Like many readers, I was excited about the publication of a new book by author Taylor Jenkins Reid, known for her previous works, perhaps most notably, Daisy Jones & The Six, and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. This time, Reid tells the story of a group of astronauts in training, focusing in on one woman who has always loved space, and now may have the chance to explore it.
The Situation: Joan Goodwin loves the stars, and is able to impart her knowledge of them as a professor of physics and astronomy. But when her sister Barbara informs her of a commercial from NASA that mentions they are looking specifically for female scientists, Joan takes the opportunity to apply. And while she may not make it into the program with the first group, her second attempt is successful, and she is now facing the potential reality of a career with NASA, which could certainly come with an opportunity - maybe many opportunities - to go to space. Her niece, Frances, is certainly excited for her, and while Barbara is proud of her big sister, she is also quick to voice her concerns that herself and her daughter may no longer be Joan's first priority.
The Problem: The training is rigorous and stressful, but Joan knew it would be. Perhaps what she was not quite ready for was the anger and resentment she feels towards the men who are clearly angry and resentful about her being there. And then there are those who are quick with an insult or critique, willing to push someone else down if it means they are lifted up. Also, Joan's new life means less time with Frances, something that neither of them is happy about, while Barbara never misses a chance to let Joan know that she is letting them down. But quite possibly the last thing Joan thought would ever happen was that she would find someone she could really connect with. Someone who would help her learn the things about herself that she thought she already knew.
Genre, Themes, History: This is a historical fiction novel set in the early 1980's, as the book's protagonist prepares to be one of the first female astronauts to go to space. The people and events the book focuses on are all fictional, though there is some inclusion of real events, such as Sally Ride becoming the first American woman to go to space in 1983. Most of the action follows Joan as she navigates her new life in and around Houston, dealing with new responsibilities and relationships, while also managing her previous ones with Frances and Barbara. While acknowledging that many in her new career will be looking for reasons, any reasons, why women should not be astronauts, Joan must make the decision if she wants to continue to be herself, or perform for those who are always watching.
My Verdict: Reid once again gives readers a story with authentic and difficult relationships, in the midst of circumstances that are not only hard, but are significant to the history of the world these characters are a part of. Joan is not simply a single woman in a difficult job, with a demanding sister, trying to find out who she is. Joan is looking to be an astronaut, when many are not sold on the idea of a woman in space. With everything that she is dealing with, I found the love story to be the least interesting part of the book. It is still compelling, but I kept looking forward to the parts that dealt with the training, and the missions, and even the tense moments between Joan and her sister Barbara. Their relationship managed to be both straight forward and complicated, ultimately adding another dimension to this complex narrative.
Favorite Moment: Joan has to be upfront and honest with a coworker who has a history of being less than agreeable with everyone else. She has to stand firm in her belief as to why she has been given opportunities over some of the others, even having to assert that yes, she is smart, and yes, she does work hard.
Favorite Character: Griff is another hopeful astronaut who cares for Joan in a way she knows she could never quite return.
Recommended Reading: Daisy Jones & The Six remains my favorite book by Reid, but I also recommend The Women by Kristin Hannah.
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