For me this was a slow burner, but it soon picked up pace.
With a dual timeline and told from two perspectives, we learn about Zoe and Cassie, two sisters, one who wants to be famous and the other who wants to be accepted.
It was a real education to learn how difficult it is to break into the music industry, even when you’re naturally talented.
This story made me cry and I loved it!

This is a completely brilliant book. I loved loved loved it and simply couldn’t put it down. The Griffin Sisters are a band and the story flits between present day and when the band were at their height. It’s a story of jealousy, sadness, loneliness and redemption. The sisters themselves are complex characters and I think Cassie would now be considered neurodiverse but then, she was just the odd singer who was supremely talented but couldn’t cope with any kind of celebrity status. I have read Jennifer Weiners work in the past but this I magnificent. Enthralling, emotional and life affirming. Highly recommended.

Set over 2 timelines- present day and the early 2000's we meet sisters Zoe and Cassie. Zoe is beautiful and popular and desperately wants to be famous. Cassie doesn't fit the popstar mould but is a musical prodigy. As a band, they only release one album before their fame implodes.

A great book, exploring the dynamics of family and sisterly love.

The Griffin Sisters Greatest Hits, by Jennifer Weiner is a poignant exploration of family dynamics intertwined with the glitz and grime of the music industry. Fans of Daisy Jones and the Six will find this a rewarding read.

The Griffin Sisters band mysteriously break up at the pinnacle of stardom, and sisters Zoe and Cassie ceased all contact with each other. For two decades, Zoe and Cassie have not spoken or seen each other, with Cassie's whereabouts shrouded in mystery.

Through multiple POVs and 2 timelines the author delves into the emotional landscape of both sisters.

Zoe, now a mother to Cherry, who is determined to make her mark in the music business. Cherry’s discovery of her mother’s illustrious musical past sets off a chain of events that compels Zoe to confront the secrets she has long buried.

The unfolding mystery of Cassie’s disappearance and the reasons behind the band's breakup add an intriguing layer to the narrative, keeping readers engaged until the end.

The novel captures the highs and lows of fame and the intricacies of familial ties. The depiction of the music industry’s glamorous yet ruthless nature provides a fascinating backdrop to the sisters' personal struggles.

The novel’s strength lies in its character portrayals, Zoe the extrovert wants nothing more than to be famous, Cassie the introvert was to blend into the background and not be noticed. Then there is Cherry and her relentless quest for answers and her determination to carve out her own path.

While the mystery surrounding Cassie and the band’s breakup is gradually revealed, some readers might find the resolution a bit predictable. However, the depth and the exploration of themes such as forgiveness, perseverance, and the impact of secrets on relationships make this a rewarding read.

Overall, The Griffin Sisters Greatest Hits is a captivating story that combines the allure of the music world with the complexities of familial relationships.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley UK for the ARC.

I requested this ARC (thanks Netgalley) because of the comparison to Daisy Jones and the Six, which I read years ago and which still resonates. It wasn’t an unfounded comparison; The Griffin Sisters Greatest Hits shares a similar musical setting and general vibe, though this novel is perhaps broader and less focused.

I read it in a day and a half, so it clearly wasn’t boring, though I felt it could’ve been shorter with less wistful Alaskan musings: we get it Cassie, you were sad!

What I liked about it most was what it had to say about women, both inside and outside the music industry, and how hard it is for women to forge and maintain an identity entirely on their own terms. Internal misogyny is real, ladies - I found myself judging Cherry (the daughter and niece of the main characters) for being manipulative and ambitious, before reminding myself that similar qualities would be both admired and expected of a man in her situation.

All in all, an enjoyable read.

This was a great generational family drama with a Daisy Jones and the Six music feel at the heart of it. I especially liked the portrayal of the music industry in terms of how it treats women and likes to put them into certain boxes rather than allowing them to be themselves.

I did think it was on the long side, but if you love multi-POV, multi-timeline stories then this one is for you!

3.5

Pros:
- I loved the pop culture references.
- Dual timeline.
- Multiple POV.

Cons:
- Constant fatphobia (it got to a point where I was like okay we get it!!).
-I really didn't like Cherry, I found her quite selfish and insufferable.
- Miscommunication.

I think this was a good read and I did enjoy it but I just feel it could of been so much more.

I enjoyed this very much, as I have every single one of Jennifer Weiner's books. She creates completely believable, sympathetic yet flawed characters who readers can relate to. It isn't easy to write about music interestingly, and it's a world that is unrelatable for the vast majority of readers, but she nonetheless made it into an 'everywoman' story.

I flew through this book, it was an engrossing and enjoyable read. The reframing of that particular moment for celebrity, externally and internally is something I am often drawn to in fiction and non fiction, and while the characters were likeable and the plot hard to put down, it was more a four than five star read for me.

3.5 rounded down

A mother‘s love?
Brilliant, talented daughters in Cassie and Zoe. Cassie Grossberg is the introverted, musical prodigy whereas Zoe is charming, beautiful and outgoing. Chalk and cheese. The sisters become part of a pop sensation known as The Griffin Sisters in the early 2000’s, then tragedy breaks up the band. Over twenty years of silence follows between the sisters as Cassie lives reclusively in Alaska and Zoe buries herself in suburban motherhood in New Jersey. Clearly something catastrophic occurs to break up their musical success – can they ever forgive each other and themselves? Will they ever be able to make music together again? Zoe‘s daughter Cherry sincerely hopes so as she too has musical aspirations and her aunt has the voice of an angel. Is it possible for a reunion to take place on the 25th anniversary of their hit album?

There are aspects of the book that I really like and which work well but other areas that I’m less keen on. The complex relationships are conveyed successfully, between mothers and daughters and between the sisters. I enjoy the ups and downs of their life on the road as a band especially the various dynamics. The sisters different memories of that time are often painful and it’s emotional reading in places. There are strong feelings displayed too, with everything from love to jealousy, from fury to hatred with vindictive or deceitful actions which become secret shames.

Many of the characters are not especially easy to like and I don’t find them relatable. I sympathise particularly with Cassie, you feel her awkwardness and I dare say she’s on the neurodivergent spectrum but that’s not mentioned much except in passing. I don’t know what to make of the constant references to her size, it’s constantly emphasised and she is compared to glossy, pretty, slim Zoe. I’m sure the author is just trying to demonstrate the prejudice against Cassie despite her considerable talent especially in the early 2000’s but it’s not comfortable to read.

It’s a bit all over the place and dizzying at the beginning of the book with several points of view and it jumps about timewise but once I sort out the characters, it’s okay. However, in my opinion, it’s overly long and too detailed in places which slows the pace down and some interest is lost. There’s repetition too via the different points of view.

I enjoy the ending although it’s probably a predictable one though it’s what I hope for. The novel will inevitably be compared to Daisy Jones and the Six and I don’t think it’s as good as that, but it’s enjoyable nonetheless. I assume the novel is inspired by the Mamas and the Papas although Cassie is very different in personality to the outgoing Mama Cass.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for a much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

This is not the typical kid of book which I would read however I am glad I did.

Definitely gave off Daisy Jones vibes with a really interesting family drama at the heart of it.

Great read

I really enjoyed this. I'm a fan of music driven stories, particularly those that highlight the not so glamorous side of 'fame' alongside complex relationships between siblings, so this worked very well for me.

It took me awhile to become fully invested, but the further into this I read, the more excited I became to find out just what had happened between the two sisters to make them estranged.

As other reviewers have said, I think this would make a great beach read this summer. Equal parts moving and dramatic, The Griffin Sisters shows you the true power of sisterhood and how healing forgiveness can be.

I've been anticipating this book since the first "coming soon" email I received. The synopsis vividly describes the story of two sisters who had the world and by their own actions lost it. The cover pulls your attention and I had to read it!!!!

From the first, readers meet Zoe and Cass, sisters who could not be any more different if they tried and the mother, Janice, who can never decide if their differences are her fault. Though different, we learn that the sisters need each other. In most every thing they do outside their home, Zoe takes care of her little sister, Cass. Then one day when Janice is checking on her daughters before bed, she hears them sing and these sisters will never be the same again. Singing will take them to the recording stages and make them stars, but also change the relationship between the two.
The story unwinds in several flash back and forward while we hear both sisters tell their side of the story. Then a thrid young woman, daughter to one, neice to the other, will stir the sisters' history to add her voice to the harmony found and lost, then found again. Through it all, their stories grow from simple to complex, with the entrance of fame, fortune, and a young man.

The anticipation I felt for this story was repeatedly rewarded with a story that forces readers to choose sids over and over to finally see that there was only one side to this story, it just belonged to both sisters.

I can’t tell you how much l loved this book! Zoe and Cassie; together know as the Griffin Sister; singing superstars. We begin knowing the their band broke up at the height of the their and that the sisters no longer speak. This story is told from both their sides starting from their childhoods and moving through time. Zoe’s daughter Cherry is a key factor of their reunion. This book was absolutely amazing; the ending made me cry!

This is an enjoyable read. It is the story of two sisters, Cassie and Zoe. Cassie has borderline genius musical ability, but is overweight and strugling with self-esteem issues. Zoe is the dominant one - she is beautiful and extrovert. She persuades Cassie to form a group and they have huge success despite Cassie's reluctance to perform. Another member of the band, Russell, who is a talented songwriter and collaborates with Cassie, comes between the two women - Cassie falls in love with him but Zoe seduces him and basically tricks him into marrying her. The group splits up and Cassie goes into hiding. Zoe has a daughter, Cherry, who is also very musical, but her mother discourages her. How this is all resolved is the basis of the plot. It is well written - the characters have flaws and feel well-rounded. The ending is a little disappointing but overall, I would recommend this.

Enjoyable. Reminiscent of Daisy Jones and The Six although less gritty. I liked how the daughter is the centre point of everything past, present, and future.

I enjoyed this for the most part. A bit reminiscent of Daisy Jones and The Six in terms of content but (in my opinion) a lesser version. There was a lot of repetition due to multiple POV’s which grated after a while. Not a bad read overall but could have been better.

***advance review copy received from NetGalley in return for an honest review***
When I started reading this, I thought it would probably be a decent beach read - and it would be, but it’s also got a little something more to it than that.
Whilst not necessarily the most original narrative, and whilst it’s not exactly Daisy Jones & the Six (though what is), this is a decently deep book about both the music business, how women are treated in the public eye, and how people who love each other can sometimes be the ones who cause the most hurt.
Overall an interesting book with a satisfying ending.

I’ve been a fan of Jennifer Weiner’s since reading Good In Bed all the way back in 2002. I was super excited to be approved on NetGalley for an ARC of The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits in exchange for an honest review.

The Griffin Sisters reminded me why I fell in love with this author’s writing all those years ago.

There are three main characters: Cassie, her older sister, Zoe and Zoe’s daughter, Cherry. It starts with Cherry going against her Mom’s wishes and auditioning for a TV singing competition. Cherry wants her mentor on the show to be her aunt Cassie, who she’s never met. Cassie and Zoe had a No. 1 album as the Griffin Sisters in the early 2000s but Cassie’s now a recluse living in Alaska and Zoe’s a housewife in suburban New Jersey.

The story is told in Cassie, Zoe and Cherry’s perspectives then and now. Cassie and Zoe reminded me, superficially at least of Cass Elliot and Michelle Phillips from The Mamas & The Papas and Carnie & Wendy Wilson and Chynna Phillips from Wilson Phillips. It’s easy to root for Cassie because even though it’s her amazing voice and songwriting that sell records, she’s pushed to one side when they’re promoting the album in favour of her more conventionally attractive sister.

From the very beginning, the author has been amazing at writing plus-sized heroines, being very real about the prejudices they face but without turning them into punchlines and Cassie is no different. I can’t even imagine how difficult it must be to be a plus-sized woman in the public eye and I was horrified to read about Carnie Wilson’s ordeal on the Howard Stern Show.

It took me a while to warm up to Zoe because at first glance, you’d think she had it so much easier than Cassie. In the acknowledgements at the end, the author references Britney Spears' memoir and I could see how Zoe’s experiences in the public eye might have been inspired by Britney, Christina Aguilera and Jessica Simpson. It’s interesting that the scrutiny of the Griffin Sisters is focused solely on Cassie and Zoe and the guys in the band basically get a free pass. Even with the tragic event that leads to the break-up of the band, Zoe acknowledges that she’s got to behave a certain way or she’ll be judged harshly by the media and their fans.

Zoe might be pretty and enjoy all the perks of being famous but she’s put under pressure from their management not to gain any weight and she’s riddled with insecurities about not being as talented as her sister, which isn’t helped by trolls on the Internet and when she’s pushed to the side of the stage. It’s sad because the two sisters have so much in common and yet they’re divided and conquered by the music industry who wants Cassie’s voice but Zoe’s looks.

I really wanted to give it Five Stars but I didn't like the side plot involving Zoe's stepson, Bix.

As a fan of music-driven stories, I approached The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner with the expectation that it might mirror Daisy Jones & The Six. However, that comparison didn’t do this book justice. While both novels explore themes of fame, family, and the music industry, Weiner’s approach is refreshingly different, leaning on a more traditional narrative style rather than the oral history format of Daisy Jones.

The story follows the lives of two sisters, the Griffin sisters, who once made it big in the music world, alongside the journey of Cherry, the daughter of one of the sisters, who is trying to forge her own path in the music industry. The structure, alternating between the perspectives of the sisters and Cherry, offers a deep dive into their individual struggles, desires, and growth over time.

What truly drew me in was the characters. Weiner excels at creating complex, relatable figures, and I found myself genuinely invested in their lives. The dynamics between the sisters, especially as they navigate their fractured relationship and individual paths, were rich and compelling. Cherry’s pursuit of stardom provided an interesting parallel, showing how the next generation faces similar pressures but in a different context.

The pacing of the story was just right — enough drama, emotion, and surprises to keep me hooked, but with moments of reflection and intimacy that made the characters' struggles feel very real. I found it hard to put down and often thought about the characters when I wasn’t reading.

For those looking for a heartfelt and engaging read about family, ambition, and the music industry, this book is definitely worth picking up. While it may not have the same narrative format as Daisy Jones, The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits holds its own with a rich, emotional story that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

I would rate this book a solid 4.5 out of 5, and it has definitely piqued my interest in Jennifer Weiner’s other works. Highly recommend!