Atmosphere Book Club Kit
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid is the official September 2026 pick for the Peanut Blossom Book Club for Recovering Readers.
Here at the Peanut Blossom Book Club for Recovering Readers, I've had a very strict "No Tearjerkers" rule for over 10 years.
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid is the first book to challenge that rule and win.
I can't classify this as a true tearjerker because 95% of the book is a fascinating exploration of one woman's journey towards being an astronaut and the challenges she faces at her job and at home.
However, I found myself so overcome by the ending that I sobbed through the last few pages. It was worth it, I promise.
I initially picked this up thinking it would be a fun historical fiction style read. The women in STEM theme was a perfect fit for a September read. What I didn't expect was to have a powerful story that helped me to reconnect to the true meaning of life and the power of love.
So I hope you'll forgive this slight bending of our rules. Despite my tears, I would absolutely count this as a fun read! Want to hear my full thoughts? You can read my Atmosphere book review here.
P.S. Just joining us? Don't miss the full list of 2026 book club book picks.
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What is Atmosphere About?
Joan Goodwin has been obsessed with the stars for as long as she can remember. Thoughtful and reserved, Joan is content with her life as a professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University and as aunt to her precocious niece, Frances. That is, until she comes across an advertisement seeking the first women scientists to join NASA’s space shuttle program. Suddenly, Joan burns to be one of the few people to go to space.
Selected from a pool of thousands of applicants in the summer of 1980, Joan begins training at Houston’s Johnson Space Center, alongside an exceptional group of fellow candidates: Top Gun pilot Hank Redmond and scientist John Griffin, who are kind and easygoing even when the stakes are highest; mission specialist Lydia Danes, who has worked too hard to play nice; warmhearted Donna Fitzgerald, who is navigating her own secrets; and Vanessa Ford, the magnetic and mysterious aeronautical engineer, who can fix any engine and fly any plane.
As the new astronauts become unlikely friends and prepare for their first flights, Joan finds a passion and a love she never imagined. In this new light, Joan begins to question everything she thinks she knows about her place in the observable universe.
Then, in December of 1984, on mission STS-LR9, it all changes in an instant.
Fast-paced, thrilling, and emotional, Atmosphere is Taylor Jenkins Reid at her best: transporting readers to iconic times and places, creating complex protagonists, and telling a passionate and soaring story about the transformative power of love—this time among the stars.
Atmosphere Questions
I believe the best book club questions to spark a lively discussion in your group help readers make personal connections to the story.
You can read about how to write the best book club questions on your own here, but hopefully these will get you started!
Question 1:
Have you ever dreamed of becoming an astronaut? Why or why not? If you had the opportunity, do you think you could handle it?
Question 2:
Which would be more challenging for you: Being part of the Mission Control team on the ground or being part of the flight crew on a mission?
Question 3:
There were several types of love explored throughout the story, sisterly, motherly, romantic, and friendship. Which of the relationships did you connect with the most? Why?
Question 4:
Joan, Vanessa, Lydia, and Donna all approach working in a male-dominated field with different strengths and different approaches. Which one did you feel was the most effective? Who do you think you are most like?
Question 5:
We watch the characters achieve their dreams. Some are thrilled, some are not. Have you ever achieved an epic goal you worked towards and been surprised by how you felt once you go there?
Question 6:
"The rules of society came for everyone eventually: the too big, too small, too wild, too quiet, too strong, not strong enough." Which societal rules do you feel you break? What other rules would you add to this list?
Question 7:
Which song about space do YOU think is the best?
Question 8:
How did you feel about the ending of the story? Is there anything you would have changed? What do you think happens next?
Book Club Party Menu
I think it is so fun to plan your book club dinner menu or dessert list based on the theme of the book.
There are a couple scenes in the story that feature very food-based details you could use to inspire your book club dinner:
- Friendsgiving: Thanksgiving is a meaningful milestone towards the end of the book. Ask your book club friends to do a Thanksgiving potluck or bring Thanksgiving appetizers.
- Classic BBQ Party: Steve an Helene host a backyard party with smoked brisket and traditional side dishes. Keep it easy and order a tray of pulled pork or brisket from a local BBQ place and just add a few yummy sides:
And for dessert, serve "moon cookies!"
You Might Also Enjoy
If you loved Atmosphere you might also like:
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