The Griffin Sisters, Cassie and Zoe, rocketed to musical fame in the early 2000s, but after a whirlwind year in the public eye, the band abruptly broke up. Twenty years later, the sisters aren't speaking, and Zoe's teenage daughter Cherry goes on a quest to learn the truth about what happened years earlier.

I really enjoyed this one! The characters are navigating complex family relationships, fame, and love, all while coming of age in the early 2000s pop music scene. The chapters alternate perspectives between Zoe and Cassie in the past, showing how the band came together and rose to fame, all while Cherry is trying to break into the music industry herself in the present.

It was a little slow for me to get into, and the chapters could be long, but I got hooked into the story as we see the characters navigate loneliness, insecurity, and ambition, and piece together what led to the falling out. I'd recommend picking it up!

Thanks William Morrow for the advance copy!

“The Griffin Sisters Greatest Hits” was a book that hooked me from the first chapter. Told from multiple viewpoints and multiple time periods, the story of sisters Zoe and Cassie was emotional throughout the book.

Zoe, the pretty sister with not a lot of talent wants to be a star. Her sister, Cassie, a musical prodigy but known as the overweight, shy, unattractive sister just wants to be left alone to play her piano. Zoe convinces Cassie to sing with her at a local competition and from there they become the next big thing of the early 2000s.

Fast forward 20 years, the sisters are estranged from one another other and now Zoe’s adult daughter, Cherry wants to pursue a music career. She gets no support from her mom so she leaves to be a contestant on a singing competition and embarks on a journey to find out what happened with the beloved Griffin Sisters years ago.

This book brought back so much nostalgia from the early 2000s, I felt I was transported there and watching this band come together. Cassie was a character my heart ached for. I did feel there was a little bit of an overkill with the constant mentioning of her being unattractive/fat shaming., I think the book didn’t need quite so much of that. That’s why I’m not giving it 5 stars. Zoe’s character, completely self-centered was believable throughout as the rising star willing to do anything to keep her dream alive, no matter how much pain she caused others.

This book developed the main characters well and I enjoyed the story of their growth. Supporting characters were also interesting. If you love a good character driven story, then I encourage you to add “The Griffin Sisters Greatest Hits” to your list.

Thank you Harper Collins and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

“The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits” by Jennifer Weiner tells the story of two sisters, Cassie and Zoe Grossberg who go on to become one of the greatest music sensations of the early 2000s. Zoe is pretty, ambitious, charming, moderately talented (and incredibly, unbelievably selfish) and Cassie is shy, overweight, uncomfortable with people (and and incredible musician and singer). The story takes us through the story that broke the band up. Today, Zoe is an ordinary housewife and mother who focuses on PTA and tries to steer her daughter Cherry away from dreams of becming a musician. Cassie is hiding away in Alaska, living like a hermet and determined no one will ever know she used to be one of the Griffin Sisters.

I enjoyed the story—it was indeed a page turner—but jeeze, I don’t think I’ve encountered such an unlikeable, selfish character as Zoe. In fact, I didn’t like any of the characters at all, with the exception of Cassie, who clearly is neordivergant. They are all selfish, make wrong decisions, and cannot see beyond their own wants and needs. I would not want to be friends with any of them at all.

Having said that, the story was interesting. I would have enjoyed it more if the characters had more redeeming qualities to them. Rounding up from a 3.5 to a 4. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel. My opinions are my own.

The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner brings in a new literary era of music. Told in alternating timelines between early 2000s and present day, this book tells a story of two sisters, one who wants to disappear and the other who wants to be a star, as they rise to fame as the leaders of a pop/rock band. The book is unique in that the musicality of it is much more present day than other of its kind. Zoe is the first born with the gorgeous looks and outgoing personality, but lacks the musical talent her sister has. Cassie is the sister who was a surprise to her parents, has the voice of an angel, but no desire to be in the spotlight. Together they form the Griffin Sisters, and after just one year of intense stardom, the band breaks up. Twenty years later, Zoe’s daughter Cherry is set on reuniting the band to further her own career ambitions. This book really pulls back the layers of sisterly dynamic and what happens when the one with a strong personality ends up calling the shots for them both. I enjoyed this book, but it was a bit too long. It could have been told in about 50 pages less. I really disliked the characters of Zoe and Cherry, and sympathized with Cassie. I think Cherry really needed better character development at the end. But Jennifer Weiner doesn’t disappoint with any of her stories! ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

This book had SO much potential—LA, Alaska, a tour storyline—it all felt fresh and different while still having that signature Jennifer Weiner vibe. But unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me. The pacing dragged, with over 65% of the book feeling like buildup, repeating the same relationship dynamics and emotional turmoil. And when the big moments finally arrived? They were glossed over in two conversations instead of playing out on the page, which felt like a huge cop-out.

The emphasis on Cassie’s looks and personality traits was handled poorly, and the whole thing felt like a cheap attempt at Daisy Jones & The Six that completely fell flat. Overly dramatic, painfully repetitive, and lacking the depth I usually love in JW’s books—this was my least favorite of hers.

Jennifer Weiner has done it again! I've loved every book I've read of hers so far, and THE GRIFFIN SISTERS' GREATEST HITS was no different. Spanning multiple timelines, her latest tells the story of sisterhood, ambition, the transformative power of music, regrets, forgiveness, and the cost of fame. Cassie and Zoe Grossberg may be sisters, born just one year apart, but they couldn't be more different. Beautiful and charismatic Zoe has wanted to be famous for as long as she can remember, while musical prodigy Cassie has always felt uncomfortable in the spotlight. In the early 2000s, when the sisters are on the precipice of adulthood, the duo is catapulted into the limelight as The Griffin Sisters, a band that quickly takes the nation—and the world—by storm. But after just one life-changing year in the public eye, the band breaks up. Decades later, Zoe is a housewife, and Cassie has vanished off the grid, nowhere to be seen. The sisters aren't speaking, and nobody knows what caused the band to fall apart all those years ago—but Zoe's daughter Cherry, who dreams of being a star despite her mother's warnings, is determined to find out...

This book had me completely hooked from the start! Weiner's writing is so engaging—she deftly captures the ups and downs of fame, and comments on celebrity culture, the manner in which these things exist both in the 2000s and now. I also loved the inclusion of things that are often present in her other books, like themes relating to body image and fantastic Jewish rep. The dual timelines as a storytelling device and the inclusion of mixed media elements, like magazine articles and Reddit threads, were great touches, and added to that immersive feel of the story. All three leading ladies were so well-developed, too. I loved Cassie from the beginning, while it took me a little longer to warm up to Zoe and Cherry, but by the end of the story, I was rooting for all three of them! I'll try not to be too spoilery here, but I will say that I liked how the ending didn't feel too "perfect"—it was fulfilling, yes, but also felt realistic for the characters and their respective journeys. Overall, I'd highly recommend THE GRIFFIN SISTERS' GREATEST HITS, particularly if you love stories centered around family and books set in the music world. Also, this is my formal request for this book to be made into a miniseries—it would just be so perfect! Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC.

I feel like many authors are trying to write the next Daisy Jones, and while this was a good attempt it ultimately just didn't do it for me. Zoe is one of the WORST characters ever, and I really couldn't get over that. Normally Jennifer Weiner writes about fat girls in a much more positive light, but the dialogue surrounding Cassie was really offensive and made me cringe on more than one occasion.
I probably will not recommend this to others.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC!

I can't help myself, I will read every new Jennifer Weiner book. Her last few have been somewhat of misses for me, but I'm so glad I returned for this one, because I'm back on the Weiner train, baby!! Her book about biking just felt really small in scope (and retreated many of Weiner's perennial themes, like body image, that she's explored better in other books), but THE GRIFFIN SISTERS' GREATEST HITS definitely doesn't have that issue—it's a grand, large-scale story, told in alternating timelines with multiple POV's that really emphasizes individual character work and relationship dynamics. The sister relationship between Cassie and Zoe was so well-done, and really drove the plot of the book. I found myself smiling while reading, just enjoying being swept up by an author I've read for decades stretching herself and writing a complicated new book. Happy for her!!

Imagine 2 sisters, one with the dream to make it big, while the other dreams to stay hidden, what could go wrong. Add a pop band contract and a boy and you have the newest book by Jenifer Weiner, The Griffin Sisters Greatest Hits. This book takes you through the life of Zoe and Cassie, as they try to navigate stardom while each finding what they are willing to do to keep it. I found myself totally invested in these characters from the start cheering them on and sometimes yelling at the book infuriated with the decisions they were making. The storyline was good with a few added twists, but to me the characters made this book, great job Jennifer Weiner on another wonderful novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow books for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Wow. This one blew me away. Cassie, Zoe, Cherry, and Russell gave me vibes of “Almost Famous” and “Daisy Jones and the Six.” I love the behind the scenes of the music industry and the story of 2 sisters who are so different. It was amazing. 5 stars.

I absolutely loved this book. I loved the musical aspect, the sisters relationship and the entwined lovers relationships. It was full of heart break, love, hope, and sorrow. I couldn’t put it down. Thank you!

There was so much to like about this novel, but there were also a lot of things that disappointed me. I'll take a deep dive into the characters, plot, and everything that I loved/loved-to-hate about this novel by Jennifer Weiner. 

The characters. Phew. This book, in my opinion, is primarily character-driven. We have Cassie and Zoe, two sisters who start a band and become famous worldwide. Until, after a year, they crash and burn. Hard. This novel is told in two alternating timelines with three points of view. You have the past, which is everything that leads up to the Griffin Sisters' demise. Then, you have the present, which has a lot to do with Zoe's daughter, Cherry, and her desire to be a rockstar, too. I'll start with Cassie since I know exactly what I want to say. Cassie is described throughout the book (by others and by herself) as fat, ugly, and a complete introvert who doesn't know how to socialize with other people. There was one person whose review I read who said that the whole novel was fat-phobic. I disagree with this for a lot of reasons. First, I don't think the author was going for that. I think the main purpose was to show just how fat-phobic other people were in that time. When Cassie and Zoe start the band, it's the early 2000s. There was a LOT of fat-phobia back then. The thing I think the author could have done better about is showing how we've grown (at least a little bit) since the 2000s to be more inclusive and accepting of others and their individual circumstances. 

So, with these horrible descriptions and Cassie's self-hatred because of them, you get a very down and depressed character. I thought she was extremely nuanced and honestly, Jennifer Weiner left a lot of her character sort of unknown, which leaves a lot for discussion. 

Cherry, however, didn't resonate with me at all. Her character felt more like a tool than anything and the present-day chapters were much more boring than the chapters when Cassie and Zoe were in the band. Not only that, but a huge part of Cherry's identity was never truly revealed (I'll talk more about that in the spoilers). 

Now, for Zoe. I literally could write paragraphs and paragraphs about how much I despised her character. She was unkind. She was selfish. She was, in every sense of the word, a female dog. She not only manipulated Russell and caused EVERY PROBLEM IN THE NOVEL, but she ruined lives. I'm talking majorly ruined. There was thing after thing after thing that made me hate Zoe during the chapters from the past that she was almost irredeemable by the end of the novel. I wish there would have been a little more to humanize her rather than a token scene of "the industry hurts young girls". 

Russell. Oh, Russell. I'm sorry. I'll say more in the spoilers, but damn, why is it always the good ones?

With the plot, like I mentioned early, I loved the past chapters with them forming the band and becoming famous. I loved that the fun rock-and-roll aspect about it and how they were both sucked into the industry. I think it flowed really well and the present-day chapters did as well, but they just weren't as interesting. I could have used more to be the driving force for the reader, but present-day lacked something and it always made me want to put the book down and take a break because I got bored. 

Spoilers ahead. 

Zoe. Is. Horrible. Literally, she is intimidated by her musical prodigy of a sister, "conquers" Russell like he's some sort of prize or pig or slave to be won, FORCES him to marry her, tells him she's pregnant and he can never be with Cassie because of it, and causes him to get killed (whether on purpose or on accident, we will never know). All of this was just too much for me to feel like I could forgive at the end of the book. Was I the only one who felt like that? Russell deserved SO much more and, damn, does it hurt to see the kind and pure ones destroyed like that. 

Also also, I guess we'll never know who Cherry's real father is....

Overall, I did enjoy this novel and felt drawn to it and wanting to finish it to find out what happens. What bugged me more than anything about this book was the multitudes of bad decisions Zoe made that made her almost irredeemable in my eyes. Cassie deserved better. Cherry deserved better. Russell deserved WAY better. I wish Zoe would have had more to make her at least a little lovable so I didn't feel so icky at the end.

Two sisters, that are as different socially and personally, that their life goals get catastrophically changed by their own lack of confidence.
Such a good book! Several interwoven stories in one that confront self insecurities that can cripple oneself or can implode all the lives around you and all the long term effects of those insecurities.
the Griffin Sisters. Zoe, the outgoing, pretty one, and Cassie, the overweight but very talented one. Each one has the world at their fingertips, but each has their own secrets, their own goals, and their own self-doubts, that each can make the other want to disappear from the spotlight and fade into the world of a basic life of being a recluse or a simple housewife, wondering the "what ifs" or the "I wonders".
Leave it to one's daughter to want to bring it all back together...
"All you can control is what you do now. What happens next."

I feel like this book needs a playlist -- or a soundtrack -- just so I could hear the songs for real. I loved the characters. They leaped off the page in all their messiness. No one writes complicated women quite the way Weiner does.

Jennifer Weiner is an author I generally enjoy. I’ve been a fan since her Connie Shapiro books (god did she do that character dirty) and I can always count on her to write compelling women’s fiction with messy, complicated, very real characters. I especially love how she does difficult family dynamics so I had high hopes for this one! Plus a musical storyline? Say less.

The Griffin Sister’s Greatest Hits was heartbreakingly sad as we navigate a dysfunctional relationship between two sisters who could not be more opposite. The story follows a past timeline in the the early 2000s with the girls fondly wild success with their debut album, and a present timeline with where the characters are now after everything fell apart. The book was seriously tragic. I didn’t love how some things were handled, but it’s a very engaging read. Both characters were just so damn unlikable, in a way that made me not want to even root for them. But real people can be messy and unlikable so I get it.

Not my favorite Weiner, but this would make for a great book club pick.

Jennifer Weiner is at her best in The Griffin Sister’s Greatest Hits, a novel that delivers a compelling story about sisterhood, fame, and the power of second chances. As a longtime fan of Weiner’s work, I was immediately drawn in by her signature blend of deeply human characters and emotionally resonant storytelling. This book is everything I love about her writing—engaging, insightful, and impossible to put down.

The novel follows the lives of two estranged sisters who once made up a popular musical duo before their careers and personal lives took them in very different directions. Through a mix of past and present timelines, Weiner expertly unravels the complexities of their relationship, showing the highs and lows of life in the spotlight. The exploration of fame and its cost, especially for women in the music industry, adds depth to the novel, making it not just a family drama but also a thoughtful commentary on the price of success.

One of Weiner’s greatest strengths is her ability to create characters that feel real—flawed yet lovable, strong yet vulnerable. In The Griffin Sister’s Greatest Hits, both protagonists are given fully developed arcs, making it easy to empathize with them, even as they make mistakes or struggle to communicate with each other. The mix of tension, nostalgia, and emotional depth keeps you hooked from the first page to the last.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Griffin Sister’s Greatest Hits and recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories about complicated family dynamics and second chances. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Jennifer Weiner or new to her books, this novel is a must-read!

A heartwarming and engaging story that delves into the complexities of sisterhood, family dynamics, and personal growth. Through the lives of the Griffin sisters, the novel explores their individual struggles and triumphs, woven together by a shared bond of love and loyalty. Weiner’s sharp writing and well-developed characters make the book both relatable and compelling. She brings a perfect blend of humor and emotional depth, balancing light-hearted moments with more profound reflections on identity, love, and self-discovery. Fans of character-driven stories with rich relationships will enjoy this novel, as it highlights the beauty and challenges of familial bonds.

Family Dynamics, Overcoming Adversity, and Sister’s Drama! 3 stars!

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy! This book will be released 4/8/25

Book Review
The Griffin Sisters by Jennifer Weiner

Synopsis
Sisters Cassie and Zoe Grossberg were born just a year apart but could not have been more different.
Zoe, blessed with charm and beauty, yearned for fame from the moment she could sing into a hairbrush.
Cassie was a musical prodigy who never felt at home in her own skin and preferred the safety of the shadows.
On the brink of adulthood in the early 2000s, destiny intervened, catapulting the sisters into the spotlight as the pop sensation the Griffin Sisters, hitting all the touchstones of early aughts fame-SNL, MTV, Rolling Stone magazine-along the way. But after a whirlwind year in the public eye, the band abruptly broke up. Two decades later, Zoe's a housewife; Cassie's off the grid.
The sisters aren't speaking, and the real reason for the Griffin Sisters' breakup is still a mystery. Zoe's teenage daughter, Cherry, who's determined to be a star in spite of Zoe's warnings, is on a quest to learn the truth about what happened to the band all those years ago. As secrets emerge, all three women must face the consequences of their choices: the ones they made and the ones the music industry made for them. Can they forgive each other-and themselves? And will the Griffin Sisters ever make music again?

What its Got
Multiple POV and timelines
Family feud between sisters
Rags to riches
Contemporary music and cultural references

Characters
Cassie- shy, overweight, introvert, musical prodigy
Zoe- popular and pretty, craves attention and control
Cherry- Zoes daughter, musician, auditions for an “american idol” type
Show

Thoughts
Really hated how Cassie was described- overuse of words like “fat” made me cringe , I get it, the sisters looks different from eachother but this was overkill and took away from the plot
I feel like Weiner was attempting to create more complex characters but missed the mark
I felt no empathy for Zoe- Even towards the end of the book when (spoiler) the sisters reconcile - just no

Overall
Not my favourite from this author.

Thanks to the publisher and author for my digital copy in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own.

Jennifer Weiner’s The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits is like a throwback pop anthem—catchy, dramatic, and packed with emotion. Zoe and Cassie Griffin were once a wildly successful sister duo, but fame burned bright and fast, leaving their relationship in ruins. Now, 20 years later, Zoe is a suburban mom trying to forget her past, while Cassie lives as a recluse. Enter Cherry, Zoe’s ambitious daughter, who’s determined to follow in their footsteps—even if it means tracking down the aunt she’s never met. Cue the family drama, music industry chaos, and just the right amount of emotional wreckage.

Weiner perfectly captures the highs and lows of fame, sisterhood, and self-worth, all wrapped in a nostalgia-fueled, dual-timeline narrative. The book brilliantly explores body image, neurodivergence, and the societal pressures on women, especially in the spotlight. Cassie is a heartbreaker of a character, Zoe is complicated (to put it nicely), and Cherry is the bold next generation ready to shake things up. With razor-sharp writing and an emotionally layered story, this novel hits all the right notes—think Daisy Jones & The Six meets A Star Is Born but with more sibling drama and less tragic romance. One of my favorite Jennifer Weiner books - a must-read for music lovers and anyone who loves a good redemption arc.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow Books for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Reviews are to be posted on Goodreads, Instagram, and BN.com

I am going to round up my rating to 3, closer to a 2.5 for me. There were things I enjoyed about this book, but also a lot I didn't, and at the end of the day I didn't resonate with this book as much as I wish I could have.

I really loved the feel of what it was like to follow Zoe and Cassie through the early start as The Griffin Sisters, through their success, and them breaking up. We know there's an event that leads to the band's breakup, and I felt the author did a good job of pacing to that point. Weiner mentions that she read a number of memoirs from your women in the music industry, as well as talking to others involved, and I could feel that authenticity in her research. I love that this is a book about women in an industry that is male dominated.

But what I didn't like, I really didn't like and it got in the way of my enjoyment of the book.

I have included the rest of my spoiler-free review on GR.