"Author Taylor Jenkins Reid discusses her latest heart-rending romance novel featuring relatable female characters"
In the July 2025 issue of woman&home magazine, we delve into Taylor Jenkins Reid's latest novel, "Atmosphere." Set against the backdrop of the 1980s Space Shuttle program and the male-dominated culture of NASA during Reagan-era America, this love story follows the lives of two pioneering women, Joan Goodwin and Vanessa Ford.
The plot unfolds in 1984, during the STS-LR9 mission, where astronauts Vanessa and Griff face a life-threatening disaster in orbit. Joan, working from Mission Control on Earth, guides Vanessa—the only conscious crew member—through complex procedures to save the spacecraft and return safely.
The narrative then rewinds seven years to explore Joan's journey: from her childhood fascination with the stars to her adult decision to leave a college astronomy lecturer position to join NASA. Her expertise in astronomy and navigation by stars earns her a spot among NASA's crew, where she builds close friendships and eventually falls in love with Vanessa, an aeronautical mechanic turned pilot.
"Atmosphere" explores themes of love and partnership, focusing on Joan and Vanessa’s quietly intense and deeply supportive romance, which they must keep secret due to the social and professional constraints of the era. It also portrays themes of female empowerment and breaking glass ceilings within the highly competitive culture of NASA. The story examines the personal sacrifices, ambitions, and resilience of women striving for their dreams amid societal and institutional obstacles.
The novel also touches on family dynamics, especially through Joan's relationship with her troubled sister Barbara and niece Frances, highlighting the tethering forces of family alongside the expansive reach for space exploration.
Taylor Jenkins Reid, the author of the novel, found inspiration for "Atmosphere" by wondering about the experiences of women in a male-dominated environment like NASA. She sought help from former flight director at NASA, Paul Dye, to ensure the technical accuracy of the novel.
Taylor Jenkins Reid, who gained recognition with the novel Daisy Jones & The Six, which was later adapted into a TV series, believes astronauts are courageous, putting their lives on the line to push forward our understanding of the world. In "Atmosphere," she writes about women who feel real to her, focusing on their flaws and mistakes as much as their wonderful and surprising actions.
Subscribing to woman&home magazine costs £6 for 6 issues, and this article is just one of the many captivating stories you'll find within its pages. If you're ready to embark on a journey through the stars, pick up a copy of "Atmosphere" today.
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- The novel "Atmosphere," focusing on love, partnership, and female empowerment, takes readers to the 1980s Space Shuttle program, portraying the lives of two pioneering women amid NASA's male-dominated culture.
- For those interested in books, "Atmosphere" explores themes of family dynamics, including the struggles and victories of women in their pursuit of dreams, compared to the vast expanses of space exploration.
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