Book review: Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Atmosphere was the first book by Taylor Jenkins Reid that I have been disappointed by. I loved Daisy Jones and the Six, The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle and Carrie Soto is Back. However, despite the fascinating topic, Atmosphere annoyed me more than entertaining me.

I love the idea of following a woman breaking down barriers to become an astronaut and some parts of the story were really exciting. Who wouldn’t be interested to know what happens next during a disaster in space?

But what really annoyed me was the relationships – both Joan’s romantic relationship after life-long denial of her sexuality, and the relationship with her niece.

Joan’s love affair with her fellow astronaut seemed to me to be overdone and lacking in any subtlety. Her adoration of her niece in contrast with the neglectful mother of the child was similarly forced.

It is my pet hate when the protagonist is too good and too pure, and I felt this was the case here, with Joan too good to be true.

I still think that Taylor Jenkins Reid is a fantastic writer and I will read whatever she writes, but this one was a long way from being my favourite.