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A review by hodgeonlucy
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
Taylor Jenkins Reid is an audio-read author for me and this work just solidified that. Whilst her earliest works were not my favourites, she just keeps getting better with each release - and this book demonstrates a huge step in her writing career and ability.
I thought I would miss the fact that this is not set in her ‘Hollywood’ series, but I actually loved that this was completely new ground for Reid. The characters felt new and fresh, with complex dynamics that aren’t often seen in books (I absolutely adored the dysfunctional relationship with her sister and the found family that the main character develops instead). The plot also felt dynamic and well-balanced between an exploration of inner and outer worlds, of character and plot. We got rich descriptions of the main characters’ motivations, personalities, and goals so they felt real and multifaceted rather than just props for the plot to happen to. The love story felt equally realistic and true; whilst it explored the very real fact that homophobia was rampant in the time period, we still got an overall joyous portrayal of a healthy lesbian relationship with two fully-fledged characters with complex emotions, strong communication, and interesting personalities.
I am so grateful for Reid for giving us something so special and hopeful in this love story - which is as much about romantic love as is it is about nurturing family ties, finding your real purpose in life, and being grateful for how you fit into the bigger picture. Gosh I loved it - please read it.
I thought I would miss the fact that this is not set in her ‘Hollywood’ series, but I actually loved that this was completely new ground for Reid. The characters felt new and fresh, with complex dynamics that aren’t often seen in books (I absolutely adored the dysfunctional relationship with her sister and the found family that the main character develops instead). The plot also felt dynamic and well-balanced between an exploration of inner and outer worlds, of character and plot. We got rich descriptions of the main characters’ motivations, personalities, and goals so they felt real and multifaceted rather than just props for the plot to happen to. The love story felt equally realistic and true; whilst it explored the very real fact that homophobia was rampant in the time period, we still got an overall joyous portrayal of a healthy lesbian relationship with two fully-fledged characters with complex emotions, strong communication, and interesting personalities.
I am so grateful for Reid for giving us something so special and hopeful in this love story - which is as much about romantic love as is it is about nurturing family ties, finding your real purpose in life, and being grateful for how you fit into the bigger picture. Gosh I loved it - please read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Grief, Lesbophobia, Outing