Member Reviews

I was so excited to read Jennifer Weiner’s newest book! The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits did not disappoint!

Was this review helpful?

I love a good sister story! So many twists and turns, regrets and forgiveness. The Griffin Sisters were a band, an enigma, a "Where are they now".....I am a big fan of Jennifer Weiner. I love The Griffin Sisters.......so well done! Cassie is relatable on so many levels and I love the care that Weiner took in crafting such a nuanced character. All of the characters are fascinating and so, so real!

Was this review helpful?

Supporting Relationships Between Siblings Who Are Neurotypical & Neurodivergent & THE GRIFFIN SISTERS’ GREATEST HITS by Jennifer Weiner

Soon after graduating from high school, sisters Cassie (a musical prodigy who was neurodivergent) and Zoe (a pop princess who was neurotypical) became the backbone of an ultra-popular band, the Griffin Sisters.

Cassie had struggled. She didn’t meet developmental milestones on time and struggled to maintain eye contact. Her thought patterns were rigid, and her ability to make friends was inhibited. What Cassie lacked in social skills, she made up for in raw musical talent.

Zoe was popular and well-adjusted. She moved through the world with confidence and grace. Zoe was frequently responsible for helping Cassie and came to Cassie’s rescue when other kids laughed at her. When Cassie needed a dose of bravery, Zoe supported Cassie’s confidence enough for her to perform.

Cassie and Zoe loved each other, but their relationship was complex. Sibling relationships all have ups and downs. However, sibling relationships between people with different neurological profiles are particularly challenging. Kids who are neurodivergent sometimes feel unseen or difficult. Kids who are neurotypical can feel upset or embarrassed by their neurodivergent sibling's behavior. Also, parents of kids who are neurodivergent tend to have less bandwidth to foster positive sibling relationships.

Here are tips for supporting relationships between siblings who are neurodivergent and neurotypical.

Provide Age-Appropriate Info: Kids flourish when they understand their sibling’s challenges and strengths. Provide all children with age-appropriate information about how others process thoughts and feelings.

Validate Feelings: Kids may have big feelings about their neurotypical or neurodivergent sibling’s behaviors. Listen, acknowledge feelings, and validate experiences without judgment.

Schedule Special Time: Every relationship needs focused time. Calendar one-on-one child/parent time and sibling/sibling time to strengthen each relationship, not just the family.

Embrace Community: Discuss the experience with people who understand it. Try formal groups or informal conversations with friends in similar situations.

The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner

Was this review helpful?

Oh my gosh, I devoured this book!! This is my absolute favorite Jennifer Weiner book and I’ve read most of them.
I could not stop reading it.

I don’t want to give away too much of the plot as I really enjoyed going into this book without knowing much about it. It wasn’t at all what I was expecting and I was very pleasantly surprised as the story unfolded.

The book is about the relationship of two very different sisters, Zoe and Cassie, and the music scene in the early aughts and it’s a total gem! It’s a bit different than most of the other books I’ve read by this author but oh so wonderful. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

So while this was very well written, it definitely was not one of my favorites of Weiner’s work. I am not a huge music person in general, so it may be a me problem, since the majority of this book was about having a music career. I also found it hard to relate to literally any character in this book and wanted more relationship development between the sisters. I am giving this 3 stars because though the plot wasn’t for me, I can appreciate the good writing and dialogue, and I think the plot will appeal to many.

Was this review helpful?

I have read every Jennifer Weiner book published so I was excited to get this. I loved that the book showed how honest relationships can be between sisters, mothers and daughters and aunts and nieces. All the good and not so good. I loved the three different perspectives between Zoe, Cassie and Cherry. I did have a couple of things that for me made it 4 stars instead of 5. I KNOW it was a book about music but it was just a little too much and I felt myself skimming some of those parts. Also I wanted to know about Cherry`s dad.... I feel like that was still some open ended questions in the end. Overall this was a great book and a bit different than her other books more focused on women relationships.

Was this review helpful?

I’ve been waiting all summer for a new Jennifer Weiner book [which it seems like when her new book comes out yearly) and what a surprise it’s not coming out until April 2025 - but it was well worth the wait. Just s you think she can’t top herself she comes out swinging with this captivating story about musical sisters, the dynamics of family and endearing characters you won’t forget. Thank you so much for the advanced read!

Was this review helpful?

This is expert storytelling from Weiner. I will read whatever she publishes. This book is one I'll read again. I needed to stay up and read until the end because I was so invested in the outcome for these characters. I enjoyed the way the story was a look at sisterhood, motherhood, romantic relationships, and parenthood. There's something for everyone here. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

I am so happy that I was chosen to preview this book. It was wonderful. Jennifer Weiner always tells a great story and this is no different. I loved following Cherry on her journey as well as the story of her family.

Was this review helpful?

The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner is a terrific book. It hit several marks for me - relationships with our mom, our sisters, and body image.

Zoe wants to be a rock star, but doesn't have the talent, Cassie has the talent but is reluctant to perform in front of an audience - enter a man who divides the sisters, a baby and then estrangement. One of the sisters becomes a recluse, the other has several children and a marriage, one of those children wants to be a star and goes after Cassie to mentor her. Confronting the past is the result.

That's very vague, but I don't want to give anything away because it's just that good. I couldn't put this book down and stayed up all night reading it and it was definitely worth the exhaustion of today.

If you want to laugh and cry and be thoroughly satisfied when the book is finished, look no further!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in consideration of an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

This novel is a compelling tapestry of hope and heartbreak, beautifully illustrating the struggle to mend old wounds while chasing one’s dreams. With her signature blend of wit and warmth, Weiner creates an engrossing read that will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever faced the challenge of reconciling past regrets with the pursuit of new beginnings. And, I absolutely devoured it.

Was this review helpful?

A heart-warming, fun, rollicking family story. In the vein, albeit different, of Daisy Jones & The Six - a tale of music and it's interweaving connections. A winner for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Was this review helpful?

Zoe wants to be a music star, the only problem being her sister Cassie has all the talent. Cassie picks up an instrument easily, sings, and is great at writing songs, but she hates crowds and is uneasy with people. Zoe prevails and they briefly become the Griffin Sisters, the hottest group in rock and roll, until their fame crashed and burned, and Zoe takes away the only man Cassie loved. Years later Zoe has a teenage daughter, Cherry, who shows the same musical talent and wants to be a star. When her mom refuses to help Cherry runs away trying to find her aunt who disappeared years ago and no one has seen since. A story about the price of fame, being sisters, and learning to love and forgive yourself for who you are. A great read that’s perfect for bookclubs with many discussion topics. My favorite Jennifer Weiner book in a long time.

Was this review helpful?

I have not read a Jennifer Weiner book in some time, but the summary of this one caught my eye. I'm so glad William Morris & Netgalley provided me a copy. I read this book in 3 days... I could not put it down! I enjoyed the back and forth of timelines, the multiple perspectives of Zoe, Cassie and Cherry, and I adored the ending. I did find Zoe sometimes hard to like and I felt she got off easy in some respects... But I loved how Jennifer Weiner tackled the 90's and 2000's music scene, fatphobia, the desire of fame, what does being famous really mean, and what can and should women want in their lives. I also loved that all three protagonists had different ideas of this (especially women can/should want in their lives). This will be a great read for fans of women's fiction, pop music, the early aughts, and Jennifer Weiner books when it comes out in 2025.

Was this review helpful?

Jennifer Weiner writes novels that are wonderful and more wonderful! This is a “more wonderful “ book. The story centers around three women, sisters Zoe and Cassie, and Zoe’s daughter, Cherry. The sisters became a legend during their short musical career. Now, it is Cherry who wants the opportunity to become a musician. . Not so easy! Her aunt and her mother have been estranged for TWENTY years and her aunt Cassie has been hiding in Alaska, isolated, during those years.

So begins a totally engrossing novel about these women. As usual the writing is crisp and engaging. Weiner takes us through their birth, childhood and searing rivalry as they became the Griffin Sisters. The author shows an incredible sensitivity when writing about women who deal with weight issues or who make foolish choices when very young.

This is simply a tremendous novel which readers will love. Book groups will find many issues to discuss. The culture of the changing music industry is fascinating, from albums TO CDs to SPOTIFY. I would say this is Weiner’s best, most complex novel since Mrs. America.

Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this extraordinary novel.

Was this review helpful?