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.

Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow and author Jennifer Weiner for gifting me a review copy of The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits. In exchange I offer my honest opinion.

This book contains three of my favorite things…Philly pride, Jewish joy and loads of musical references. Jennifer Weiner writes stories that are endearing, entertaining and easy to get lost in. This was a quick and fun read, centering around two sisters who once found fame until jealousy and lies tore them apart. Told in two timelines, we have the rise and fall of the melodious Griffin Sisters and then the present day story of Cherry, daughter/ niece who attempts to reunite her mom and aunt.
I predict The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits will be the beach read of 2025. If you liked Daisy Jones you’ll love The Griffin Sisters.

Oh. My. Gosh. I absolutely loved this one! 😍 I tried to take my time and soak it all in, but who am I kidding? I devoured it because I needed to know how it all played out. 📖✨

From the very start, I connected with Cassie—she felt so real and layered. But honestly, it was Zoe and Cherry who completely won me over as the story unfolded. 💕 Their dynamic was messy, complicated, and full of history, but that’s what made it so compelling.

The dual timelines—switching between the 2000s and now—gave me all the nostalgic feels. 🥹💿 Flip phones, early 2000s fashion, AIM chats… it transported me right back. And let’s talk about those twists—I was shocked! 😱 Just when I thought I had things figured out, something would completely change my perspective. The mystery kept me flipping pages like a madwoman because I had to see how everything unraveled.

But what truly made this book stand out? The family dynamics. 🫂 This story beautifully captured the complexities of sisterhood—the love, the heartbreak, the betrayals, and the deep-rooted bonds that time can’t erase. It was messy, raw, hard, and honest, but it was also heartwarming, emotional, and full of forgiveness. 🥹✨

I got so emotionally invested in the Griffin Sisters' drama—like, I needed things to work out for them, lol. 😂 Their character development was chef’s kiss 👏 Watching Cherry, Zoe, and Cassie grow throughout the book was truly something special.

And the ending? 🥲 Cue the tears! It hit me right in the feels. This book moved me in ways I didn’t expect, and I know it’s going to stay with me for a long time. Highly recommend!

This was my first Jennifer Weiner book and I had really high hopes after reading the reviews and hype for this one!

The storyline was entertaining but what fell short for me was the depth and the characters. It felt like there was quite a bit of mundane build up to many of the big turning points within the book. I would suddenly be sucked in and excited to read then it felt like the plot turned completely in another direction or switched perspectives.

I loved Cherry, the daughter of Zoe, one of the Griffin sisters. Cassie and Zoe frustrated me. I felt the negative talk about Cassie’s appearance was a bit excessive and got to be a bit much and distracted from the story. Zoe was also such a cruel sister during the band days it made me dislike her throughout the entire book.

Personally, this wasn’t the book for me. I definitely think there are people it would appeal to and who would really enjoy the characters depth and descriptive build up to the turning points but I needed something more fast paced.

I’ve always loved Jennifer Weiner’s writing style, and this book’s premise, sisters rising to fame as pop/rock stars, one the classic pop icon and the other the talented but unconventional star, hooked me right away. The fast-paced shifts between flashbacks and the present kept the story moving. However, I did grow tired of the repeated emphasis on the second sister’s appearance, constantly being reminded she was “fat and ugly”. While I understand this was central to the plot, it felt overdone. Still, I enjoyed the book overall and will continue to pick up more from this author!

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow Deluxe Hardcover for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

One of the most anticipated books of 2025, but not only a three star rating from me. It was a slow pace and monotonous. The theme is becoming repetitive. The novel centers on sisters Cassie and Zoe who, born just a year apart, have different personalities. Zoe, has charm and beauty, and has wanted fame since childhood, while Cassie, a musically gifted, prefers to stay out of the spotlight. They perform as a duo with quick success. After a year of fame the duo mysteriously breaks up.

Fast forward 20+ years, Cherry’s teenage daughter Zoe, is determined to pursue a career in music and more determined to uncover the truth about the band’s breakup.
Truths are uncovered and sisters must confront their past and potential to forgive.
Thank you NetGalley and Williams Morrow for the ARC read in exchange for my review.

My first by Jennifer Weiner so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I absolutely loved it! The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits is nostalgic, romantic, emotional, adventurous, and thought-provoking all while having a bit of mystery to it as well. The multiple POV chapters really helps to understand each character's story, motives, and thought process. The bond of family is really tested when it comes to what one will do for fame.

If you enjoy pop music and the early 2000's then this is one not to miss!

Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy . The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hit follows Cassie and Zoe as they form a band and release music. The story alternates between the past and the present. It also switches perspectives of many different people but mainly Cassie, Zoe, and Zoe’s daughter Cherry. I was excited for this story as the premise sounded promising, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I had a hard time staying interested in the story line and I had trouble connecting with the characters.

I really enjoyed this book. It reminded me of In Her Shoes a bit with the sister dynamic, but I appreciated the conversation around family struggles, the difficulty in accepting ones body type and talents, and overall that there is hope in family reunification and that music cures all. Great read. If you're a fan of Jennifer Weiner's, this will be one of your favorite books of 2025.