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Hi, all:

I bring you a book that was not what I expected, but I think many readers will enjoy it. The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Weiner comes The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits, a deeply moving novel set against the glitz and chaos of early 2000s pop stardom. Equal parts heartfelt family saga and behind-the-scenes look at fame, this is a story about sisters, secrets, and the power of second chances. 

Cassie and Zoe Grossberg were thrust into the spotlight as The Griffin Sisters, a pop duo that defined the early 2000s. Together, they skyrocketed to the top, gracing MTV, SNL, and the cover ofRolling Stone. Cassie, a musical genius who never felt at ease in her own skin, preferred to stay in the shadows. Zoe, full of confidence and craving fame, lived for the stage. But fame has a price, and after one turbulent year, the band abruptly broke up. 

Two decades later, Zoe is a suburban mom warning her teenage daughter Cherry to avoid the spotlight, while Cassie has disappeared from public life entirely. The sisters couldn’t be further apart, and Cherry is desperate to bring them back together—and unearth the truth behind their breathtaking rise and infamous breakup. As long-buried secrets surface, all three women must confront their choices, their desires, and their complicated bonds. 

With richly developed characters, a nostalgic nod to the pop culture of the 2000s, and a resonant tale of ambition, forgiveness, and family, The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits will captivate readers from the first note to the final encore. Whether you’ve followed Jennifer Weiner for years or are discovering her for the first time, this book is a must-read for music lovers, fans of sisterly dramas, and anyone looking for an unforgettable story of second chances.

About the author:

Jennifer Weiner is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of nineteen books, including That Summer, Big Summer, Mrs. Everything, In Her Shoes, Good in Bed, and a memoir in essays, Hungry Heart. She has appeared on many national television programs, including the Today show and Good Morning America, and her work has been published in the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times, among other newspapers and magazines. Jennifer lives with her family in Philadelphia. Visit her online at JenniferWeiner.com.

My review:

I thank NetGalley and HQ for providing me with an ARC copy of this novel, which I freely chose to review.

The author of this novel is well-known and has many followers, but this is the first time I’ve read one of her books, so I can’t compare it to previous titles.

This is the story of a family, or more specifically, two sisters, Zoe and Cassie, who were very close in their youth but have spent over twenty years not having had any contact with each other. Cherry, the daughter of the oldest sister, Zoe, wants to follow in the footsteps of her mother and aunt and try to make it big in the music business, despite the opposition of her mother, who had never even mentioned her career to her daughter. Cherry decides her aunt must be her mentor. But there is a problem: Cassie disappeared many years ago, and nobody seems to know where she is now.

Reader’s follow Cherry’s attempts at locating her aunt and convincing her to help her with her career, while at the same time, reliving the story of the sisters, in two timelines, both chronological: one from their youth up to the point when their paths split, and another from the time when Cherry starts to pursue her dream.

Although I won’t go into a lot of details, to avoid spoilers (much can be gathered from the description of the book already), the story felt quite familiar, and it explores many tropes and common places: a pretty sister (Zoe), who is popular and well-liked; the other, Cassie, who is awkward, shy, has difficulty socialising, is less attractive and rather large. But, Cassie is incredibly talented from a very young age, and her sister is the only one who gives her the confidence to perform and share her talent with the world.

The sisters need each other, and although they love each other, at a certain level they also resent not having what the other one has, be it the looks and ease of interaction or the talent.

Opportunity strikes, the life of the two sisters changes overnight, and they become a household name, but there is a big price to pay (at a career but especially at a personal level) for fame and fortune.

The sisters and Cherry are the main characters, and I was fond of both sisters when they were young (their relationship was described beautifully, and although very different, they were both realistically rendered and very likable). After what happens, both feel guilty, but their reaction and the way they deal with the guilt are very different. Although both of the sisters’ actions are understandable, Carrie, with her low self-esteem and her extreme reaction and self-punishment, is easier to empathise with. Cherry is a determined and talented young woman, and she seems to combine the talents and some elements of the personality of both sisters. She is a force of nature and the one who manages to get things moving in the family.

The writing flows easily, although there is some repetition, because both sisters feel guilty, ruminate, have doubts, and are stuck. Especially Cassie, whose isolated lifestyle gives her a lot of time to think things over and torture herself with memories and regrets.

There are also a lot of mentions of Cassie’s weight, not only by her (who cannot believe anybody can like her, appreciate her, or even look at her), but also by those around her. Some reviewers take issue with that, and one said that the author always includes at least one overweight character in all her novels. I cannot comment on that, but the author mentions her research in her note at the back of the book, and she talks about the importance given at the time (early 2000s) to the look of performers, especially the weight of female singers and band members, and the consequences it had for some performers.

Apart from the way the music business works (including reality talent shows), which is one of the strengths of the novel, it deals in other topics, like family relationships, talent, fame, autism and neurodiversity (only specifically mentioned once, though), motherhood and show business, me-too-type incidents, secrets and lies…

Although predictable (perhaps not in the details, but in the essence), the ending is enjoyable, and I found the novel a fairly entertaining read. However, I am not sure that I would read others by the author based solely on this novel. But people who love her previous books and are fond of her style should give it a go.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the book, thanks to all of you for reading, sharing, liking, commenting, and for always being there. Keep smiling and enjoy your summer!