Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

I almost didn't read Atmosphere because I'm not interested in space but I love other Taylor Jenkins Reid books so I gave it a shot.  I'm glad I did.  This is going to be a very loved book by many.  Strong female characters based in the 80's.  I was surprised when I found myself crying at the end.  It's a fantastic book.  The characters are that good.

Joan has just been accepted by NASA.  It's 1980 and this is the first round of women to be accepted into NASA's programs.  Joan has been preparing for this moment her whole life.  She's been studying the stars and dreaming of this day.  Joan's been so focused on her career she's left little room for much else.  Her niece Frannie is the exception - Joan adores her niece Frannie.

As Joan, meets her fellow crew and gets entrenched in training she finds herself hanging out with the crew on evenings and weekends.  For the first time since college she's hanging out with people and forming bonds - even enjoying a beer or two here and there.

In the first chapter of the novel we learn that one of the missions isn't going as planned.  Joan's story is  being unravelled before the tragedy and after the tragedy.  Atmosphere is more than just a space story.  It's romance, women's rights, friendship and more.  If you love Taylor Jenkins Reid - like so many of us do - don't miss this one.  It's a great read.