4.5 stars for Jennifer Weiner's latest! Fans of Daisy Jones and the Six will really get behind this story. Cassie and Zoe Grossberg could not be more different. Born just a year apart, Zoe, the elder, is poised and beautiful and yearns for the spotlight. Although Cassie is a musical prodigy, she prefers the shadows. After Zoe convinces Cassie to perform in an Open Mike Night in their hometown, fame comes calling. After a whirlwind year, hitting all the major milestones of music, their band, The Griffin Sisters, abruptly breaks up. Cassie disappears.
Almost 20 years later, Zoe is a wife and PTA mom in NJ and Cassie is off the grid. Zoe's daughter, Cherry, holds her aunt's talent and her mother's gumption. the three women's stories converge and the mystery of why The Griffin Sisters broke up will finally come to light. Once again,. Weiner has written a story with heart and a little bit of mystery. This is a love story, but not a romance. Jennifer Weiner has another hit on her hands!

*Special thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this digital e-arc.*

First of all I'm very thankful to recieve a copy of this book and get a chance to give my honest take on it so here goes:
This book had a lot of potential, but it just fell a little flat for me. The characters were frustrating,
Pretty much all of them. Also, I wanted a little more from the ending. I guess you can consider it an HEA and everything is wrapped up but I feel like more could have been done with it.

I have enjoyed reading Jennifer Weiner’s books for a very long time and was very excited for this book. Jennifer’s book from two summers ago is my favorite, and while The Griffin Sisters didn’t knock it off its pedestal, it was still a wonderful read. I highly enjoyed and will recommend this to my friends looking for their next read as the weather warms up.

Sisters. Zoe and Cassie have been estranged for 18 years, since a horrible night (you won't know what happened for a long time), and now Zoe's daughter Cherry has sought out Cassie, the aunt she didn't know existed, to help her on a singing competition. And that's because Zoe and Cassie were the Griffin Sisters- a band that soared for one album and then- poof. Zoe was always the pretty one and Cassie the talented one and between them was Russell, who was hired to write songs with Cassie and play in the band. After Detroit, Cassie retreated to Alaska and Zoe to New Jersey where she married and raised her family. It's told from the POV of all three women, which makes the tale richer. There's a lot of drama here (although to be honest, probably less that there is in real life in this sort of situation). Everyone is flawed but everyone is also believable. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. This became a page turner for me. Weiner fans will be pleased- it's a good read.

I enjoyed Weiner's other novels, but this one was not my favorite.

The whole premise of a misunderstanding that a 10-minute conversation could clear out, yet it ruins the relationship between two sisters for twenty years, seems extremely dramatic and YA to me. The story reads like a young adult novel, in general. When we finally learn what Cassie thinks she did, it is a bit ridiculous despite the tragedy of it all.

What I liked:

- the deep dive into the early 2000s music scene
- representation of different bodies and neurodivergent people (more on that later)
- multiple POVs and the pace of the story

What I didn't care for :

- why the hell was Zoe bent on being with Russell to "ensure she would stay in the band" if she knew damn well that her sister would not sing without her? Zoe becomes a very unlikable character as the band unravels, and I get that it's the whole point for that part of the story, but why introduce that specific reasoning when she had a solid connection to the band already?

- the fact that Bix is presented as a very creepy child when he is 5 years old (!) to foreshadow future issues with the character just seems far-fetched and reaching. This is a sort of nature/nurture question, but I very much doubt that children are inherently bad and creepy at that age. Maybe I just haven't met truly horrible kindergarteners?

- are we supposed to believe that Cassie just lived in a sparsely furnished box on stilts for 20 years, spending her days cleaning toilets and writing "I'm sorry" for hours in endless notebooks? And she, who loves music, does not know who Adele is? And she is somehow completely cut off from the modern world despite managing an Airbnb? She can accept online bookings but doesn't know what Facebook or Uber are? I was getting Brandan Fraser's vibe from "Blast From The Past" when she started talking to Cherry - I get that she has been consciously limiting her world, but you can't live under that big of a rock for that long, to be that level of oblivious.

- the incident with the photographer was both weird and not enough to show what the women in the industry went through - I felt it was added to make a point about Zoe not wanting Cherry to go into music, and so Zoe could tell Jordan about it when she comes clean. I am not saying to put Zoe through all the horrors of music industry filth towards women, but if that's the point the author was trying to make, maybe give us a bit more of a story. She definitely did not hold back on portraying the fatphobia of the era, so why hold back on this?

- having Cassie as the main character with a bigger body and neurodivergent personality/brain is great for representation, but the amount of attention to her looks and her "weirdness" takes it to a whole different level. Coming from Cassie herself, her sister, supposedly an ally, and pretty much everyone around her, the disregard and humiliation are constant. She is too fat and ugly to be lovable and worthy of attention, we are repeatedly told. There is nothing that can be done, we are told. Stylists and makeup artists wring their hands in distress as if no other overweight people ever existed before. I get that people can be awful, and it is not easy to be different - visually or mentally - especially in the spotlight. But Cassie becomes a one-dimensional caricature: fat, ugly, awkward, but - how lucky for her - very talented.

Overall, it was an easy, if often infuriating, read.

Thank you, NetGalley and William Morrow, for an early reader's copy in exchange for my honest review. The book is out on April 8.

I love all of Jen Weiner's books! It all started back with Good in Bed and hy just keep getting better. I want to say The Griffin Sister's is her best yet - but it is just different. All her books are good. This book explores the ups and downs and fickle ways of the recording industry as well as being a love story and a family saga. Zoe and Cassie Grossberg are sisters that were born one after the other but they are totally opposite. Zoe is beautiful an outgoing yet average in every other way. Cassie is a musical prodigy but is painfully shy and awkward. Set in the early 2000's - this book has it all.

2.5 Stars
This novel is a mixed bag for me. There were things I really liked, and then there were things that I struggled with.
The Synopsis:
Cassis and Zoe are sisters that have musical talent. In the early 2000's they became a pop sensation known as The Griffin Sisters. However, a tragedy breaks the band up. Twenty years go by, with Cassie living isolated in Alaska, and Zoe is living in the suburbs of New Jersey as a wife and mother. They have not stayed in touch all this time. Zoe's daughter, Cherry, would like to see the sisters forgive and move on to make music again. Cherry also has musical talent and aspirations. She thinks that Cassie's voice is incredible. She is hoping to make a reunion on the 25th anniversary of their album happen.

What I liked:
1. The musical setting.
2, Cassie and Cherry's developing relationship.
3. Cherry! I really liked the energy and emotion that this character brought to the story.

Struggles:
1. Cassie is a bigger girl, and supposedly ugly. Zoe seems to bring this up and point it out. She is not the only one to talk about Cassie's weight issue and appearance. It is referenced A LOT. And knowing this took place in the 2000's, I understand this was a big issue if you were in the industry. But I felt it could have been handled in a better way.

2. Was Cassie neurodivergent? There are vague references, and the way the character is written, it would seem so.
Cassie was so talented, and insecure, and so many other things. I feel like giving a subtle nod to her neurodiversity, then focusing on her other insecurities was a little disingenuous. If you are going to write about a character, then own that character. Give her the beautiful, unique, multi-faceted traits and show that she is fully human- not just a walking label of general knowledge about this condition.

3. Zoe. She is the "thin and pretty" one. However, she is selfish, superficial, mean and sneaky. I really did not connect with this character, and felt it was a little over the top when the two sisters had been close when they were younger. And there is an incident that seems to come out of nowhere, and is important to the "mystery". But it just felt so contrived.

I guess this wasn't for me. I loved the premise, and the thought of a girls band in the 2000's. But this fell flat for me- probably because of the (what I feel) characterization generalities. I really did want to know that things turned out well for Cassie, and Cherry! So there is that!

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow Deluxe for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

What a great story, I absolutely loved it!!!! First time reading Jennifer Weiner and will definitely be looking for more. The characters were well developed, she bridged the time gap in an organized, easy to follow manner, and the story itself was interesting and unique. I was riveted from the beginning. The dynamics of sisters, sisters loving the same man, having a sibling on the spectrum, all of it was very well done. I could hear the music in my head, it was all brought to life. You found yourself rooting for one character then another and in the end forgave all and just enjoyed the outcome.

While I really did like this book a lot, I had several problems with it. It was obvious that Cassie had some autism issues that were never explored, and that led to some frustration on my part since ASD has been understood since the '90s and in some ways since 1911.

Then the bullying and not just by kids her own age. Yes, Cassie was fat, and I think that not exploring better clothing options for her during the shows and videos was a huge problem for me. There were choices out there even during the early 2000's.

As the book's description says, it is about two diametrically different sisters—one peppy and beautiful, the other a prodigy and fat and not beautiful—one who lives by her looks and meager talent, and the other who is talent personified. This is the story of how they got their fame and what came later.

This was a fantastic read, even with the issues I described (if you can get by the word "fat" being used every other page). It will be the perfect beach/book club read. For book clubs, there will be plenty to discuss, believe me!

I learned a lot about the recording industry in the early 2000's.

The characters are well drawn, very fleshed out, and believable. The story is intense, with a good bit of evil intent, although it is balanced out by good intentions later on. Apologies abound, but you are never quite sure if everyone is satisfied by how things finally turned out. I think that the death of one of the band mates/co-writers might have been a tad over the top, but there it is.

*ARC was supplied by the publisher St. Martin's Press/ Macmillan, the author, and NetGalley.

Weiner has given us another complicated, sensitive novel of a family, blessed with tremendous talent that they don’t seem to know how to use or control. Zoe, a beautiful ambitious teenager wants to be a rockstar. Her sister, Cassie, is a neurodivergent girl with none of Zoe’s good looks, but the talent of a prodigy. Together they form The Griffin Sisters and enjoy short lived but amazing success—until the tragedy.
Years later, Zoe’s daughter Cherry, who’s inherited her mother’s looks and her aunt’s talent needs to discover what happened, while trying to find her own way in the world of Rock and Roll. Told from multiple viewpoints, this is a beautiful work with characters we come to appreciate, if not love.
The Griffin Sisters Greatest hits will be released on May 8, 2025 by Harper Collins. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced readers copy.

Cassie and Zoe Griffin (nee Grossberg) are sisters. One craves the stage and spotlight, the other just wants a quiet life with playing music (something she loves and is gifted at). The sisters form a band "The Griffin Sisters" and are quickly recognized for their talent and sign a record contract. What follows is fame, fortune, a best selling album, lots of TV appearances and a series of sold out concerts.

The flip side of fame also follows with jealousy, deceit, manipulations, and even a death.
After being estranged for twenty years, will the sisters eventually be able to put the hurt aside and reunite as a family OR will they just become another sad chapter in the dark side of rock and roll?

Very enjoyable read with characters to both love and disliked (no hate).

Thanks to Netgalley and William Morrow for the eARC.

Just outstanding. Weiner keeps coming with the hits; she only gets better with time. The story of this family, these sisters, their betrayals and jealousies and attempts to make space for themselves, was so relatable and beautiful.

The story had a lot of potential, but I was not a fan of the constant reminder of Cassie being fat. It made it past the character description, to just calling her disgusting, while was not relevant to moving the story along. Yes, there was a distinct difference between the 2 sisters, however, that was overkill, and disappointing.
I wish that there was a better balance of the focus.

There was a lot to like about this story. But parts I struggled with too.

Two sisters- different in every way- find fame as rock and roll musicians. But the music career is short lived due to tragedy which pulls the sisters apart with little chance of reconciliation. When one of the sister’s daughter earns a spot on a reality singing show like American Idol, she searches for the Aunt she never knew and answers to the mystery surrounding the breakup.

The story was engaging, and I was vested to find out how the relationship between the sisters might be resolved. But it did feel like some parts were thrown in last minute (the photographer) and it was hard to feel one ounce of sympathy for one of the sisters. BUT I do love that Weiner made me care about the characters. I’m ok with despising a character because the author has pulled emotion from me.

I appreciated the look back on the ridiculous expectations of girls in the spotlight in the 90’s. I’m not sure that much has changed- maybe a little improvement? The pressure to meet the public’s standard of who they should be was felt deeply in this story.

I enjoyed this book and think it will find a large audience.

what a terrific story of love, sisters, family, loss, music and finding oneself! This amazing story has hints of Daisy Jones and Mary Jane yet fully stands on its own as Weiner brings us a unique story that pulls you, makes you tap your toes and feel all the feelings! Well done!

Two sisters one talented the other beautiful become a singing sensation with the help of a musician/songwriter. That’s how this tale begins until everything implodes. Zoe is ambitious and ruthless, Cassie is reserved and talented and Russell is kind. Mixed together this creates a tragedy that takes decades to resolve. When a grown daughter of Zoe’s searches for answers as she pursues a musical career things come full circle.
Being a character driven reader I had mixed feeling about this book. Some of these people were hard to care about but the story was redeeming. If you like stories about the music industry this one may be for you.
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Collins for the read.

I really enjoyed this book! The writing was engaging, and the story kept me interested throughout. The characters were well-developed, and there were some great moments of tension and emotion. While there were a few slow parts or elements that didn’t fully work for me, overall, it was a solid and entertaining read.

I have read few of Jennifer Weiner’s books at this pint but this was has to be my favorite of hers. Holly Molly this book took me on a ride and I loved every page. This books follows three women, two sisters and one of their daughters as they tell the story of their life from when the sisters were little, to them becoming a famous pop groups, to the event that it all fell apart and now years later where they ended up after not speaking for 20 years. This book made me laugh and cry and hopeful of the reception we can find when we forgive each other. I liked how the story went back and forth between the present and the past to weave the story told within the book.

I enjoyed reading this book by Jennifer Weiner. The Griffin Sisters are Zoe, who is the oldest and wants to be famous, and Cassie, who just wants to blend into the woodwork. The complexities of their relationship are told from the present tense and past tense. This is definitely an emotional ride. I am not the biggest fan of Zoe's but do feel like she has a good arc throughout the book. Cassie seems to fit a favorite character of Jennifer Weiner. I would recommend this one.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for advanced copy, and I give my review freely

First, I have to start by saying I love Jennifer Weiner’s book so this could be completely biased. The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits is a story about two sisters Cassie and Zoe. Cassie is an amazing musician, a prodigy really, from a very young age. She is able to play the piano, sing and is a songwriter. She was overweight her whole life and a bit socially awkward. Her sister Zoe also was a singer but no where as talented as her her sister. Zoe is outgoing, fun and extremely beautiful. When they rise to musical fame all starts out well but then it becomes complicated.

Fast forward to present day when Zoe’s 18 year old sister wants to break into the musical industry. She finds out about her mom and Aunt Cassie, although she has never met her aunt. This book as it all—fame, love, family saga and drama and then ultimately forgiveness. I highly recommend!

I received this ARC from NetGalley and William Morrow to read and review.