Ever found yourself stuck between a fascinating career and a demanding family? Taylor Jenkins Reid’s new novel, ‘Atmosphere,’ takes you inside NASA with Joan, navigating love, ambition, and a sister who might just be her biggest challenge. Is it Reid’s next masterpiece?

Taylor Jenkins Reid, a luminary in contemporary fiction, once again captivates readers with her latest offering, “Atmosphere,” a novel that masterfully blends historical narrative with profound interpersonal dynamics. Known for her compelling character-driven stories, Reid continues to explore the complexities of human relationships and ambition, reaffirming her status as a dominant voice in modern literature.

The narrative centers on Joan, an aspiring figure navigating the male-dominated environment of NASA. Within this demanding professional landscape, Joan strives for recognition and camaraderie, encountering both supportive colleagues and those who perpetuate a culture of casual sexism. Her journey through the nascent space program serves as a compelling backdrop for personal growth and self-discovery.

A significant emotional arc unfolds through Joan’s burgeoning relationship with Vanessa, a colleague who captures her attention for deeply personal reasons. This unfolding love story is portrayed with Reid’s characteristic warmth and authenticity, allowing readers to connect intimately with Joan’s vulnerabilities and aspirations, both professional and romantic.

In stark contrast to this budding romance is the intricate and often fraught relationship Joan shares with her sister, Barbara. The dynamic between the siblings is painted with a nuanced hand, revealing Barbara as a character who unreservedly leans on Joan, often expecting her sister to assume a surrogate parental role for her young daughter, placing considerable emotional strain on Joan.

Barbara’s character serves as a crucial element in Joan’s personal challenges, embodying a form of uncomplicated self-absorption that forces Joan to confront her own boundaries and self-worth. As Reid insightfully writes, “Joan marveled at how easy Barbara’s inner life must be. How entirely undemanding of yourself it was to believe that everything happened to you. And everything was about you. And that your feelings were the only ones that mattered.” This observation underscores the profound disparity in their perspectives and the emotional toll on Joan.

Through “Atmosphere,” Reid demonstrates her exceptional ability to craft historical fiction that resonates deeply, a talent that has propelled her to widespread acclaim. The novel deftly combines this historical setting with the intricate relationship studies that characterized her earlier contemporary works, showcasing her versatility and narrative depth.

While “Atmosphere” stands as a testament to Reid’s consistent narrative excellence and is undoubtedly one of the season’s standout new releases, for many devoted readers, it may not entirely surpass the emotional resonance of her 2017 bestseller, “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.” Nevertheless, it further solidifies her reputation for delivering engaging and thought-provoking literary experiences.

Samantha Koon Jones, an accomplished book critic with a background in English and journalism, provides this insightful analysis for The Daily Progress. Her expertise in literature, particularly speculative fiction and celebrity memoirs, informs her discerning perspective on Reid’s latest work, offering readers a credible and well-rounded evaluation.