The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner

I love the writing of novelist Jennifer Weiner so I was thrilled when I was offered this title through her publisher and Net Galley. This was a story of two sisters who hit it big in the music world, but then a terrible accident destroys everything they have. These two, Cassie and Zoe, could not have been more unalike: one beautiful and self-centered and attention-seeking, one shy, gifted, and wanting to stay out of the limelight. This story is a bit heart-breaking, though I loved the ending. What rings true throughout, as it often does in Weiner’s work, is that you should not be judged by how you look, but by how you are inside and your actions.

Here’s the scoop:

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 aughts. Together, they skyrocketed to the top, gracing MTV, SNL, and the cover of Rolling 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. 

Now, two decades later, the sisters couldn’t be further apart. Zoe is a suburban mom warning her daughter Cherry to avoid the spotlight, while Cassie has disappeared from public life entirely. But when Cherry begins unearthing the truth behind their breathtaking rise and infamous breakup, long-buried secrets surface, forcing all three women to 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 who cherishes a great story of second chances.

My Favorite Reads of 2016

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So – I’ve been a bit off the grid lately what with the holidays and our family cruise to the Bahamas; but I’ve been reading more than ever!

Before we move on to 2017, though, I want to share my favorite books of 2016. I read well over 100 books, with my favorite genres being historical fiction, mystery, fiction, and YA.

Here, in no particular order, are my top personal reads of last year:

 

Historical Fiction:

THE VATICAN PRINCESS by C.W. Gortner

THE SWANS OF FIFTH AVENUE by Melanie Benjamin

FLIGHT OF DREAMS by Ariel Lawhorn

LILAC GIRLS by Martha Hall Kelly

GIOCONDA by Lucille Turner

PROMISED TO THE CROWN series by Aimie Runyan

PORTRAIT OF A CONSPIRACY by Donna Russo Morin

THE TUMBLING TURNER SISTERS by Juliette Fay

THE TEA PLANTER’S WIFE by Dinah Jefferies

THE GERMAN GIRL by Armando Lucas Correa

THE GIRL FROM VENICE by Martin Cruz Smith

 

Fiction:

MY NAME IS LUCY BARTON by Elizabeth Strout

ONE IN A TOWN CALLED MOTH by Trilby Kent

THE WHOLE TOWN’S TALKING by Fannie Flagg

 

Mystery:

THE MURDER OF MARY RUSSELL by Laurie R. King

I LET YOU GO by Claire Macintosh

THE QUEEN’S ACCOMPLICE by Susan Elia MacNeal

THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR by Shari Lapena

 

YA/Kids:

ELEANOR AND PARK by Rainbow Rowell

WOLF HOLLOW by Lauren Wolk

GOLDFISH by Nat Luurtsema

TELL ME THREE THINGS by Julie Buxbaum

 

All these books are reviewed on my blog, along with many others that I enjoyed!

What was on your favorite list this year?

 

photo credit: loop_oh curve of books via photopin (license)