Weiner’s new novel is a big hit
By M. CLARE HAEFNER | Cover courtesy of WILLIAM MORROW
Jennifer Weiner’s forthcoming novel The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits (William Morrow, April 2025) is a must-read.
Combining the best-selling author’s trademark humor and complicated characters, fans will fall for this story about sisterhood and family set in the world of pop music.
Though born a year apart, sisters Zoe and Cassie Grossberg couldn’t be more different. Zoe is pretty and popular, while Cassie is overweight and inept in social situations. Though she relies on Zoe when forced to interact with others, Cassie is a musical prodigy, playing the piano by ear starting at age 4. As they reach adulthood, Zoe persuades Cassie to perform onstage in a battle of the bands contest, which eventually leads to a record deal, the release of a hit album and a national tour as the Griffin Sisters gain a following. But like many pop stars, the sisters and their bandmates can’t cope with the pressures of fame, disbanding abruptly about a year later after the death of their lead guitarist.
Fast forward 20 years later, and Zoe’s daughter, Cherry, is poised to become a star. Though her mother never speaks about the Griffin Sisters or Cassie, who disappeared after the band’s demise, Cherry is determined to uncover what happened and try to mend the rift.
As the story unfolds, all three women must confront their choices, consider forgiveness and decide what path their futures will take.
Weiner’s experience as a pop culture journalist is evident throughout the book, with many references to music legends and sections that read like reviews of actual artists’ work. She makes The Griffin Sisters feel iconic and relevant, as if their music could easily appear on the radio, or your favorite streaming platform, alongside other pop stars from the 2000s like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera or older influences such as Wilson Phillips and Fleetwood Mac.
While the book is a departure from Weiner’s earlier novels that feature more romance, The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits doesn’t disappoint with its strong and complex female characters who instantly feel like friends. The book is fast-paced and refreshing, even while unpacking 20+ years of emotional turmoil and family secrets. Moving back and forth in time and told from multiple perspectives, Weiner masterfully weaves together a story that will stay with you long after the final page. You’ll want to grab a copy as soon as The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits is released. And like Cherry, you’ll hope Cassie and Zoe reunite to create more music — even if their hits only play in your imagination.
IF YOU GO
For any Jennifer Weiner superfans out there, the author will make an appearance at the Dallas Museum of Art on April 8 as part of her book tour. You can find more information and buy tickets at https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/griffinsistersgreatesthits.
