Today's Read Contributor Taylor Jenkins Reid’s latest work, Atmosphere, released this week, marks a daring leap into the realms of space exploration and human connection. Set in the early 1980s during NASA’s space shuttle program, the novel intertwines personal relationships with the high-stakes world of astronauts. It centers on Joan Goodwin, an astronaut on the brink of a groundbreaking mission, and her partner, Vanessa, as they navigate the delicate balance between their love for each other and the call of space.
Reid, known for her ability to craft emotional and nuanced characters, brings this gift to Atmosphere, where the beauty and danger of space exploration act as a metaphor for the complexities of love, sacrifice, and identity. Goodwin’s journey is not just one of space travel, but of self-discovery, as she must confront her own fears, dreams, and vulnerabilities. Alongside her, Vanessa’s character provides a grounded counterpoint—struggling with the personal toll of loving someone who risks everything to soar beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
The novel unfolds with vivid descriptions of NASA’s space shuttle program during its early days, bringing an authentic sense of time and place. Reid’s ability to blend historical events with the inner workings of her characters’ emotional landscapes has earned her praise from early readers and critics. Atmosphere explores not only the literal vastness of space but also the vast emotional terrain that the characters must traverse to sustain their relationship.
At the heart of the story is the juxtaposition of the vast, cold expanse of space and the warmth of human connection. As Goodwin prepares for her mission, she grapples with the knowledge that her time away could irreversibly alter her bond with Vanessa. The novel deftly explores the idea of longing—both the longing for adventure and the longing for connection—as the couple’s love is tested by the distances, both literal and metaphorical, between them.
The reception of Atmosphere has been overwhelmingly positive, with critics highlighting the depth of Reid’s characters and the emotional weight carried by each scene. The novel resonates with anyone who has experienced the complexities of love and the sacrifices that come with pursuing one’s dreams, especially when those dreams take you far from home.
Ultimately, Atmosphere is a story of growth—both personal and relational—set against one of humanity’s most ambitious feats. It invites readers to reflect on the lengths we go to for love and the ways in which our personal journeys intersect with the greater story of human exploration.
