Beyond the Book: Atmosphere

Your Denison story doesn’t end at graduation — it’s just another chapter. Beyond the Book is more than a book club; it’s a space for alums to explore powerful stories, new perspectives, and themes rooted in the shared experiences of women. Through fiction and nonfiction, professional and personal development reads, and beyond, we’ll dive into Denisonian-selected books that inspire, challenge, and connect us.

Each book selection has been thoughtfully recommended and voted on by a group of volunteers, ensuring that our reading list reflects the interests, experiences, and voices of our Denison community.

While our discussions highlight the narratives that shape women’s lives, all alums are welcome to join the conversation. Come for the books, stay for the connections — because every story is better when shared.

About Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Atmosphere is a historical fiction novel set in the 1980s NASA Space Shuttle Program. The story follows Joan Goodwin, an astrophysics professor, as she trains to become one of the first female astronauts. Jenkins Reid takes readers on a journey of ambition, sacrifice, and unexpected love, all while navigating sexism in a male-dominated field.

Beyond the Book is inspired by the Four Forward initiative, celebrating the first four women to receive degrees from Denison. While Beyond the Book discussions are often rooted in the shared experiences of women, the program is open to all Denisonians interested in engaging with its themes and conversations.