Member Reviews

Sometimes we set things in motion that we never mean to that cause repercussions for everyone around us. This is a story of two sisters, one who lets fame get in the way of what is important.

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What a beautiful story about loving, hurting, regret, and forgiveness. I felt empathy for all of the characters and Jennifer Weiner did an amazing job of allowing me to connect with each of their stories and struggles. The characters in this story were flawed, as we are in real life. They made mistakes, struggled with the guilt, and in the end found ways to walk through it and forgive not only eachother but themselves. It was a wonderfully written book and I highly recommend.

*A sincere thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing the advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.*

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LOVED!!! I loved this one so much. A messy pair of estranged sisters with a very complicated past is thrown into the present by one of their daughters, all amidst an American Idol style reality show and the wilds of Alaska. Classic Weiner storytelling is poignant, entertaining, and gripping. And now I want to go to Alaska.

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There were some great parts of this book, but some that just were too lengthy and repetitive. The drawn out pieces did not provide anything to help me understand the plot or the characters. When "something" was happening, I enjoyed it, but the milling around made me not want to keep reading. I also felt like the character "flaws" were beat to death: the reader wasn't trusted to "get" who they are.

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Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy of this title. I am not sure how it is possible, but Jennifer Weiner seems to get better with every book! The Griffin sisters climb to fame as a musical group in the early 2000s. They love each other, but there is a soupcon of competition, especially around a male member of their group. Weiner manages to interweave self-esteem, and spectrum issues without getting didactic. The sisters fame is short-lived after a tragedy involving a band member, and they proceed to follow VERY DIFFERENT life paths. When the next generation of their family seems to possess musical talent, the sisters are drawn together again. Weiner has a gift that makes the reader really feel for her characters. Highly recommend!

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I unfortunately had to DNF this. I'm surprised this even got the okay to be published to be honest. The body shaming and the horrible portrayal of autistic people is very hurtful. It was disgusting and I couldn't make myself finish this one. None of the characters were likable and I also didn't care for the writing style. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own. Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the arc in return for an honest review.

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My thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for an advance copy of this novel about two sisters as different as night and day, with a love of music, who separated by years and words still feel something for each other, and the music they created together.

There is no war as savage as a Civil war, and no rivalry as cruel and bitter as sibling rivalry. Only a sibling would know the right buttons to push, the nerves to strike at, the shared moments to ruin. Sports rivalries pale in comparison to the full on battles to two members of the same family can commit on each other. By words and actions these actions can leave a lot of scars. In the case of our two protagonists, Zoe and Cassie Grossberg, better known as the Griffin Sisters, these wounds can scar a whole new generation. The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner is a story of music, personality, love and hate, a industry that values looks, and the hopes of another generation, along with the love only sisters can have, and disappointment only siblings can feel.

Cassie and Zoe were born a year apart, but light years apart in attitude and ability. Cassie is gifted, able to play music and learn music like a prodigy. Cassie however does not like herself much, nor her appearance, and prefers to spend life as far away as possible from people. Zoe is social, confident, and proud of herself, and her ability to get things done, and make things happen. A strong fake it till one makes it person, who wants fame, and the spotlight, but lacks the ability to get there. Zoe gets Cassie to give up her classical music studies and try something novel. Something that gets them attention, and even better the attention of Russell, a real mover and shaker in the music scene. Being the early 2000's the girls are given a new name, hooks for songs, and fame awaits them. And for one year everything is great, until it isn't. The Sisters break up, Zoe has a child, and Cassie leaves the scene, and it seems the world in general. Cherry is Zoe's daughter, and no matter what her Mom warns, wants a career in music. And fame. Cherry thinks it is time for a reunion, one that can get Cherry out there also. However no one knows why the sister broke up, nor what might surface so many years later.

Another novel of family dynamics from Jennifer Weiner. This has all the high points, feuds, fights, family and more. Weiner really does a lot of research and makes the music setting seem real and of the time. Which means ugly, and not something one would want their daughter going into. The story is told from different points of view, and does jump around in time, however the voices are clear, and are identified, so that is not a problem. I do enjoy the fact that one gets different views of the same even, and one can see why the two sisters differ so much on things. My biggest problem was the usual fat comments seemed a little much, even for Weiner. Cassie I am sure was named for Mama Cass Eliot, but after awhile it just became tiring. I know this is an industry that suggested an underweight Jessica Simpson should lose 15 pounds, but again it just seem repetitious after awhile.

This is a different feeling novel from Weiner, and would be a good start for new readers. Older fans will enjoy the feeling, and probably remember some of the music they refer too. A novel one will see on numerous towels during beach season.

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As a reader and a librarian, there are certain authors that I always make a point to read and Jennifer Weiner is one of them. Each of her books has humor juxtaposed with real issues and this novel follows that format in a positive, powerful way. Without going into the plot, we see a story slowly unfold about two sisters and a deep misunderstanding that tears their world apart. This brief synopsis may sound all too common but Weiner places the conflict in the world of rock music in about 2003 so it's a different time yet familiar time for many readers.

Can't wait for this one to be released into the world!

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Jennifer Weiner can write nothing bad or unentertaining. The story spans over decades through different POVs that are all interconnected. Each character has a relatable characteristic or dilemma - family differences, self-confidence, wanting to fulfill their dreams and aspirations, listening to outside perspectives, going along with something they shouldn’t to make others happy. It was an easy, but emotional read. I felt for some characters more than others, but almost every point/part had a relatable aspect to it.

I could see this as a movie and one that holds your attention the whole way through with an amazing soundtrack.

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Yes! One of the best books of the summer. This is the story of 3 interesting characters (sisters and a daughter), their musical abilities and the secrets that keep them apart. I loved being in their world and hurting foreach of them in different ways.

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I’ve been a fan of Jennifer Weiner novels for a long time. While this isn’t my favorite, I would recommend it. It’s on the heels of Daisy Jones and the Six but with an American Idol arc mixed in. I wish it didn’t rely on celebrity name dropping for relevance. The story is very compelling and could’ve stood better on its own.

Thank you NetGalley & William Morrow Publishing for sending this book for review consideration.

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Jennifer Weiner weaves a biblical tale of two sisters, full of love, heartbreak and ultimately reconciliation. I enjoyed this book immensely including the look into the music industry pre-Metoo. It was a timely reminder of how women were (are) treated. Set in a world was a different without proper health diagnosis and even the language to begin discussions this book touches on many current issues. I am hoping there is a sequel coming for the unresolved mystery?

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I thoroughly enjoyed Jennifer Weiner's latest creation, The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits, due to release in April, 2025. I may even go out on a limb and declare it my favorite of Ms. Weiner's vast library of novels. Set in dual timelines, present day and the early 2000s, this is the story of two sisters who hit the big-time in the world of music. What ensues is sometimes wonderful, sometimes miserable, but always enjoyable for the reader. The impeccable cast of dynamic characters adds so much to the book, most importantly the sister's love/hate relationship. The Griffin Sisters are truly a work of art, as is this masterpiece of a novel.

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Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow publishing for this ARC. I was hooked from page 1 and couldn't put the book down. Cassie and Zoe are sisters who couldn't be more different. Cassie is quiet, reserved, feels that she is not pretty or desirable, and is a musical prodigy. Zoe is beautiful, charismatic, can navigate the social scene, and dreams to be famous. When Zoe convinces Cassie, who is a music student studying classical piano, to perform in public, the girls quickly soar into the public eye and find themselves writing songs with profesional musician, Russel, singing in front of packed crowds with their new band, and traveling around the country. Soon, the tables are turned and Zoe finds that he is not at all integral to the band's success and is slowly being inched out of the spotlight, which is now more and more focused on Cassie and her incredible talents, despite the fact that she couldn't be further from the stereotypical star.

The reader finds themselves in a future in which Russell is gone, Zoe and Cassie are estranged, and Zoe's daughter, Cherry, is on her own chasing her dreams. Told through multiple perspectives and timelines, the story slowly unravels, revealing insecurities, hopes and dreams, deeply rooted self doubt, and so much more.

Anyone who loved Daisy Jones and the Six will enjoy this one!

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Jennifer Weiner's The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits is a tale of family, fame, and the enduring power of music. The story follows two estranged sisters, Cassie and Zoe, as they confront their past and the sacrifices they made for their music careers. Weiner's vivid portrayal of the music industry and her well-developed characters make this novel a delightful escape into the world of music and family.

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I really enjoyed this book! It seemed pretty different other books by Jennifer Weiner's that I've read, but it was a good read. The dynamic between the sisters was really interesting, and I liked how different they were. The backstory of their fame and the highs and lows was fascinating. The book is well paced and kept me engaged the whole time, I ended up not being able to put it down. We will be purchasing this for our library. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

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I love books set in the music industry during the 00’s! This one revolves around sisters Zoe and Cassie, who couldn’t be more different. During it, I couldn’t help but feel bad for both of them in different ways. Adding another layer to the story is Zoe’s daughter Cherry. Everything gets so complicated, and I enjoyed seeing things unravel and then come back together.

Thanks as always to NetGalley for the ARC.

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While fans of Daisy Jones & the Six will definitely enjoy this book, the story will easily stand on its on. Jennifer Weiner tells the tale of two vastly different sisters and their rise to fame with their band The Griffin Sisters. I was captivated by the way that success and lies shaped their lives during the band’s run and also in the decades that followed.

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This is a complex and heartfelt story about family and connection. Her characters are flawed and complicated, their relationships fractured and even dysfunctional, but it all feels very real. I was a little put off by her physical descriptions of Cassie, and I'm not sure whether it was meant to be Cassie's own judgments of herself. I understand that our views of ourselves can be pretty skewed. But all the descriptions of Cassie felt unfair and potentially exaggerated, which made me uncomfortable. Because I liked all the characters--especially Cassie--and really felt for them, even when they were being selfish and cruel, because the motivations behind those actions felt very real.

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I loved the nostalgic 2000s vibes this book gave and the family dynamic. They were messy but also loving and caring. I really enjoyed the way this book wrote about sisterhood and motherhood.

What I didn’t like was the constant fat shaming Cassie. It was just over the top and too much. I know this took place in the 2000s, but I feel like her weight was mentioned way too much. Besides that I enjoyed this book!

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