Atmosphere Summary, Characters and Themes | Taylor Jenkins Reid

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid is an emotional and gripping novel that follows Joan Goodwin, a dedicated astronaut working as CAPCOM at NASA.  The story intricately explores Joan’s personal and professional life, her relationship with her niece, Frances, and her deep connection with fellow astronaut Vanessa Ford.

As Joan navigates the high-stakes world of space exploration, she is faced with the challenges of balancing her demanding career with personal emotions, including love, loss, and responsibility.  Set against the backdrop of space missions and life in Mission Control, the novel examines themes of sacrifice, emotional growth, and the uncharted territories of the heart.

Summary

Joan Goodwin, an astronaut at NASA, starts her day at the Johnson Space Center in December 1984, preparing for her role as CAPCOM (Capsule Communicator) for the STS-LR9 mission.  The mission involves the shuttle Navigator, which is tasked with deploying a satellite for the U.S.  Navy.

Joan’s job as CAPCOM is essential—she communicates directly with the astronauts aboard the shuttle, ensuring that they are supported in the various stages of the mission.  This responsibility is something she takes seriously, especially as she holds a gold pin, a symbol of her own experience as a former astronaut.

The shuttle’s mission is complicated, as the astronauts face difficulties in deploying the satellite.  They must conduct a spacewalk to release retention latches that are holding the satellite in place.

Vanessa Ford and John Griffin, two astronauts from Joan’s training class, are selected for the spacewalk.  Their task is daunting, and as they step into the vacuum of space, the vastness of their environment is overwhelming.

However, their hard work results in the satellite being released successfully.  But just as the mission seems to be progressing smoothly, disaster strikes.

An explosive event occurs, causing significant damage to the shuttle and a dangerous cabin leak.

The pressure aboard the shuttle drops rapidly, and the crew must work quickly to find and seal the breach.  Joan’s calm and precise communication with the astronauts becomes critical in this life-or-death situation.

She guides them through the process of checking for the leak and adjusting the shuttle’s oxygen and nitrogen systems.  As the crew struggles to contain the damage, Joan realizes that Vanessa, who is stuck in the airlock, may be the only astronaut left alive.

The situation grows increasingly dire as the astronauts are at risk of suffocating or suffering from decompression sickness.

The mission’s catastrophic outcome forces Joan to confront the reality that she may lose her friends and colleagues.  Amidst the technical challenges, Joan’s internal turmoil deepens.

She is emotionally torn as she faces the possibility of never seeing her fellow astronauts again.  The story then takes a step back in time to Joan’s earlier years, offering insight into how she first dreamed of space exploration.

A TV commercial advertising NASA’s recruitment of female scientists sparks Joan’s interest in becoming an astronaut.  Despite the doubts she faces, including the gender-based discrimination that women in the space program had to overcome, Joan applies and eventually becomes part of NASA’s astronaut class.

Her path to becoming an astronaut is paved with obstacles, but Joan’s resilience shines through.  The narrative also highlights Joan’s strong bond with Vanessa, who becomes an important part of Joan’s life.

The two women form a deep connection throughout their training and time at NASA.  Joan admires Vanessa’s drive and ambition, and their relationship evolves over time.

Although Joan has to balance her professional responsibilities with her personal emotions, she finds comfort in her growing friendship and professional camaraderie with Vanessa.

Joan’s journey as an astronaut is filled with both physical and emotional challenges.  From the physical demands of astronaut training to the emotional toll of being away from family, Joan navigates each obstacle with determination.

Joan’s relationship with her niece, Frances, adds a deeply personal dimension to the story.  She struggles with balancing her responsibilities to Frances, who is dealing with loneliness, with her commitment to space exploration.

The strain between Joan’s personal life and her professional duties creates a tension that she must navigate as she grows both as a person and as an astronaut.

As the novel progresses, Joan is faced with difficult decisions.  Her love for Vanessa grows, and the two women share intimate moments that challenge Joan’s feelings of vulnerability.

At the same time, Joan must manage her professional obligations and the dangers of space travel, including the risk of losing her colleagues or facing critical issues in the midst of high-stakes missions.  Joan’s internal conflict intensifies as she reflects on the sacrifice and courage required in her line of work.

Through it all, Joan remains steadfast in her commitment to her mission, her friends, and her belief in humanity’s destiny to explore space.

The final portion of the narrative explores the emotional climax of Joan’s journey.  When Vanessa’s mission faces a critical situation, Joan’s connection to her is tested in ways she could never have anticipated.

Vanessa’s bravery and determination come into play when she makes a critical decision that could cost her life or career.  As Joan watches from Mission Control, she struggles with helplessness, knowing that her love for Vanessa may not be enough to save her.

Ultimately, Vanessa succeeds in her mission, saving the lives of her fellow astronauts and returning to Earth.  The tension of the situation leaves Joan with a profound sense of gratitude and love for Vanessa.

Despite the risks, the relationship between Joan and Vanessa grows, and they realize the depth of their bond.  The novel closes on a hopeful note, suggesting that despite the trials of space travel and the complexities of their professional lives, Joan and Vanessa have a future together.

The story of Atmosphere is a reflection on love, sacrifice, and self-discovery.  Joan’s journey as an astronaut is more than a professional endeavor—it is an exploration of who she is as a person, her relationships, and the emotional depth that space exploration brings.

Through her interactions with her colleagues and her growing affection for Vanessa, Joan learns to embrace love and vulnerability, while also continuing to push the boundaries of human understanding through her work at NASA.

Characters

Joan Goodwin

Joan Goodwin is the central character in Atmosphere, and her journey is both professional and personal, showcasing resilience, intellectual curiosity, and deep emotional growth.  As an astronaut and CAPCOM at NASA, Joan’s role demands constant emotional and mental composure, especially during high-stakes missions.

She is a deeply reflective person who connects her love for space to a sense of shared human history, drawing strength from the legacy of space exploration.  Joan’s calmness under pressure is key to her success in managing the astronauts aboard the shuttle, particularly in the face of a life-threatening disaster.

Her empathy extends beyond her role at NASA, as she forms close personal bonds with her colleagues, particularly Vanessa.  Despite her professional success, Joan struggles with her emotional isolation, especially in her lack of romantic connections, which leads her to question her own desires and identity.

Her relationship with her niece Frances adds another layer to her character, as Joan takes on a guardian role, demonstrating her nurturing side and commitment to those she loves.  Ultimately, Joan’s growth as a person is marked by her willingness to open her heart to love, both for space exploration and the people she cares about.

Vanessa Ford

Vanessa Ford, a fellow astronaut and Joan’s close friend, plays a significant role in both Joan’s personal and professional life.  While initially seen as a mission specialist, Vanessa is also grappling with her own insecurities, particularly regarding her role at NASA and her desire to pilot the shuttle.

Her determination and resilience are showcased during a critical spacewalk when she helps stabilize the shuttle during a life-threatening disaster.  Vanessa’s relationship with Joan becomes increasingly central to the narrative, with the two bonding over shared moments under the stars and through their professional struggles.

She is a character marked by intensity, strength, and vulnerability, and her internal conflicts about her role in the mission and her relationship with Joan add depth to her character.  Vanessa’s emotional growth is highlighted as she makes a morally challenging decision to save a crew member at the risk of her own life and career.

Her actions ultimately underscore the themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and love, which are central to the story.  Through her relationship with Joan, Vanessa’s character evolves from a professional astronaut to someone who deeply understands the sacrifices inherent in both space exploration and personal relationships.

Griff

Griff is a colleague of Joan’s and an astronaut aboard the shuttle.  Though his presence in the story is primarily defined by his tragic death during a mission, his character represents the risks and emotional toll of space exploration.

Griff’s medical emergency, which leads to his death, becomes a key turning point in Joan’s emotional journey.  His death forces Joan to confront her own feelings of isolation, grief, and the complexity of her role as an astronaut.

While Griff’s character is not as deeply explored as others, his presence serves as a reminder of the human cost of space exploration, and his loss shapes Joan’s growth as a person and professional.

Barbara

Barbara, Joan’s sister, is an emotionally distant figure whose strained relationship with Joan adds complexity to Joan’s personal life.  As a mother, Barbara’s neglectful behavior toward her daughter, Frances, contrasts sharply with Joan’s nurturing nature.

Barbara’s emotional overwhelm and defensive attitude toward her role as a mother highlight her own struggles with responsibility and personal boundaries.  Her relationship with Joan is marked by tension, with Joan confronting her about her failure to properly care for Frances.

Barbara’s inability to connect with Frances ultimately leads to Joan taking on a more prominent role in Frances’ life, but it also causes Joan to reflect on her own values and what it means to take care of family.  Barbara’s character serves as a foil to Joan’s more emotionally open and responsible demeanor, highlighting Joan’s deep capacity for love and sacrifice.

Frances

Frances, Joan’s niece, is a pivotal character in Joan’s personal life.  Struggling with loneliness and emotional neglect, particularly from her mother Barbara, Frances represents the emotional heart of Joan’s journey.

Her initial reluctance to accept Joan’s care evolves as she comes to see Joan as a source of stability and unconditional support.  Joan’s deep bond with Frances becomes one of the central emotional themes of the story, as Joan takes on the responsibility of becoming Frances’ guardian.

Frances’ character also highlights the emotional complexities of being part of a family where love is not always freely given, and her evolving relationship with Joan underscores the transformative power of love and support.  As a young person navigating emotional turmoil, Frances serves as both a challenge and a catalyst for Joan’s growth, pushing her to redefine her role as both an astronaut and a caretaker.

Jack Katowski

Jack Katowski, the Flight Director at NASA, serves as a secondary character in the narrative but plays a significant role in the high-stakes missions and the mission control dynamics.  As Joan’s colleague, Jack helps guide the team during critical moments of crisis, particularly when the shuttle’s mission faces danger.

Though not deeply explored in terms of his personal backstory, Jack’s calm demeanor and leadership skills during crises highlight the professionalism required in space exploration.  His relationship with Joan is one of respect and teamwork, as they both navigate the immense responsibility of their roles.

Jack’s character, though not central to the emotional core of the story, adds to the realism of the space program’s operations and the way teamwork is vital in life-or-death situations.

Donna

Donna is another astronaut and member of Joan’s training class, and though her role in the story is less prominent, she plays an important part in illustrating the dynamics within the astronaut community.  Donna’s budding relationship with Hank provides Joan with insight into the personal lives of her colleagues, and her interactions with Joan highlight the social complexities of working in such an intense and high-pressure environment.

Donna’s character represents the human side of space exploration, where personal relationships and emotional connections can develop even in the most professional of settings.

Hank

Hank is part of the astronaut community at NASA and is involved in a romantic relationship with Donna.  While Hank does not have a major impact on the plot, his character serves to further highlight the complexities of relationships in a high-pressure environment like NASA.

His relationship with Donna adds a layer of normalcy and human connection to the otherwise intense and often isolating world of space exploration.  Hank’s presence in the story underscores the emotional challenges astronauts face, not just in terms of space missions but also in their personal lives.

Themes

The Emotional Weight of Responsibility

The theme of responsibility in Atmosphere is one of immense emotional complexity.  Joan, as CAPCOM, holds the critical role of managing the communication between Mission Control and the crew during a high-stakes space mission.

In the face of danger, Joan’s responsibility stretches beyond mere professional duty; it encompasses the lives of her colleagues, whom she has come to care for deeply.  Her emotional resilience is put to the test as she balances the need to stay calm and focused while knowing that the crew members’ survival rests on her communication and guidance.

This sense of responsibility becomes even more intense as she faces the looming possibility of losing her friends, particularly Vanessa, who is caught in a deadly situation during the mission.  Joan must compartmentalize her emotions, focusing on the technical details while internally grappling with grief, fear, and a deep sense of loss.

Her internal conflict speaks to the heavy emotional toll of carrying such immense responsibility, especially in a situation where the lives of others are at stake.  As Joan struggles with her role, the story reveals how the weight of responsibility can push one to their limits, forcing them to confront both their strength and vulnerability in the face of life-or-death circumstances.

Love and Sacrifice

Love and sacrifice are intricately woven throughout the narrative, especially in the evolving relationship between Joan and Vanessa.  Their connection, which begins in a professional setting, gradually transforms into something deeper and more personal.

The pressure of their high-risk jobs at NASA forces both women to confront the fragility of their relationship, as they are constantly aware of the possibility of losing each other to the dangers of space exploration.  The theme of sacrifice is most poignantly demonstrated when Vanessa, during a critical mission, is faced with the decision to put her own life at risk in order to save her fellow astronaut, Lydia.

This moment underscores the true meaning of sacrifice—not just the willingness to face physical harm, but also the emotional and moral weight of such a decision.  Vanessa’s choice is an act of love, demonstrating her commitment not only to her crew but also to Joan, who stands on the ground, desperately waiting to hear if Vanessa will return safely.

The theme of sacrifice extends beyond the physical, with both women making difficult emotional decisions about their relationship in order to protect their careers and the futures of those they love.  Ultimately, love in this narrative is not only about affection but also about the sacrifices one is willing to make for the people they care about, even if it means putting their own lives and happiness on the line.

Isolation and Connection

Isolation is another dominant theme in Atmosphere, particularly through Joan’s journey as an astronaut.  While the physical isolation of space is an obvious challenge, the emotional isolation Joan experiences is equally significant.

She is surrounded by colleagues, yet there remains a deep sense of emotional distance, especially as she navigates the male-dominated world of NASA and the unique pressures of her role.  This isolation is compounded by Joan’s struggle to connect with others on a personal level.

Her professional responsibilities take precedence over her emotional needs, and her disconnection from romantic and familial relationships highlights her internal conflict between duty and desire.  However, Joan’s bond with Vanessa acts as a counterpoint to her loneliness.

Their shared experiences, both on the ground and in space, gradually bridge the emotional gap that Joan has long maintained.  The theme of connection unfolds as the two women learn to open up to one another, despite the risks that their relationship poses to their careers.

Through their evolving bond, the narrative explores how human connection, even in the most challenging and isolating environments, has the power to transcend barriers, be they physical, emotional, or professional.  Joan’s journey toward embracing vulnerability and deepening her relationship with Vanessa represents the struggle between the desire for connection and the fear of the emotional consequences of such bonds.

Gender and the Struggle for Equality

Joan’s career at NASA is marked by her determination to break through gender barriers in a field traditionally dominated by men.  From the moment she considers applying to NASA, Joan is aware of the hurdles that women face in space exploration.

The historical context of sexism within the space program adds a layer of complexity to her journey, as she fights not only for her place within NASA but also to be recognized for her expertise and dedication.  Throughout her training, Joan faces subtle and overt forms of discrimination, but she refuses to be deterred.

Her perseverance in a male-dominated environment serves as a testament to the resilience required to succeed in spaces where women have historically been excluded.  The theme of gender equality is also explored through Joan’s relationship with Vanessa, where the complexities of being a female astronaut are amplified.

Vanessa’s struggles with her role and limitations due to her civilian status echo Joan’s own battles to be recognized as an equal among her male colleagues.  This theme highlights the broader societal issues of gender and the ongoing fight for equality in professions where women continue to face systemic barriers.

Atmosphere emphasizes the need for continued progress in achieving gender equality, particularly in fields that require both intellectual and physical prowess, where women are often expected to prove themselves beyond their male counterparts.

The Human Drive for Exploration and Knowledge

The theme of exploration and the pursuit of knowledge serves as the backbone of the story, with space exploration acting as both a literal and metaphorical symbol for humanity’s insatiable curiosity.  For Joan, space is not just a profession but a calling—a way to connect to something larger than herself.

Her childhood fascination with the stars evolves into a professional pursuit as she becomes part of NASA’s mission to push the boundaries of human understanding.  The narrative explores how this drive for exploration is both inspiring and humbling, as Joan and her colleagues embark on missions that push the limits of human capabilities and understanding.

The theme is also reflected in the way Joan constantly balances the awe of space with the risks that come with it.  Space, for Joan, is a place where the collective efforts of humanity come together to reach beyond the known world, striving for progress despite the inevitable dangers.

However, the story also critiques the toll that this pursuit takes on personal relationships and individual well-being.  Joan’s emotional journey is shaped by her desire to contribute to humanity’s understanding of space, yet she must grapple with the personal sacrifices that come with such an all-consuming drive.

The exploration of space is a metaphor for the broader human experience: a quest for knowledge and understanding that comes with both triumphs and tragedies.