In recent literary discussions, a spotlight has been cast on Taylor Jenkins Reid, particularly with the release of her new novel, Atmosphere. This book ventures into the realm of early NASA astronauts in the 1980s, wrapped in both a historical narrative and a love story. It feels almost surreal—like having a plate of broccoli while hurtling through space. In our quest to digest Atmosphere, let’s dissect what works and what doesn’t, all while respecting the evocative storytelling style that Jenkins Reid is known for.
Reid has built her reputation as a master of intertwining relatable emotional struggles with glamorous backdrops. Her previous hit, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, captivated audiences with its tale of an iconic Hollywood star. Similarly, Daisy Jones & The Six, a mock oral history of a fictional rock band, has been lauded not just as a bestseller but also as a successful TV adaptation. With a staggering 21 million books sold, Reid’s ability to weave narratives that resonate with a wide audience is undeniable. Recent reports even suggest she signed a lucrative five-book deal worth $8 million per title, solidifying her status in modern literature.
In Atmosphere, Reid introduces us to a group of pioneering astronauts. These characters, each with their unique struggles and dreams, are deeply entrenched in the relentless competition of the space race. Among them, we find Joan Goodwin, a dedicated astrophysicist who balances an altruistic lifestyle by caring for her younger sister’s child. Opposite her stands Vanessa Ford, a skilled engineer wrestling with the societal expectations of femininity amid an era fraught with challenges.
The narrative kicks off with an explosive scene aboard a space shuttle, showcasing a high-stakes mission where the tension is palpable. Reid attempts to balance this adrenaline-pumping storyline with deeper emotional arcs, exploring a hidden love between the characters. There’s an intention behind the chaos of creative storytelling, echoing classics like Apollo 13, yet the execution may leave some readers feeling unfulfilled.
However, like eating broccoli in space, the reading experience can become cumbersome. The characters are often caricatured to the extremes of their accomplishments, making it hard to form genuine connections. Joan, for instance, is depicted as a paragon of virtue—classically trained in music, an avid reader, and a marathon runner. While admirable traits, this overwhelming perfection can alienate the reader. The character’s depiction might imply that the pursuit of greatness must invariably come at the cost of personal flaws, which can be a challenging message to digest.
The thematic exploration of feminism and women in STEM is one Reid is passionate about. While delivering powerful messages about empowerment, the execution can feel somewhat heavy-handed. Motivational messaging can sometimes come off as overly simplistic—think Nike slogans stuck to the walls of the mission control center. While the intention behind advocating for women’s roles in science is commendable, the narrative occasionally lacks the subtlety that would allow readers to absorb the message organically.
Additionally, the political undercurrents run strong throughout the book. Reid sprinkles instances of unabashed nationalism and faith, leaving one to wonder about the coherence of the narrative’s political leanings. If we are to explore the profound themes of space exploration and human spirit, isn’t a certain level of introspection warranted?
In a moment of vulnerability during an interview, Reid once remarked, “Fun is not antithetical to substance.” Yet, in Atmosphere, that spirit of fun, which can propel a narrative forward, sometimes feels lost amidst the clutter of plotlines and character backstories. Readers who flock to her books for heartwarming escapism may find themselves inundated with progressive messaging that may not resonate as intended.
Ultimately, Atmosphere seeks to balance the complexities of ambition, love, and the human experience against the backdrop of space exploration. Those familiar with Reid’s works might find themselves longing for the buoyancy present in her earlier novels. The summation might best be described as bittersweet: while the emotional weight aims for the heart, it sometimes lands like an ungainly droplet of sauce on a perfectly presented dish.
Yet even with its shortcomings, Atmosphere adds to Reid’s growing catalog that champions women’s voices in both literature and life. It is a journey that, while not without its bumps, still offers moments of reflection and contemplation.
If you’re looking for a book that strives to combine high-stakes drama with heartfelt emotion, you might pick up Atmosphere. As with any dish of broccoli—though perhaps not everyone’s favorite—you may find that it brings with it its own nutritional benefits, even if it sometimes feels cumbersome or difficult to enjoy. Reid’s exploration of love, ambition, and self-actualization continues to resonate, and while Atmosphere may not soar as briskly as her previous works, it still invites readers to engage with themes that matter profoundly.
In this space-themed narrative, the blend of real human emotions and the unyielding spirit of exploration may just resonate with audiences eager to witness a journey through the stars, however tangled it may become in its storytelling.
