Until the late 1970s, U.S. space exploration was an exclusively male field. That changed in 1978 with the Space Shuttle program; the new mission specialist position allowed women without military jet fighter experience to apply. Six female astronauts were selected in that first class, including Sally Ride, who would become the first American woman in space.
This history serves as a backdrop for Taylor Jenkins Reid’s newest novel, which takes a fictionalized look at the challenges early female NASA astronauts faced.
“Atmosphere” is a compelling, character-driven work of historical fiction that follows Joan Goodwin, a NASA astronaut candidate in 1980. The story opens with high stakes in 1984 at Mission Control. A catastrophe strikes the space shuttle Navigator, threatening the lives of all onboard. Goodwin, now an experienced astronaut, is serving as CAPCOM — the primary communicator with the shuttle crew — and her closest friend, Vanessa Ford, is one of the astronauts in peril.
After setting this life-or-death stage, the novel flashes back to 1980. We follow a younger Goodwin, an established university professor who has devoted her life to her career and helped her sister raise her niece, as she embarks on astronaut candidacy. Pursuing her dreams brings radical shifts, ultimately opening the door for a romantic connection with a fellow astronaut.
“Atmosphere” takes the reader on a nostalgic journey, casting light on the challenges women faced in joining the space program, as well as the discrimination and inequality lesbian couples faced. In reality, while Sally Ride became an American icon in 1983 as NASA’s first female astronaut in space, she kept her 27-year romance with her life partner, Tam O’Shaughnessy, a secret up until her death in 2012.
Through fiction, Jenkins Reid allows the reader to envision what life might have been like for someone so motivated to succeed and be their very best while also being forced to hide their true self from the world around them. “Atmosphere” should appeal to readers of historical fiction, character-driven love stories and NASA history. Visit wcls.org to find “Atmosphere” and other similarly themed stories.
Jonathan Jakobitz is an avid reader and the branch manager of the Blaine Library.
“Atmosphere” is the July selection for the Books & Bites book group. Join Books & Bites at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 17, at the Blaine Library for community and lively conversation. More at wcls.libcal.com/calendar/events/booksandbites2026.
