Wow.

I devoured this book. I admire the author's storytelling. I have only read one of her books previously and that one resonated with me, and this book did the same. That goes to show that I really need to dive into more of her books.

I found the story of the Griffin sisters so immersive and the way the story all folded together was incredible. While you get some bits and pieces, as you go along, you get more and more information that got me personally thinking back to previous segments and adding that extra layer of nuance. That component is what I found the most compelling and enjoyable about this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC!

Thank you William Morrow Books for the early access to Jennifer Weiner’s newest novel.

The Griffin Sisters’ greatest hits has a bit of Daisy Jones and the Six vibes. The story is told primarily through 3 women’s perspectives (Zoe, Cassie and Cherry) jumping between two time periods 20 years apart. The story is a somewhat backwards retelling of The Griffin Sisters’ rise to fame and the sudden implosion of the band and their lives.

I started out enjoying this book and the way the different women experienced the presented events but this interest didn’t last for me. I have generally enjoyed Jennifer Weiner’s books particularly because she frequently centers them around a FMC who is larger/plus sized when you rarely see these women represented in novels. She normally handles these characters in a way that feels authentic to their experiences but doesn’t fully center the story around their appearances. However, in this novel Cassie’s weight is so frequently at the center of her story that it’s distracting and honestly demoralizing. Almost every time we hear Cassie’s perspective there is a comment on how gross she is because she’s bigger, or plain- these come from Cassie’s own internal thoughts and those of everyone around her.

I’m struggling with how to fully review this because of how frustrated I am with the character portrayal. The dynamics between the sisters and their different desires (Zoe- fame and fortune/ Cassie- to be understood and loved) had so much potential for a great story. Unfortunately the focus on Cassie’s appearance and reclusiveness took away from the overall plot. Once I realized how much focus the story had on Cassie’s flaws the book started to feel too drawn out and I struggled to finish it.

2.5 and rounding down

Zoe always wanted to be a star. Her sister Cassie, not so much. Cassie is intimidated by attention and insecure about her weight. They become stars, relying on each others tools: Cassie’s unparalleled talent and Zoe’s charisma and looks. Until they are torn apart my deception and tragedy. Now years later, Zoe’s daughter is trying to piece together what happened as she tried to make it as a star.

Music fiction can be hit or miss for me but Ms. Weiner’s books are always hits for me! While very music based, the heart of the story was in the sister relationship and the mother/daughter relationship. This is a great book club read, as everyone has their own intentions and secrets. I loved how it showed both sisters in the past, and then we also got to know them in the present. We could see how they changed and then find out the why behind it.

“That’s what the world does, I guess. It makes you feel like you’re the only lonely girl.”

The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits comes out 4/8.

I received a free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Jennifer Weiner used to be a can’t miss author for me, but her last few books haven’t thrilled me (in fact, I’m pretty sure I checked out The Breakaway and it just sat on my desk for a week because I never felt like opening it). I requested this one on a whim, and I picked it up because I needed a mystery palate cleanser. I’ve seen it not-so-favorably compared to Daisy Jones & the Six, which I’ve never actually read, so I went in without many expectations. It seemed to be a bit of a departure from Weiner’s usual formula, and not at all romancey, so I was intrigued.

The titular sisters are Cassie and Zoe Grossberg…who decide to rechristen themselves the Griffin sisters instead since it’s less overtly Jewish and thus more mainstream. Cassie is a straight up musical prodigy, but she’s terrified of the spotlight and only sings when Zoe sings with her. Zoe is very pretty, but not all that talented (she can carry a tune, but she’s not winning any Grammys). But Zoe REALLY wants to be famous, so she kind of bullies Cassie into going along with all of it. The Griffin sisters had one album, several hit singles, and a tour cut short by tragedy.

In the present day, neither sister sings anymore, and Cassie is completely off the grid. Zoe’s daughter Cherry seems to have inherited her aunt’s talent and her mother’s drive for fame, and she’s trying to get on a reality show called The Next Stage (it’s basically American Idol…but in a world where that show already exists).

The novel jumps around through time - we have flashbacks to the early aughts when the sisters were on their first (and last) tour, flashbacks even further to when they were young, present day chapters following all three women - Zoe, Cassie, and Cherry. It’s a lot, and while it’s not confusing, I found it unnecessary. We do eventually find out about the tragedy that ended the tour, and Zoe and Cassie’s relationship, but everything feels very rushed - both the present and past timelines. I sort of wish we’d just had a linear narrative following the sisters as they discovered their talents and became famous and all that goes along with it. Of course, that would require a bit of restructuring, but I think it would make a better story. I didn’t find Cherry all that compelling, and the drama that’s happening in her life isn’t really dealt with in a meaningful way. There’s a sideplot about her stepbrother being a creep, but it’s not given enough weight.

Overall, this was fine. I’ve never been much of a music geek, and the only thing more tedious than listening to people dissect a piece of artwork is listening to people dissect a piece of music. I did some hardcore skimming in quite a few places!

I really enjoy everything this author writes and this was no exception. The story explores family dynamics between 2 sisters who are now estranged. I read this book very quickly because I couldn't wait to find out how it all turned out. This author never disappoints.

I have long been an admirer of Jennifer Weiner, and I was delighted to receive an advanced release copy of The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits. Like her previous works, this novel is imbued with themes of heart, resilience against societal norms, and the portrayal of strong female characters. Set in both the present day and the early 2000s music scene, the story evokes the era of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, blending it with the current landscape of artists competing on The Voice.
The narrative centers on Cherry, the daughter and niece of the former pop star sister duo, The Griffin Sisters (Cassie and Zoe), who are now estranged.

While I found the story compelling in many ways, I did encounter a few challenges with this particular novel. As someone who experienced the pervasive diet culture of the early 2000s, I felt that the message regarding body image was delivered somewhat harshly throughout the book. Additionally, the character of Cassie, often portrayed as the "fat one," seemed to display traits commonly associated with neurodivergence, potentially autism, though this was never explicitly addressed. I speculate that Weiner may have intentionally left this unexplored as a reflection of the times, but as a reader, it felt problematic.

The plot did occasionally drag, and it took me some time to fully invest in the story. However, I do believe many readers will appreciate this book. It offers a deeply emotional experience, full of heartbreak, but ultimately centered around healing, which begins when the characters finally embrace truth and honesty. The novel also evokes a strong sense of early 2000s nostalgia, and it undoubtedly carries a great deal of heart.

A wonderful story of love, redemption, forgiveness and heartache. The insider look at what fame can do to people was candid and eyeopening.

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘯 𝘚𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴’ 𝘎𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘏𝘪𝘵𝘴 is essentially a story about the rise and fall (and possible comeback) of an early aughts pop-rock band, set over the course of several decades and told from multiple points of view. In the past, Zoe and Cassie Grossberg grow up as opposites in a lower-middle class home in Philadelphia. Zoe is beautiful, graceful, and charming, while Cassie is awkward and quiet but musically gifted. The two are “discovered” in their late teens, rebranded the Griffin Sisters, and quickly find—then grapple with—success, fame, and love. In the present, almost twenty years after tragedy occurred and the sisters disbanded and became estranged, Zoe’s teenaged daughter Cherry sets off to start her own music career and track down her missing aunt.

This is a familiar plot, but I think the novel was structured well and had some interesting references to the pop culture landscape of the early 2000s. Disappointingly, I struggled with relating to or rooting for any of the characters as I found them rather one-dimensional. Cassie, in particular, is constantly referred to as overweight, unattractive, and socially inept, with her singing and songwriting talent as her one redeeming quality. I wish the characterization across the board was richer and more complex. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘯 𝘚𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴’ 𝘎𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘏𝘪𝘵𝘴 had the potential to be a captivating reflection on competitive family dynamics and the toxicity of fame, but sadly it didn’t hit the right notes for me.

3.25 stars. That you to William Morrow and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest oreview.

The biggest thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow publishing and Jennifer Weiner for the chance to read this early digital book. I loved it! The story of two sisters Cassie and Zoe their relationship, music career how it all came crashing down - was fabulous! I couldn’t put it down. This is going to be great summer read!

Jennifer Weiner’s latest family drama is the story of an early 2000s pop/rock group named the Griffin Sisters, but also consisting of three male musicians. The sisters, Cassie and Zoe are reminiscent of Cass Elliot and Michelle Philips, although Cassie is a more spectacular musical prodigy like Susan Boyle of “Britain Has Talent”, both vocally and as a lyricist. Cassie, younger by a year than Zoe (an “oops” to her mother) and possibly neurodivergent (although that wasn’t recognized when she was young) was always eclipsed by her flashier, outgoing, pretty sister.

Cassie is shy, has stage fright, is awkward socially, and has been horribly fat-shamed her entire life. She’s studying at a well regarded classical music college when her sister begs for her assistance in a “Battle of the Bands” event. Zoe, marginally talented, but super confident, wants the celebrity and the money that being in a band would bring. Luckily, it’s Cassie’s standout angelic voice that’s recognized by a talent scout. And for a year, the Griffin Sisters have multiple chart-toppers, concerts, TV appearances and a gold album until backstage drama between the sisters and their male songwriter occurs. Then, suddenly, Cassie flees after a performance in Detroit and Zoe retreats to a life of an upper middle class soccer mom in New Jersey.

The Griffin Sisters get relegated to “What Ever Happened To….?” music trivia, until, 20 years later, their songs are licensed to the soundtrack of a popular Netflix series. Interest returns, but none more than in Zoe’s own household. Zoe’s eighteen year old daughter, Cherry, has definitely shown signs of Aunt Cassie’s extraordinary talent, but she knows nothing of her mom’s past career (or that she even had a sister). Zoe stomps down every musical curiosity and opportunity Cherry has and, when she turns eighteen, Cherry, also tired of her creepy harassing stepbrother, auditions for an American Idol type show and heads to the West Coast.

This is an amazing, emotional story of seeking fame, love, and sisterly and motherly relationships. I think it’s the best music history novel since “Daisy Jones and the Six” and it’s definitely worthy of its own Netflix series. I really haven’t read much of Jennifer Weiner’s books, but I’ll be on the lookout for this author now. 5 stars!

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Cassie has brownish-green eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO We actually get to go to snow-covered Alaska.

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!

I feel like I should preface this with saying this is my first Jennifer Weiner book, and I requested this book because the cover and the description read like a Taylor Jenkins-Reid novel.... and my instincts were right. 4, not 5, stars because one of the sisters had exactly zero redeeming qualities until the last 40 pages of the book, which seems fairly unrealistic. This book has vibes similar to Malibu Rising, I'm Glad My Mom Died, and Guitar Girl (anyone? anyone?). Also, all the nostalgia for the early 2000s.

Really enjoyed Weiner's latest: family drama, misunderstandings, sibling rivalry and music -- not much not to love!

Ok, so all you really need to know is that this is a Jennifer Weiner book. But, I will tell you that this is heartwarming tale of 2 sisters, Zoe & Cassie, who are dealing with fame and life after that. They have grown apart decades later. When Zoe's daughter. Cherry, begins to unravel the past, they must all face their past and find a way forward.

Zoe and Cassie Grossberg are only a year apart, but complete opposites. Zoe is thin, pretty and popular while Cassie is overweight, plain and awkward. Zoe has dreams of being a famous rock star, but doesn’t have the talent to make it on her own. Cassie is musically gifted and is Zoe’s only hope. After much cajoling, Cassie agrees to a battle of the bands concert with Zoe. From there they are quickly discovered and swept into the music scene. Young and naive, the two became an overnight phenomenon along with Russell D’Angelo, their guitar playing/ songwriting band member. While both women had their eyes on Russell, only one could win his heart. When tragedy strikes after just one year in the spotlight, one sister disappears while the other tries to make a go of it on her own as the band disintegrates. Fast forward to almost twenty years later when Zoe’s daughter, Cherry, is gung ho to make a go of it in the music world despite all of her mother’s fears. The sisters have been estranged for all these years, but Cherry is determined to change all that. Each sister is holding on to hurt and shame, but is there a chance for reconciliation or has too much water passed under the bridge? Will the Griffin Sisters ever make music again? Weiner has written a wonderful book about the music industry in the aughts. Filled with hopes, dreams and devastation, it’s also a story of family dynamics. Dynamics that are honest and raw. I devoured this book and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough! Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

Absolutely loved the setting for this, wish it didn't have to end. Always look forward to a new Jennifer Weiner!

The Griffin Sisters Greatest Hits was a tale of 2 generations. First the Griffin Sisters becoming rock stars then one of their daughters trying to follow the same path. Of the sisters, I loved Cassie most. You could cheer for her. But Zoe was an awful human being 90% of the story. Somehow she raises a great daughter, Cherry. I would have preferred less of the sister storyline and more about Cherry uncovering her family secrets.

Zoe and Cassie Grossberg, aka The Griffin Sisters, couldn't be more different. In the early 2000s, beautiful Zoe wishes to be a pop princess while awkward musical prodigy Cassie yearns to disappear into the shadows. After performing together, they're discovered and and offered a record deal - forming early 2000s pop rock sensation The Griffin Sisters. The band releases a breakout album, goes on tour and is on the brink of mega-stardom when it all falls apart.

In present day, Zoe is a stay at home mom raising young twin boys and her teenage daughter Cherry, who wants to have a career as a musician. Meanwhile, Cassie lives off the grid in Alaska - as far from her old life as she could get. The two haven't had any contact with each other in years - not since the band's breakup.

Told in alternating timelines and perspectives, the book follows Cassie and Zoe both then and now as well as Zoe's teenage daughter, Cherry, who is intrigued by the aunt she's never met and the success of the Griffin Sisters - a subject her mother considers off-limits.

The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits is a an entertaining and heartfelt read and a fun nostalgia trip for those of us who remember the TRL era. It examines the complexities of sisterhood and mother-daughter relationships and the pressures that women, especially, face in the public eye. If you're a fan of Jennifer Weiner's other work, The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits is a hit - 4.5 stars.

I absolutely loved this one! I loved Cassie from the start, but Zoe and Cherry truly got me to warm up to them. I loved the nostalgic vibes it gave me with the dual timelines of now and the 2000s. I was shocked by some of the twists but loved the mystery along the way and just had to keep reading to figure out how it all played out. Such a beautiful family dynamic. I was so entangled up in the Griffin Sister's drama that I needed it to be sorted and okay. I loved the character development for Cherry, Zoe, and Cassie. It was just brilliant all around. The ending got me emotional.

WOW! I was totally blown away by this story. I was gripped by the storytelling and drama from the beginning and could not wait to hear more. The dual timelines and POV was really well done! This book will be perfect for fans of Daisy Jones and the Six.

I truly like to give ARC reads the benefit of the doubt, especially when the synopsis has so much promise... But I'm also an honest reviewer, and unfortunately, The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits reads like an unpolished fanfiction that hyperfocuses on Cassie's weight and appearance to the point that you feel gross just reading it... While I'm sure this was intended to showcase how often we "judge a book by its cover" and how the world by and large struggles to accept people that are different, it came across as berating and degrading. The writing feels like the author is selfdeprecating of Cassie while clearly painting her sister, Zoe, as a being stereotypically beautiful but with barely an ounce of talent who capitalizes on working with Cassie to create her own fame - and then gaslights her about it constantly.

The plot had promise, but you'll feel so annoyed reading how fat, ugly, different, and useless Cassie is and the author providing zero redeeming qualities of the people around her.