Taylor Jenkins Reid’s latest novel, Atmosphere, tells the story of Joan Goodwin, an astronomer whose lifelong passion for the stars leads her to become one of NASA’s first women astronauts in the early 1980s. The book follows Joan as she navigates the challenges of joining NASA’s space shuttle program, confronting personal and professional obstacles—including a secret romance and a looming disaster.
Reid’s meticulous research for the novel included studying archival NASA documents, conducting interviews with a former NASA employee, and visiting the Johnson Space Center. These efforts provided valuable insights into the early years of NASA’s shuttle program and the agency’s adjustment to integrating women into the astronaut corps.
In a recent conversation with NPR’s Debbie Elliott, Reid discussed the detailed process behind her research and the ways NASA’s culture evolved during this pivotal era.
For those interested in exploring Atmosphere further, NPR’s Book of the Day offers sponsor-free episodes and additional coverage, available through a subscription at plus.npr.org/bookoftheday.
