Allison’s Book Report: “Atmosphere” by Taylor Jenkins Reid

When someone asks me about my favorite authors, I'll no doubt launch into a long, gushing monologue about how much I love Taylor Jenkins Reid. I adore every single book she's written—especially “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.”

My kids joke that I'll use my final breath to urge someone nearby to read Evelyn Hugo. They're probably right. It's just that good.

So you can imagine the squeals and full fangirl mode that kicked in when I cracked open TJR's latest release, “Atmosphere.” Let me tell you—it did not disappoint.

If you're a fan of Reid's signature style—deep dives into vivid worlds, richly layered characters, and emotional storytelling—you're in for a treat. This time, she's taking us to space. Literally.

The novel centers on Joan Goodwin, a brilliant physics and astronomy professor who's long been captivated by the cosmos. She's living a quiet, fulfilling life teaching at Rice University and being a devoted aunt to her niece, Frances. But when she sees a NASA advertisement calling for the first women scientists to join the Space Shuttle program, Joan's lifelong fascination turns into a burning ambition to actually go there.

It's 1980, and Joan is selected from thousands of applicants. Her training begins at Houston's Johnson Space Center, where she's surrounded by a remarkable group of fellow candidates, including the charming Top Gun pilot Hank Redmond and fellow scientist John Griffin. As this group of future astronauts forms an unlikely found family while preparing for flight, Joan begins to discover new passions, a deeper purpose, and a love she never expected. That new light makes her question everything she thought she knew about her place—not just in the universe, but in her own personal orbit.

“Atmosphere” is classic TJR. Reid pulls you into a defining moment in history—this time, the thrilling dawn of the shuttle era—and fills it with characters so real you'll feel like you've known them forever. It's a story about chasing dreams, pushing beyond your limits, and opening yourself to love in the most unexpected places.

The novel blends the intensity and wonder of NASA training with deeply emotional character arcs. It's fast-paced, heartfelt, and ultimately inspiring.

Honestly, “Atmosphere” might be the best book I've read all year. It's a soaring story of transformation set against the breathtaking backdrop of space—but it stays grounded in everything that makes us human.

If you're even a little curious, I hope you'll pick up a copy and buckle in. And don't forget to check out my Instagram @allison.the.reader for more recommendations and plenty of enthusiastic fangirl gushing about the books I can't stop loving.