NPR's Book of the Day: "Atmosphere" by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Release Date: June 17, 2025
Host: Andrew Limbong
Guest: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Duration: Approximately 10 minutes
Introduction to "Atmosphere"
In this episode of NPR's Book of the Day, host Andrew Limbong delves into Taylor Jenkins Reid's latest novel, Atmosphere. Reid presents a gripping narrative centered around the pioneering first women astronauts, blending historical accuracy with compelling fictional storytelling.
“Atmosphere starts in 1984 at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. Joan Goodwin is an astronaut, but her job this day is with Mission Control.” [02:08]
Plot Overview
Atmosphere intricately weaves the story of Joan Goodwin, an accomplished astronomer, and Vanessa Ford, her fellow astronaut. Set against the backdrop of the early days of NASA's shuttle program, the novel explores both personal and professional challenges faced by women breaking into a predominantly male field.
“High achieving astronomer Joan Goodwin never thought she'd ever fall in love. When she does with fellow astronaut Vanessa Ford, the two have to keep their relationship quiet.” [02:59]
As the story unfolds, a critical crisis emerges during a satellite deployment mission. A malfunction leads to cabin pressure dropping rapidly, placing Joan and Vanessa in a life-threatening situation 250 miles above Earth.
“They have been through simulations like this. With the pressure dropping rapidly and no way to stabilize it, they have ended only when the leak is found or the crew dies.” [02:33]
Character Development
Joan Goodwin
Joan's journey from a passionate astronomer to a resilient astronaut forms the emotional core of the novel. Her introspective nature is evident as she grapples with both scientific challenges and personal revelations.
“I've always felt when I look at the stars, I'm reminded that I'm never alone.” [04:41]
Vanessa Ford
Vanessa serves as a catalyst for Joan's personal growth. Her ability to articulate her passion for space captivates Joan, leading to a deep and complex relationship that remains under wraps due to the societal norms of the time.
“Vanessa seems to be able to articulate why she wants to go up there in a way that really captivates Joan.” [05:09]
Research and Authenticity
Taylor Jenkins Reid emphasizes the meticulous research that underpins Atmosphere. To authentically portray the intricacies of NASA's operations and the lived experiences of early women astronauts, Reid immersed herself in various resources:
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Johnson Space Center Visit: Reid visited the Johnson Space Center, exploring a decommissioned space shuttle to understand the physical environment of astronauts.
“The first thing I did was I went to the Johnson Space Center. We actually went into a decommissioned space shuttle, which was really incredible.” [07:09]
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Consulting Experts: She collaborated with Paul Dye, the longest-serving flight director at NASA during the shuttle program, to ensure technical accuracy.
“Paul Dye was very generous with his time and really helped to make this book what it is.” [07:16]
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Historical Documents: Leveraging NASA's extensive archive of old PDFs available online, Reid delved into mission reports and technical documents from the 1970s and beyond.
“I have papers about the payload bay doors that were written in the 1970s. When a sentence just got too convoluted for me to understand without an engineering degree, I called Paul Dye.” [08:07]
Themes Explored
Breaking Barriers
Reid sheds light on the systemic challenges faced by the first women astronauts, from ill-fitting equipment to pervasive gender biases within NASA and the broader press.
“The spacesuits were made for a male body. The parachutes during water survival training, the harnesses, all of them are made for a male body.” [05:57]
Self-Discovery and Identity
Joan's journey is as much about her professional aspirations as it is about understanding her own identity and beliefs. Her reflections bridge the gap between scientific inquiry and spiritual musings.
“We are a moment in time when all of our cells have come together in this body. Our atoms were many things before, and they will be many things after.” [08:58]
Science and Spirituality
The novel intricately ties scientific pursuit with philosophical and spiritual questions, illustrating how the quest to understand the universe mirrors the search for deeper meaning.
“The pursuit of a unifying theory to explain the universe is science, but it's also the pursuit of God.” [08:32]
Author's Insight
Taylor Jenkins Reid candidly shares how writing Atmosphere influenced her own perspectives, particularly the intertwining of science and spirituality.
“I'm not putting forth any new ideas, but this is who I believe Joan is, and it's one of my favorite things about her, and it is certainly something that I've taken with me myself.” [09:36]
Conclusion
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid is not just a tale of space exploration but a profound exploration of human resilience, love, and the relentless pursuit of dreams against all odds. Reid's dedication to authentic research and character development offers readers a vivid glimpse into the lives of the women who paved the way for future generations of astronauts.
“Atmosphere covers the early days of the shuttle program and the challenges faced by the first women astronauts. That includes proving themselves. It also includes self discovery.” [02:59]
Listen to the full episode of NPR's Book of the Day for an in-depth discussion with Taylor Jenkins Reid about Atmosphere, her research process, and the themes that drive this compelling novel.