A new favorite from Jennifer Weiner! This emotional, layered novel follows sisters Cassie and Zoe—one fat, one thin—as they rise in the early 2000s music scene before a tragic event drives them apart. The story explores body image, fame, sexual abuse, double standards, and forgiveness, with multiple POVs and a compelling mix of past and present timelines. Cassie's chapters, in particular, are heartbreaking and powerful as Weiner highlights the harsh realities faced by neurodivergent and fat women in the industry. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.

I enjoyed this! I will be an automatic reader of any book with a celebrity element. I especially love those with a 2000s setting. I liked the storyline of this book, however, I wasn't a huge fan of the time leaps back and forth. I understand it created suspense for what to expect next, but I would've preferred to know what caused the rift between the sisters much sooner because it was quite predictable. Overall, it is a book I would recommend to others. I could see this being a fun TV show.

The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner is an engaging novel that tells the emotionally charged story of two sisters, Zoe and Cassie, who couldn’t be more different, in both appearance and temperament. Zoe is the effortlessly beautiful one, though her talents are more modest. Cassie, on the other hand, fades into the background visually but has a voice which is incredibly powerful and moving. Together, they form a wildly successful pop duo, catapulting to fame and captivating the world with their contrasting dynamic. But at the height of their fame, a devastating tragedy shatters their bond, and their lives. Both sisters disappear from the spotlight, with Cassie seeming to fade from existence.

Years later, it’s Zoe’s daughter, Cherry, who decides to untangle the mystery that tore the sisters apart. Determined and full of heart, Cherry is the one that connects the past to the present, bringing up long-buried secrets and forcing a reckoning that neither sister could have imagined. The novel’s pacing is excellent and the characters are richly drawn, with layered backstories. I was hooked from the first page to the last, it’s a story about talent and jealousy, about the unbreakable ties of sisterhood, and about how healing sometimes comes from the most unexpected places. A definite must-read — I highly recommend it.

Zoe and her sister are only a year apart in age but their personalities are very different. Zoe was a sweet, compliant child and Cassie has been generally quiet, seemingly in her own world,. One night, her mother hears her singing with her sister, because her sister has told her that things are okay,. The sisters grow up and they keep singing together until it all goes wrong.
This is a wonderful book that I could not put down. It made me think of my own childhood where I was seriously playing. the piano at age 4 , and my love for it has grown larger through the years.
This wonderful book is a great read.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
I only wish I could give it more stars.

3.5 stars rounded up. This was not my favorite Jennifer Weiner book, but it was not my least favorite either.

I've been reading a lot of books about siblings this year, especially sisters, and this was another one that followed this theme. There were several facets of this story I enjoyed, but overall I felt it dragged at times and it did not keep me consistently engaged throughout its nearly 400 pages.

I particularly appreciated the early aughts setting, the descriptions of being in a band, and the fact that the author wrote and included songs, à la Honey and Daisy Jones and the Six. I also liked the fact that this novel discussed the constant media obsession with and criticism of women's appearances during this time period, though I can see how others would be bothered by this element.

While Zoe, the pretty but mediocre musician of the duo, displays good character development by the end of the novel, I was left disappointed by Cass's lack of progress. Her character was also hard to relate to, which was likely due to the fact that she was Autistic. However, this aspect was only hinted at and never explored further, despite the fact that the story ends in present day, when we now have much more awareness of neurodivergence. I wish that Weiner had given Cass was as much consideration and growth during the novel as Zoe, but I suppose this neglect mimicked the theme of the attractive sister always being the center of attention.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Another great book by Jennifer Weiner. All of her books are captivating, but what I liked about this book was the focus on an overweight (and likely autistic) woman and her perspective of the world. While that is just one of the many themes, which include writing and performing music, sibling relationships, jealousy, and teenage stardom, that theme was most poignant.
I think what I loved most about this book was how much I actually learned about music. The book goes into great detail about writing and listening to music, and the talent it takes to perform. I have never read a Jennifer Weiner book I haven't liked, but this book's topic is so different and exposes the reader to a world of music, touring, and fandom that I was unaware of.

Thank you NetGalley for an Advance Reader Copy.

Jennifer Weiner is one of my favorite authors, and I read every book she writes. The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits tells the story of two sisters whose ascent into musical stardom has a devastating outcome and rips the sisters apart. If you enjoy books about family drama and the music business, this book is for you. I definitely enjoyed it! Thank you, NetGalley and William Morrow, for the advance reader copy of this book.

This book just didn’t work for me, sadly. A bummer because I was so excited for it—it was giving me Daisy Jones & the Six vibes (one of my fave books of all time), but this just fell flat. Had a hard time connecting to the characters & getting invested in the story. But thanks so much for the opportunity to read the digital ARC!

For Jennifer Weiner fans, this book is a must-read!

Long Story Short
This is a multi-POV, multi-timeline book that focuses on sisters Zoe and Cassie in the early 2000s as they get a record deal and form a band. Though never explicitly stated, Cassie may have some form of autism that makes her incredibly introverted and afraid of performing, though Zoe insists on including her in the band since Cassie is the one with the talent. The story alternates between the band's rise to fame and present day, where readers quickly learn that the sisters are no longer speaking and Zoe is dead-set against her daughter, Cherry, entering the music industry. Cherry runs away from home to try out for an American Idol-type show and tries to enlist Cassie as her mentor. When Zoe realizes what Cherry has done, she has to reunite with her estranged sister in order to get her daughter home.

The Good
I liked this story for it's originality, but also for the writing that made readers feel connected with each of the three main characters. They clearly had their faults, but Weiner made you understand why each woman did what she did. By the end, I was crying happy tears.

The Bad
I'm not sure if it was the pacing or the multiple POVs, but it took me a little bit to get into the story. I'm also glad I read the e-book - I think if I'd listened to the audiobook, I would have struggled to remember which time period it was.

Overall Takeaway
This was a great book with memorable characters that had me rooting for all of them to get their happy ending. I give it a B-.

Characters - 8
Plot - 8
Spice - N/A
Writing - 9

This book was SO GOOD. I honestly would not have read it just based on the description, but everything Jennifer Weiner touches turns to gold, so of course I had to give it a try. And it did not disappoint! The story is about two sisters – one with true talent but maybe not “popstar” material, and one who has the looks and ambition but very little talent. The timeline alternates between present day and “back then.” But really, this is a story about betrayal, coming into oneself, and forgiveness.

I loved the character development and, being a 90s kid, all of the 90s and early 00s references sprinkled in throughout the storyline. The whole thing was just so well done and enjoyable to read.

Many thanks to Netgalley and William Morrow for the advance copy in exchange for honest (tardy) review. 5 ENTHUSIASTIC stars, definitely recommend.

The Griffin Sisters Greatest Hits is like settling into a favorite sweater—familiar, comforting, and woven with warmth. While longtime fans of Jennifer Weiner will recognize her signature blend of wit and drama (yes, some plot points feel predictable), this story stands out for its exploration of family secrets and the unbreakable bonds between women.

Cherry is on a quest to uncover the truth about what happened between her mother (Zoe Griffin) and her long-lost aunt (Cassie Griffin). Her determination to piece together the past—and the revelations about the original Griffin Sisters’ downfall—left me heartbroken as I learned what happened. Weiner handles these emotional layers with her trademark grace, balancing the grief of what was lost with the hope of what’s rediscovered.

This is a story about fame and nostalgia, as well as facing the past and healing old wounds . The ending tied everything together with the satisfying warmth I crave from Jennifer Weiner’s books.

I am thankful to have been given the ARC of this book from William Morrow from Netgalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.

Zoe and Cassie may be sisters but they are two very different people.
The beautiful and popular Zoe longs to be a singer and bask in the spotlight. Cassie has always been awkward and is uncomfortable around other people. However Cassie is musically gifted but only wants to study and create music.
Zoe has always been Cassie’s protector and manages to convince Cassie to be part of a musical group.
After a meteoric rise to the top The Griffin Sisters group breaks up and all go their separate ways.
Twenty years later Zoe’s daughter Cherry decides she wants to seek a career in music despite her mother’s warnings and disapproval. Cherry is determined to find the aunt she has never met because Cherry thinks Cassie can help her with her career goals.
THE GRIFFIN SISTERS’ GREATEST HITS is a beautifully told story about family,
love and music. I thought it was “Great”!
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced digital edition of this novel.

A beautiful story of love is the best description for the Griffin Sisters. There is the musical prodigy that fulfills her sister’s dream only to put her own hopes aside. This is a journey of self discovery, and really owning who you are. Love this one! Grateful to NetGalley for the read!

This book is just simply well done. A well orchestrated, multiple timeline and multiple POV story that converges in all the right ways. Zoe desperately wants fame and success, and although she is talented, confident, and beautiful, she lacks the exceptional it-factor to make it on her own. Her sister Cassie is the exceptional talent that makes the Griffin Sisters work, but she lacks the confidence and beauty of Zoe. A complicated love triangle and a devastating death put an end to their music careers just as they’ve taken off.

Zoe’s daughter Cherry finds herself in love with music, but her mother doesn’t support her dreams. Cherry has never met her aunt Cassie, but becomes convinced that her future depends on her aunt’s support. Cherry uncovers her family’s history, miscommunications, and secrets that have gone to long unspoken.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters are both so human- likable and at times despicable; complex and well developed. Jennifer Weiner touches on difficult topics and the cross generational differences in handling family dynamics, personalities, and diagnoses (or lack thereof). A beautiful reminder of how far a little understanding can go.

I hated Zoe and Cassie’s aunt though. She was awful.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I struggled with the first half of this book. I wasn't invested in the characters and I would pick it up before bed some nights. I switched to audio for the 2nd half and really enjoyed Elle Fanning as the narrator. She helped bring the characters to life for me. I wasn't not expecting to feel all the feels by the end of this book.
3.5 - would have been 3, but the ending made me emotional so bumped up.

A lot of other reviews mention fat phobia and skinny= pretty, etc... as someone who was a teenager in the early 2000s, this is exactly how life was, Weiner mentions news stories that I remember reading in magazines or seeing on MTV. It was a crap time to grow up in ways of body image as a teen.

This was my first Jennifer Weiner, and it did not disappoint.
This story of two sisters destined for greatness, but torn apart by jealousy captures you immediately.
I was completely committed to the story and the characters and their music.
Gorgeous and heartfelt, this is a winner.
Thank you netgalley!

I was able to read a hard copy of the book and while I wasn't a 2000's pop girlie I do love a good book centered around music! This book is a great book for people who like music, family drama and just a great book that makes you emotionally invested in the characters!

Good premise but fell flat for me. Sisters who start a very popular band have a falling out and we jump from past to present to learn what happened. It’s set in the early 2000s which I was really intrigued by but that barely played into it and didn’t take me back to the time at all. Also the reason for the fallout didn’t make any sense to me and the entire story fell apart by the end. I ended up not being invested and finished just to finish it.

If you're looking for an absorbing, female-driven novel that has you sneaking a page or two in at every stoplight, The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits is your book. As always, Jennifer Weiner has created a trio of fresh female characters, put them into an impossible situation, and had them find their way through. Or not. With every book since Good in Bed, Weiner's narrative talents have grown, and this reader is very happy she hasn't abandoned novels to write on a streaming dramedy. Although I do have this to say: in this novel, Weiner drills down to the essentials of each character's world view, leaving a string of other characters with just enough detail to propel the story. This book could be twice the length, and I would still have enjoyed it.

This was a fun read from Jennifer Weiner. Her books are always entertaining. This one is about 18-year-old Cherry, who is wanting a life as a musician. She is a natural talent but her mother, Zoe, shuts her down at every step. The other side of the story is that unknown to Cherry, Zoe was part of a musical act called The Griffin Sisters. Zoe and her incredibly talented and reclusive sister Cassie were the original Griffin Sisters. Throughout this book, the story is told from each sister’s perspective on their rise to fame and their fall. The sisters have gone their separate ways and lost track of each other after the band’s big break-up.
The audiobook was narrated by Dakota Fanning and she did a terrific job. I highly recommend this option for reading the story. Although the reader might want to check out Spotify, where a Griffin Sisters soundtrack exists as well.
My one critique about this book and this is true of most Weiner books, is a constant theme within these stories is bullying or persecution felt by a character due to weight and/or being Jewish. I completely agree with the importance of representation in books. But I feel like these themes sometimes overwhelm the story because they are so recurrent. I doubt this will stop me from picking up Weiner’s work in the future! But I wish this aspect was less in my face.
Definitely recommend!
#TheGriffinSistersGreatestHits #NetGalley #WilliamMorrow