Atmosphere
Set in the 1980s Space Shuttle era, 'Atmosphere' follows Joan Goodwin, a pioneering scientist, as she pursues her dream of spaceflight, friendship, and love against the odds.
"To reach the stars, you must first believe you belong among them."
Overview
Atmosphere is an epic historical novel set during the 1980s Space Shuttle program. Joan Goodwin, a brilliant physicist and astronomer, is selected to join NASA's first class of women scientists. As she trains for spaceflight, Joan forms deep bonds with her fellow astronauts and discovers love, ambition, and the cost of chasing dreams beyond Earth.
Main Plot
Joan Goodwin's lifelong fascination with the stars leads her to NASA, where she joins a diverse group of candidates vying for a place on the Space Shuttle. As Joan faces the rigors of astronaut training, she forges friendships, navigates rivalries, and falls in love. But when tragedy strikes during a mission, Joan must summon the courage to redefine her place in the universe and find meaning in both love and loss.
Key Characters
Joan Goodwin
A passionate physicist and astronomer, Joan is determined to become one of the first women in space.
Frances
Joan's precocious niece, who inspires her to reach for the stars and reminds her of the importance of family.
Lydia Danes
A fellow astronaut candidate, Lydia is fiercely competitive and becomes both a rival and a friend to Joan.
Vanessa Ford
A magnetic aeronautical engineer, Vanessa's skills and charisma make her a standout in the astronaut class.
Major Themes
Ambition & Belonging
Joan's journey explores what it means to belong in a world not built for you, and the sacrifices required to achieve greatness.
Love & Loss
The novel delves into the complexities of love, friendship, and grief, set against the backdrop of space exploration.
Women in STEM
Atmosphere highlights the challenges and triumphs of women breaking barriers in science and engineering.
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