Book: Atmosphere
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Reviewer’s Instagram: lgl.bookworm
Photo Credit: lgl.bookworm
Original Book Review
Review: Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
4.5/5 Stars
Can I just say anytime I read a book by TJR i’m proud to be a woman? I adore her and her writing and this was yet another book by her that blew me away.
Joan, the main character, is a trailblazing female astronomer trying to carve out a place for herself in the male-dominated world of science, especially daunting in the 1980s. I was deeply inspired by Joan’s relentless drive and determination in everything she did. Her relationship with her younger sister is chaotic at best, but from that dynamic comes Frances, her wonderful and spirited niece who is such a delight, and her sister is the one who recommends the program at NASA. After facing rejection the first time, Joan doesn’t give up. She applies again and is accepted. The bonds she forms during her time in NASA’s program are heartfelt, raw, and incredibly special. It felt like watching a beautiful found family come together, each of them chasing the impossible dream of becoming an astronaut. I absolutely loved that aspect of the story. And then there’s Vanessa. Oh, Vanessa. Her connection with Joan is nothing short of extraordinary. Vanessa is every bit as admirable as Joan any woman pushing her way into NASA during that era deserves recognition. Their relationship is stunningly beautiful, yet achingly heartbreaking. As for the ending? I don’t think there was a single emotion I didn’t feel. It was powerful, emotional, and stayed with me long after I finished the book. Holy cow, what a journey.
qotd: if you had the chance to go to space would you?
