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emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
It would probably be more accurate to say this book is a historical queer romance with literary background about women first times in space. A good amount of the book was devoted to the MFC relationship with her niece and her 'found family' at work, in particularly with another female astronaut in the same training group (who eventually becomes her lover).
If you are only here for the space tale you might be slightly disappointed as I didn't feel there are enough of it in comparison to the other aspects of the story.
If you are only here for the space tale you might be slightly disappointed as I didn't feel there are enough of it in comparison to the other aspects of the story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Medical trauma, Lesbophobia, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cursing, Sexual content, Grief, Abandonment
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexism, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Lesbophobia, Alcohol, Sexual harassment
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
TJR does it again. A captivating story of two incredibly unique, driven women, as they navigate NASA’s space shuttle program and into the atmosphere. What an amazing idea for a book and so, so well executed. Throughout this, you can tell just how much time, thought and research has gone into this book - a LOT. These characters are so lovable and flawed. I loved that we flipped between two timelines as we discovered more about the characters and how their relationship developed. The tension built up so beautifully, and the love story was so brilliantly and beautifully told. It had me laughing out loud and sobbing in equal measure. I absolutely loved it ❤️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Homophobia, Lesbophobia
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, Vomit, Grief
Minor: Cursing, Pregnancy
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It feels so nice to finally read a TJR book again! No matter the premise, as soon as it says "by Taylor Jenkins Reid", I will be sat and sitted and ready to read it. So, as you can deduce from that, I had pretty high expectations when this book was announced.
So, when I got to the first half of the book was nervous. The writing was great as always but I was vibing with the story at first. We're really pulled into the crux of things as we follow a past (seven years prior) and present timeline (Dec. 29th, 1984) on how we got to the event the story is passed on. I was very confused in the beginning. We got introduced to a bunch of names, characters, and terminology that I found trouble keeping up with. There is a lot of talk about astronauts, as well as the process that happens to becoming one and what happens once you get to NASA. I found those parts interesting, but I wish TJR had explained the terminology better. I feel like if you have a general knowledge about this stuff, it would enhance the reading experience much more, which is unfortunate because I feel like in "Carrie Soto," she did such a good job of explaining tennis in a digestible way for the reader.
At this point, I was getting nervous because the rating was just getting lower in my head. It was heaping up to be a 4🌟, which isn't a bad rating whatsoever, but TJR is literally my favorite author who's gotten a few 5 stars from me so it would've bummed me out if her new release didn't meet my expectations. However, that all changed as soon as the romance kicked in. Once that happened, I was sold. I kid you not, I was tearing up so many times throughout this book like it's not even funny. This may be a hot take, I'd have to re-read her other romances to confirm, but to me, this is by far the most romantic love story she's ever written. The quotes, their scenes, the way they show they love each other, their dynamic with Frances, etc. It's just all SO GOOD! I ate up every second. I loved them! I haven't exposed myself to enough sapphic stories, but this one most definitely motivated me to pick some up. My gosh, they were so good (I just wanted them to be happy😭). I cried so much at the ending.
Side note: I love reading about the sibling dynamic that Joan had with Barbara. And this is most definitely an unpopular opinion of mine, but although I don't condone Barbara's actions at all, I totally understood where she was coming from. Don't get me wrong, she's completely at fault in this situation, but as someone who doesn't want kids, I understood why she was the way that she was. Also, something to point out because it's never really addressed, I feel like Joan is assertive in every aspect of her life, but with Barbara and I just don't understand. Her sister isn't great, but Joan (or her parents) never toned her down a notch ever until push came to shove, and I just find that irresponsible. Some people aren't aware of their behavior until you point it out to them, and just never voiced their concerns against Barbra until it was too late. I just think she (and most definitely Barabar) could've gone about things better.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one! Honestly, the second half was 5 stars, but I can't give this book that rating due to the first half. I will say, there is substantially less talk about astronaut stuff in the second half, so do with that as you will. Also, I enjoyed the different feminist takes the book had. Seeing how characters like Lydia, Donna, Vanessa, and Joan interacted and viewed the other actions. Their talk at the campsite was enlightening. I did like the ending, but I do wish we got a better send-off and more closure on certain characters. That being said, still another TJR hit in my book. Can't wait for her future work.
Soice Rating:🫑/5 (one brief mention, nothing crazy)
So, when I got to the first half of the book was nervous. The writing was great as always but I was vibing with the story at first. We're really pulled into the crux of things as we follow a past (seven years prior) and present timeline (Dec. 29th, 1984) on how we got to the event the story is passed on. I was very confused in the beginning. We got introduced to a bunch of names, characters, and terminology that I found trouble keeping up with. There is a lot of talk about astronauts, as well as the process that happens to becoming one and what happens once you get to NASA. I found those parts interesting, but I wish TJR had explained the terminology better. I feel like if you have a general knowledge about this stuff, it would enhance the reading experience much more, which is unfortunate because I feel like in "Carrie Soto," she did such a good job of explaining tennis in a digestible way for the reader.
At this point, I was getting nervous because the rating was just getting lower in my head. It was heaping up to be a 4🌟, which isn't a bad rating whatsoever, but TJR is literally my favorite author who's gotten a few 5 stars from me so it would've bummed me out if her new release didn't meet my expectations. However, that all changed as soon as the romance kicked in. Once that happened, I was sold. I kid you not, I was tearing up so many times throughout this book like it's not even funny. This may be a hot take, I'd have to re-read her other romances to confirm, but to me, this is by far the most romantic love story she's ever written. The quotes, their scenes, the way they show they love each other, their dynamic with Frances, etc. It's just all SO GOOD! I ate up every second. I loved them! I haven't exposed myself to enough sapphic stories, but this one most definitely motivated me to pick some up. My gosh, they were so good (I just wanted them to be happy😭). I cried so much at the ending.
Side note: I love reading about the sibling dynamic that Joan had with Barbara. And this is most definitely an unpopular opinion of mine, but although I don't condone Barbara's actions at all, I totally understood where she was coming from. Don't get me wrong, she's completely at fault in this situation, but as someone who doesn't want kids, I understood why she was the way that she was. Also, something to point out because it's never really addressed, I feel like Joan is assertive in every aspect of her life, but with Barbara and I just don't understand. Her sister isn't great, but Joan (or her parents) never toned her down a notch ever until push came to shove, and I just find that irresponsible. Some people aren't aware of their behavior until you point it out to them, and just never voiced their concerns against Barbra until it was too late. I just think she (and most definitely Barabar) could've gone about things better.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one! Honestly, the second half was 5 stars, but I can't give this book that rating due to the first half. I will say, there is substantially less talk about astronaut stuff in the second half, so do with that as you will. Also, I enjoyed the different feminist takes the book had. Seeing how characters like Lydia, Donna, Vanessa, and Joan interacted and viewed the other actions. Their talk at the campsite was enlightening. I did like the ending, but I do wish we got a better send-off and more closure on certain characters. That being said, still another TJR hit in my book. Can't wait for her future work.
Soice Rating:🫑/5 (one brief mention, nothing crazy)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Misogyny, Vomit, Abandonment
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexism, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cursing, Death of parent, Pregnancy
Minor: Miscarriage
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Death of parent, Lesbophobia, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse, Cursing, Drug abuse, Drug use, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Blood, Grief, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, Classism
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Homophobia, Vomit, Death of parent, Lesbophobia, Outing, Abandonment
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Sexism, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Cursing, Gaslighting, Alcohol
Minor: Homophobia, Sexual content, Pregnancy, Lesbophobia
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
There’s definitely a lot of NASA jargon that was hard to understand but this was a love story, so it wasn’t hard to get past that obstacle. But like every other TJR book out there, this was absolutely beautiful. The emotions were being FELT. The love was being LOVED. The intensity no matter what the subject was always sucked you in. At the very end of the book, I felt tears in my eyes. How beautiful and how unforgettable. Well done TJR once again!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Homophobia, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Vomit, Grief, Lesbophobia, Outing, Gaslighting, Abandonment
Moderate: Addiction, Cursing, Sexual content
Minor: Pregnancy
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Taylor Jenkins Reid is an amazing storyteller. No matter the subject, she brings it and the people in her books to life. I found this story of the early years of women in the space program engrossing. And now that I've read more about Sally Ride's personal life, I realize that the inspiration for the love story was closer to the truth than I had imagined.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Forced institutionalization, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Lesbophobia, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail