A review by indiethereader
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Atmosphere is a compelling work of historical fiction that, despite being set against a space-themed backdrop, the story isn’t really about astronauts or going to space. 
Instead, it offers an intimate portrait of Joan, a reserved and intellectually driven physics professor from Texas, who is granted the rare opportunity to train with NASA in the early 1980s. 

The novel traces Joan’s personal journey as she finds community and purpose amid the backdrop of a society that is still hesitant to accept her fully. Her internal struggles and external challenges—particularly in relation to complex family dynamics and questions of identity—form the emotional heart of the story. 

Joan is an exceptionally endearing protagonist, marked by her deep empathy and quiet resilience. She is a character who lingers in the reader’s mind, inspiring both admiration and introspection. Themes like found family and personal growth come through with genuine warmth, and the romance feels heartfelt and natural. The conclusion is especially poignant and emotionally satisfying. 

While the NASA setting may initially draw readers in, it ultimately serves more as a narrative backdrop than a central focus. The emotional core of the novel could likely have unfolded in another setting, as the time period itself seems more critical to the story’s message than the space program. 

One area where the novel could be strengthened is in the development of its supporting cast. Some secondary characters feel underexplored, and their storylines lack closure, which may leave readers wanting a fuller picture. 

Overall, Atmosphere is a moving and thought-provoking novel that skillfully explores belonging, identity, and resilience through the lens of one unforgettable character.