“The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits” by Jennifer Weiner is a terrific novel for anyone who loves music, sister relationships and exploring the effects of stardom. There is wonderful character development and enough drama to keep interest going throughout the story. There are 2 timelines – the early 2000’s and present day – and I enjoyed both of them equally.
In 2002, teen sisters, Zoe and Cassie Grossman, form a band and begin to gain fame as “The Griffin Sisters.” The sisters’ personalities are not at all alike. Zoe is ‘beautiful,’ popular and very ambitious. Cassie is plus-sized, socially awkward and extremely shy and private. As their band signs a record deal and hits the pop charts, Cassie’s talent begins to threaten Zoe’s self-confidence and for reasons unknown to the reader, the band stops performing. Zoe and Cassie do not speak to each other anymore, or even know where the other lives. Fast forward to 2024, and Zoe is a married PTO mom with 3 children. Cassie is a recluse living in Alaska. Zoe’s daughter, Cherry, wants to be a musician . . . Will Cherry get her mom’s help to succeed in the music industry? Will Zoe and Cassie ever reconcile? Why did the “The Griffin Sisters” break up so suddenly and will they ever sing together again?
I loved the details in the characterizations of Zoe, Cassie and Cherry! All three women were believable and the emotions felt real in the telling of their story. The music culture references from the early 2000’s were perfect and the consequences of fame were heartwrenching. I also loved Cherry’s determination and her vision as she worked to achieve her own dream, as well as bringing her aunt Cassie back into her family’s life. I think “The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits” will be a hit with many readers!
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