1980: Joan Goodwin, an astronomer, has been obsessed with the stars for as long as she can remember. She teaches astronomy and physics at Rice University and she’s happy with her life – she loves her job and her niece Frances. However, when she comes across an ad from NASA who are looking for female astronauts, she applies. Joan is chosen to train as an astronaut along side a few other women: Lydia Danes, Donna Fitzgerald and Vanessa Ford. Though they compete for the chance to go into space, the women become friends (though Lydia is a bit of an outsider).
Joan goes up in space, and a few weeks later it’s Vanessa’s turn. During Vanessa’s time in space, something goes wrong. Joan is stuck in mission control while the woman she loves is in danger… a nail biting experience!
I really enjoyed this book – I loved the relationships between the women, and their friendships with the male astronauts as well. Joan’s terrible relationship with her sister (I must say I would have strangled her) and her niece Frances. It was endearing to see how proud Frances was of her auntie.
Read for the PopSugar Reading Challenge 2026
Prompt 5: Atmosphere
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️