Member Reviews
Oh Jennifer Weiner! Is there another author out there who manages to churn out, year after year, such dependably entertaining and thought-provoking novels? You can always depend on Weiner to tug on your heart strings, make you think, and champion the underdog, and The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits does not disappoint in that regard. Told in alternating timelines of the early 2000's and now, this is the story of 2 singing/performing sisters, and the consequences of their meteoric rise to fame, and the ensuing tragedy. The character of Cherry, Zoe's teenage daughter who drives the present day action is also a joy. If I've got any quibble at all, its that the main make character that causes all the drama and heartache is a bit of a blank slate - I never quite get why Cassie in particular has such strong feelings. But, no matter! The Griffin Sisters is a fun, easy read with a mostly-happy/still room for interpretation ending. Solid, solid 4 stars.
I absolutely loved this unique, creative, engaging, and complex read! While I almost always love this author’s books, this may be my favorite yet. This book follows two timelines, weaving together the story of two sisters of a once world famous band, that in present time are estranged and music less. I love a book with multiple timelines and found this one especially engaging while easy to follow. I loved the sister dynamic, the complex family components, and the underlying musical theme. This is a book to add to your must read list.
Thank you to William Morrow for my gifted review copy.
I have liked all of the Jennifer Weiner books I have read. She writes female friendships well and the plot moved along quickly between two time periods. Zoe and Cassie are sisters who are opposites. Zoe is outgoing, beautiful, and thin and Cassie is talented, fat, and shy. They form a band and become successful because of Cassie's talent, both writing and singing. When writing about Cassie it felt like we were constantly reminded that she was big. Maybe it is my own bias coming in, but I don't need that reminder constantly. The self-hatred and cruelty was hard to read at times. I really enjoyed reading Cherry's parts of the book and enjoyed that the end went different than I thought it was going to go.
Jennifer Weiner created the most darling story with this one. I can not wrap my head around how beautifully done this was. I devoured it! It was just so good!
I have loved almost all of Jennifer Weiner's books, but this for sure is my favorite. The sister and step-child dynamic were top-notch and well written. I felt like I truly understood and sympathized with both Zoe and Cassie. I wish Cherry's name was different, Janice naming her was okay, but the name is not the best. I am glad that Jordan came around at the end, and I wish we would have found out for sure who Cherry's father really is. The book is almost perfect though!
Jennifer Weiner has a permanent spot on my "auto read" author list. Some books are better than others and this one falls into that category. Loved the fictionalized origin story (but with a happier ending) of who I'm assuming is Mama Cass. Highly recommend!
A well written book that kept my interest. It was quite sad and so much of the main character's life was wasted. Sisters can be mean. ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
While this felt wholly new from Weiner, her trademark skill of writing characters that feel real and complete and right in front of you completely shines in her newest book. Love or hate the characters and their decisions, this book will have you hooked from the get go. A perfect read for fans of Colton Gentry's Third Act and Daisy Jones and the Six.
This was so good! I always look forward to Jennifer’s books and this did not disappoint, Great story about family, love and grief, It did drag just a tiny bit which is why I’m giving it 4 stars out of 5
I have been a Jennifer Weiner fan since I first read Good in Bed a few dozen years ago. I was most taken by the rawness the protagonist Cannie Shapiro displayed when discussing her very restrictive approach to dieting and her body dysmorphia.
This sprawling story stretches from Pennsylvania to Alaska with multiple stops on the road between. Two sisters are spotlighted, the younger Cassie has the talent and the other, Zoe has the desire. The two are imbued with rich interior lives, sprawling backstories and different kinds of dysmorphia. This story is sometimes painful and hard to take but it is still a top tier novel, and one, that I feel like I identify with unfortunately. The Griffin Sisters Greatest Hits is a great read. I definitely recommend this book. Great for fans of Daisy Jones and the Six.
I received this advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for or an honest review and feedback.
Cassie and Zoe are sisters, but they couldn't be any more different. Outgoing Zoe craves the limelight while generationally talented but painfully shy Cassie fears it. When their big break comes along, it threatens to tear them apart. Told in alternative timelines this one was hard to put down. I've read all of Jennifer Weiner's books and this one is definitely in my top two!
I was so excited to read Jennifer Weiner’s newest book! The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits did not disappoint!
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.