Thanks to William Morrow for an advanced copy of The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner.

This is a book about family dynamics, sisters, fame, love, the past and reaching for your dreams all in a 2000s pop music scene.

I loved the dual timeline between the early 2000s of seeing the band come together and the rise of fame to the present with Cherry trying to find out what happened to the band while she's auditioning for a music competition show and trying to piece more about her mom & aunt.

This was so well written - I felt like I was in the early 2000s, I'm the same age as Zoe & Cassie, so many of the references and things were spot on. I liked how this kept me hooked to figure out what tore the band apart and why Cass and Zoe haven't spoken in twenty years.

The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits (Deluxe Limited Edition) by Jennifer Weiner, is a touching story about two vastly different sisters and their trials and tribulations in becoming famous. One sister is gorgeous and overly ambitious while the other is the opposite.
Zoe wants to be a rock star, but her voice is just ok. Her sister Cassie is a wonderful musician with a voice like an angel. They start a band and become famous, but stardom does not last, and the breakup is a mystery. Unbeknownst to Zoe, her sister Cassie has left the area, and no one knows where she is. Fast forward 20 years and Zoe’s daughter Cherry is curious as to what happened to her Aunt Cassie and the band. Cherry finds her aunt, which leads to numerous revelations as to what really happened in the past.
This is a real page turner, and I loved it! This book is long but never dull and I highly recommend it. Thank you to Netgalley and William Morrow for the ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

I loved this one! Especially recommended for fans of Jennifer Weiner's previous books, or those who loved DAISY JONES & THE SIX. This book had so much heart and I felt like the sister relationship was so relatable (not to me, personally...but relatable!) To me, this felt as authentic and personal as the author's early work, which I especially love (GOOD IN BED, IN HER SHOES)

GRIFFIN SISTERS follows two sisters, their relationship, and their musical and personal successes and struggles over several decades. I didn't fall in love with any of the characters but they felt really human, which kept me invested. The story based in the music world, but the characters and storyline feel fresh. I think this will be perfect for book clubs, and for people looking for an engaging story that's not predictable.

Note: this book jumps around with multiple timelines.

A sincere thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I will read anything by Jennifer Weiner, so you can imagine my pure delight at receiving an ARC of her newest book The Giffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits. I might have a new favorite! This book has everything. I loved the dual perspectives, the timelines, the genre, and the love. Honestly, I think I loved it all. Sisters Cassie and Zoe couldn’t be more different from the beginning. Spanning decades, this book explores how much can change in a year and in a lifetime. With Zoe’s persuasion, Cassie and Zoe become two members of the greatest band in the early 2000s. When the unthinkable happens, Cassie flees to Alaska and Zoe hangs up her microphone to acclimate as a stay-at-home mom in the suburbs. When Zoe’s 18-year-old daughter, Cherry, starts to churn up the past the secrets that have been swept under the rug are forced to be exposed. Weiner is an expert at banter and relationships, and she pulls at your heartstrings, in all the good ways. This was my last book of 2024 and a solid 5 stars!

** spoiler alert ** Thanks to NetGalley, I was able to read this book for free before it gets released to the public.

There were parts of this book I really enjoyed, but, despite being quite long, I felt like this was only half a story. There needs to be a sequel.

Some of the things I didn't like:
• It seems like we can narrow Cassie down to two things: Fat and an otherworldly musician. Outside of these two things, we don't learn anything about her. I felt like half the instances of Cassie being called fat, fat-adjacent nicknames, or talking about how gross she was could have been removed. I know the story takes place during the blonde & skinny pop star era of Britney, Xtina, and Jessica Simpson, but Cassie was most definitely not the first overweight musician.

• The whole Bix storyline. I get that *this* is what sends Zoe to look for Cherry, but it seemed weak. It just felt like filler, even though the ultimate point was trying to show why Zoe didn't want Cherry to go into the business.

• After Russell dies, Zoe comes up with this plan to never tell anyone there's a baby. Why?

Even though I didn't necessarily like her, the character of Zoe felt real to me. I could see why she would latch on to Russell as she began feeling insecure about her position in the band. Although, since the band was The Griffin Sisters, it seems like it would be harder to remove her than she imagined.

Now, as for why I think this is only half a book: Zoe is content with her life in the New Jersey suburbs (side note: Did we ever find out why Cassie was so surprised Zoe ended up in New Jersey?), but we need a follow-up book about Cassie, the musical savant, finally getting her time to shine. Maybe she does it alongside Cherry, who is more of a musical equal than Zoe?

Also, the biggest mystery in the book never gets answered: Who is Cherry's dad?

The book is packed with wit, heart, and plenty of relatable moments, especially when it comes to the sisters’ individual struggles and how they come together when it matters most. The pacing is breezy and easy to get lost in, with each chapter offering something fresh and engaging. Plus, Weiner's writing is just so enjoyable—warm and witty, yet deep when it needs to be.

I’ve had an auto-buy rule for Jennifer Weiner since I read Good in Bed over 20 years ago. She’s always able to give you the romance you want without the story being cloying or simplistic. As the mother of two teens on the spectrum, I appreciated the depiction of Cassie and her struggles. Weiner is able to fully depict the inner conflict around existing in a larger body and also manages to show that having a larger body doesn’t keep a person from being able to attract a partner and experience pleasure. Zoe as a character was hard for me to connect with, but I did understand that Weiner was showing us that once again, being thin and beautiful doesn’t mean you’re not insecure. I kind of wished that Bess had been more fleshed out as a character, I was interested to know more about her and her connection to the girls. I finished this book with tears in my eyes late last night and will be thinking of these characters for awhile, and that for me is the sign of a great book.

I just love Jennifer Weiner's writing style, prose, character development and overall story telling. This was no different and I absolutely devoured it.

I am a long time Jennifer Weiner fan, but honestly had not connected with some of her recent stuff. The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits changed that. I enjoyed reading about Cassie and Zoe's past and the tragedy that befell them. I was invested in Cherry's story and cheering her on for success. Reminiscent of Daisy Jones and The Six, but I preferred The Griffin Sisters Greatest Hits!

This was a different read for me than my normal genre of mystery/thrillers – however I have read many of Jennifer Weiner’s books. This one did not disappoint either. I loved the real life family vibes that were messy, hard and full of loving moments, as well as jealousy etc. Sisters forever, although there is a mess in between. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC – I was so honored to be chosen. #JenniferWeiner #TheGriffinSistersGreatestHits #NetGalley

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for an advance reading copy of Jennifer Weiner’s new book.

I was getting strong Daisy Jones and the Six vibes in the beginning of the book, which was one of my favorite reads. But unfortunately, The Griffin Sisters Greatest Hits did not live up to my expectations.

The character development was weak and uni-dimensional. Zoe was the pretty, selfish one. Cassie was the fat one with low confidence but an amazing singing voice. And Cherry had the best qualities of both of them. I grew tired of being constantly reminded throughout the book that these were the character traits that the author wanted me to focus on. By the time the conflict resolution came at the end of the book, I was skimming the pages and finding it hard to care. Bummer as there was a lot of potential for more.

Thank you, NetGalley, William Morrow and Jennifer Weiner for this ARC.

I'm not going to lie, it was a struggle for me to get into this book. I usually love books by this author but this one wasn't one of my favorite ones by her. I still did enjoy it once I was able to get pass the first few chapters. Nothing was wrong with it, but it was just tough for me to get into. I'll give it a 3 for now but do plan on reading it again.

Thank you so much to the author, publishers, and NetGalley, for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book!

Overall, this was a lovely story which follows the extraordinarily talented Cassie and the gregarious, pretty Zoe, who set the early 2000s music scene on fire with their band, The Griffin Sisters. The sisters go their separate ways after a tragedy, and now it may be up to the next generation to bring them back together.

I enjoyed reading this book! Although it handles heavy topics, the author keeps it engaging and really helps the reader invest emotionally in the characters. In some places, the book could feel a little repetitive, but the payoff was worth it. I highly recommend it!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading “The Griffin Sisters” as it had such depth of feelings between sisters as well as the family dynamics. Although Cassie and Zoe were sisters they were completely different, yet their bond was strong until it wasn’t. Cassie was extremely talented with the voice of an angel as well as an extremely talented songwriter who was self conscious of her appearance; while Zoe was outgoing, attractive and determined to be famous although her talent paled by comparison. Their fame was paramount! Mistakes were made, tragedy ensued, hearts were broken, and relationships mended. Jennifer Weiner manages to weave the story in such a way that the reader feels the emotions of the characters while she keeps you in suspense and turning the page until the end.

Although this was the first book I’ve read by Jennifer Weiner it certainly won’t be the last.

Irene G

The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits is the story of Zoe and Cassie, sisters only about a year apart in age but otherwise about as different as can be. Zoe- beautiful and popular, Cassie- overweight and shy. Zoe desperately wants to be a star, but Cassie is full of musical talent and wants to fade into the background.
A quick synopsis- they form a band, release an album, go on tour after wild success, a tragedy occurs and they don’t speak. Now 20 years have passed. Zoe has a musical genius daughter Cherry, Cassie is a recluse in Alaska.
What I liked- the locations. I grew up in Cherry Hill, NJ, just over the bridge from Philly and next to Haddonfield so that adds a level of interest. I also love Alaska and have been to many of the places referenced in the book. I generally liked the book. It was a quick read.
What I didn’t like- Zoe. She was not at all likable as a sister, as a mom, as a person. I couldn’t stand that Cassie’s appearance was mentioned over and over and over. We get it. She’s overweight. I didn’t like that reading this reminded me of Daisy Jones and the Six. For some reason it felt like this was drawing from it. I expect more from an author like Jennifer Weiner. And lastly, as silly as this sounds, the idea that someone in Haddonfield has a daughter named Cherry seems ridiculous.
Anyway, I’d give this a 3.5 but will round it down to a 3. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for access to this ARC.

An excellent exploration of sisterly dynamics with a compelling plot. I wanted to hug one of the Griffin sisters, and slap the other in the face. Any book that can get such strong reactions out of the reader is a win for me! I loved the care with which Weiner crafted these such opposite personalities. Their journeys felt authentic and kept me invested. I'd love to read the next chapter of their story.

Want to be transported back to the pop scene of the early 2000s? Want to experience the angst of stardom, the turmoil of bands and roadies, the giddiness of fans? Want to get caught up in family drama?

Jennifer Weiner's new one, The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits, is a little reminiscent of Daisy Jones and the Six vibes, but let's flash forward 30 years. Then, let's jump forward another 20 and get caught up to speed.

The book tells the tale of a fictional sister duo who skyrocketed to fame in the early 2000s (think Britney, Avril, Kelly Clarkson era).

Zoe was the beautiful one - tall, striking, a dancer. Cassie was her younger sister (by a year, an unexpected surprise). Cassie was dumpy, insecure, but alas, Cassie was a child musical prodigy. She could sing and play like none other. Zoe yearns for the spotlight and wants to be a star. Cassie does not but is persuaded to play on stage with Zoe in a talent show "just once." A talent scout is alerted; the offers start rolling in. Soon the girls and their band are selling out concerts. Zoe, with her tambourine and back up vocals, is moved further and further back from the spotlight; Cassie with her piano and not only astounding, but mesmerizing vocals, is moved closer and closer.

Trouble ensues, relationships are strained, and we arrive in the year 2023. The band disbanded nearly two decades ago; one sister is living off the grid in Alaska; and Zoe's daughter, Cherry (now 18), wants nothing more than to become a rising rock star.

We've got the barren Alaska frontier, a singing reality competition show, and family dynamics spanning two decades. Jump on the tour bus and view this bumpy, turbulent, and nostalgic ride with the Griffin sisters. Then, join a new generation as Cherry tries to reunite her broken family.

Thank you, NetGalley and William Morrow, for this entertaining ARC that drops April 8, 2025.

I loved this book! Ive seen it compared to and I loved Daisy Jones and the Six but dare I say I loved this book even more?!?! Is that possible? Angst and heartache, love and excitement, chasing dreams and yearning to be invisible. Not an emotion or nuance was left behind. I wish I could read and experience it all again for the first time.

**5/5 Stars – A Front-Row Experience**

Reading “The Griffin Sisters* felt like standing front and center at a legendary concert. The story pulls you into the heart of the band’s rise and fall, making every note and lyric come alive. It’s not just about the music—it’s about the messy, beautiful relationships behind it: the ambition, the tension, and the fleeting magic of fame.

The characters felt real, their voices distinct and raw. The performances were so vivid I could practically hear the music. This book isn’t just a story—it’s an experience that made me feel the thrill of the spotlight and the ache of chasing greatness. Unforgettable.

By far Jennifer Weiner's best book since Good in Bed. It was one of those books that I tried to stop reading, just so it wouldn't be over so quickly, but I couldn't put it down. A great compelling novel taking on the music industry, reality TV, family drama and more. One of my favorite books of the past year.