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Atmosphere: A GMA Book Club Pick: A Love Story.

Atmosphere: A Sweeping Story of Ambition, Love, and the Race Beyond Earth

#1 New York Times Bestseller
Good Morning America Book Club Pick

From the bestselling author of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones & The Six comes a breathtaking novel set during the golden era of the 1980s space shuttle program—a powerful story about ambition, discovery, love, and the extraordinary risks we take to reach beyond our limits.

“Thrilling . . . heartbreaking . . . uplifting . . . the fast-paced, emotionally charged story of one ambitious young woman, finding both her voice and her passion.” — Kristin Hannah, author of The Women

“NASA? Space missions? The ’80s? This is a collection of all the things I love.” — Andy Weir, author of Project Hail Mary and The Martian

A Journey Beyond the Stars

Joan Goodwin has always been fascinated by the mysteries of the universe. For as long as she can remember, she has looked toward the stars with curiosity and wonder. Living a quiet but fulfilling life as a physics and astronomy professor at Rice University, Joan never expected her world to change.

Then she discovers an opportunity that challenges everything she thought possible: NASA is searching for the first women scientists to join the space shuttle program.

Suddenly, Joan’s lifelong fascination with space transforms into an unstoppable dream—to become one of the few people who will ever leave Earth.

In the summer of 1980, after being selected from thousands of applicants, Joan begins astronaut training at Houston’s Johnson Space Center. There, she joins an extraordinary group of candidates, each carrying their own ambitions, secrets, and hopes:

• Hank Redmond, a fearless Top Gun pilot who thrives under pressure.
• John Griffin, a brilliant scientist whose kindness balances the intensity of the mission.
• Lydia Danes, a determined mission specialist who refuses to let anything stand in her way.
• Donna Fitzgerald, a compassionate woman navigating hidden struggles.
• Vanessa Ford, a brilliant and mysterious aerospace engineer with the rare ability to repair anything and fly anything.

As they train together and prepare for their first missions, these unlikely companions form deep friendships, discover unexpected passions, and experience connections that change the way they see themselves and the world around them.

For Joan, the journey becomes about more than reaching space. It becomes a discovery of who she truly is, what she wants, and how far she is willing to go for love and purpose.

But in December 1984, during mission STS-LR9, everything changes in a single moment.

An Emotional Story Among the Stars

Fast-paced, inspiring, and deeply emotional, Atmosphere showcases Taylor Jenkins Reid’s talent for bringing unforgettable characters and historic moments to life. With a vivid portrayal of NASA’s space program and a heartfelt exploration of ambition, identity, friendship, and love, this novel asks a timeless question:

What would you risk to chase the impossible?

A powerful story of courage, discovery, and human connection, Atmosphere takes readers beyond Earth and into the hearts of those brave enough to reach for the stars.