements together.
At the heart of Atmosphere is Joan Goodwin, a thoughtful and reserved professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University. Her lifelong obsession with the stars takes a thrilling turn when she stumbles upon an advertisement seeking female scientists for NASA’s space shuttle program. Selected from thousands, Joan embarks on a journey filled with camaraderie, challenges, and an unexpected romance that forces her to reevaluate her place in the universe.
One of the standout aspects of this book is undoubtedly its character development. Reid crafts her characters with a depth that keeps you emotionally invested. As noted by other readers, the relationships among the astronauts—Joan’s newfound friends—feel genuine and relatable. They are richly drawn individuals who face adversity together, making their bond a testament to friendship and shared ambitions. The altruism, selflessness, and heroism exhibited by these characters truly tugged at my heartstrings, capturing the essence of what it means to be part of a "found family" in the high-stakes environment of NASA.
Another highlight is Reid’s thorough research into the realms of space and astrophysics. Her writing fluidly combines scientific terminology with accessible storytelling, allowing readers like myself—who aren’t exactly space aficionados—to engage without feeling overwhelmed. The insights into the challenges faced by women in the space program during that era add a layer of historical context and emotional weight to the narrative. Furthermore, the celebration of love in all forms, especially the nuanced portrayal of Joan and Vanessa’s romantic relationship, was beautifully done. Their journey, marked by the courage to love openly in a judgmental world, resonated deeply with me.
However, the book is not without its drawbacks. A few readers have pointed out that the pacing can be slow, especially in the early chapters. I found that the initial overload of technical details regarding NASA and the intricacies of being a CAPCOM (the astronaut who communicates with the shuttle crew) made it slightly challenging to connect with the story at first. After a while, though, the plot picks up pace as we delve deeper into Joan’s past and her evolving relationships—something that certainly proved worth the wait.
Additionally, while the emotional content of the book is poignant and heart-wrenching, I noted that a handful of readers felt some moments dragged on or became boring. I found myself glued to the pages, but I can see how those less invested in the intimate dynamics might feel differently.
In reflectively revisiting aspects of Joan’s life before her romantic entanglement, I appreciated how Reid portrayed her as a fulfilled individual despite societal pressures to conform to traditional roles. The strong bond between Joan and her niece Frances is a testament to love that transcends biological connections—a recurring theme that Reid infuses gracefully.
Overall, Atmosphere is a thrilling, emotionally charged novel that resonates on multiple levels—a true testament to Taylor Jenkins Reid’s skill as a storyteller. It’s a heartfelt exploration of ambition, love, and the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated field, all against a backdrop of the cosmos.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a read that provides a rich tapestry of character interactions and an exploration of love beyond its conventional boundaries, I highly recommend Atmosphere. It readily joins the ranks of Reid’s best work and is easily a contender for my favorite book of the year. It’s a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and the beauty of striving for our dreams, even if the stars seem out of reach.