The Quirky Spine

Spoiler-Free Snippet

I received an ARC* copy from a Goodreads Giveaway hosted by the publisher. So, here’s the gist…

Cassie and Zoe Grossberg were sisters. Close as children, but estranged as adults. As they grew up together, Zoe sought fame and fortune and was sure it would come her way easily — she was beautiful and charming. Cassie, on the other hand, wanted to shrink back into the world and survive by being invisible. There’s just one problem — Cassie was destined to be a star.

Cassie and Zoe formed a band in their late teens and were soon discovered. They spent a year on the road becoming a musical sensation. As the Griffin Sisters, they rocketed to stardom, they were on top of the world. Until it all came crashing down.

Twenty years later, Cassie lives off-the-grid far away from her past and Zoe ignores her past by focusing on the family she has created. Zoe’s daughter Cherry wants what had once driven Zoe — fame and fortune. She is willing to do whatever she has to in order to make it happen.

The women in this story are portraits in guilt and shame, selfishness and denial, stubbornness and drive. Will they each get what they ultimately want? Or, will time, pain, and grief keep them stuck in their present circumstances?

Goodreads Synopsis

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/215768414-the-griffin-sisters-greatest-hits

Thoughts, Feels, and Everything Between

I entered the giveaway without actually reading the synopsis and I am really glad I did. I am not sure I would have picked up this book just based on the synopsis. However, I am glad I had the opportunity to read it! From the prologue that hints at trouble to come through to the end, Jennifer Weiner crafts an engaging story that combines skillful character-building with a strong plot.

Told through Cassie’s, Zoe’s, and Cherry’s alternating perspectives – the story unfolds in the present through memories, documents, and recollections. Childhood memories help illustrate who the two sisters would become and how their talent was destined to make them stars. The tumultuous times during their year as a touring band highlight the tension building among the sisters. Of course, course love is involved.

I ached for Cassie to get what she wanted. Her sweet and simple desires felt real. Her impact on others, from her music, makes sense to anyone who has ever heard the first few notes of a song come on the radio and are immediately transported back to a specific memory. I had no love for Zoe. Even in the end, I felt she had not fully overcome the pain and grief caused by her actions. I cheered for Cherry. Her drive and ambitions, while similar to her mother’s, seemed more real and authentic. Zoe had wanted fame and fortune because it would put her in the spotlight. Cherry wanted it because she was driven to make great music that others could feel.

Overall, The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits is a well-paced character driven novel.

Standout Scenes & Stellar Bits

• Russell and Cassie moments melted my heart every single time. From the very first look, I wanted so badly for them to get what they wanted.
• In the beginning, Cherry seemed a bit too much like her mom. However, it quickly becomes clear she is her own person and I loved her drive.

There’s your answer, said the voice. Go to the joy. Find the thing that makes you happy. Try it again.

The Sweet and the Bitter

❤️ – the nostalgia! Being a teen in the 90s made this a fun read. The reminders of Mama Cass & Carnie, Wendy, and Chynna

👎 – Zoe (I just can’t get over her) – her response to her daughter’s needs and lack of protection (no spoilers) don’t really come to a satisfying end.

This One’s For You If…

• you like sister 👯‍♂️ and/or mother/daughter stories
• you like bands, tours, music 🎶
• you were born/raised in the 90s 🛼

Mood Board in Words

✅ nostalgic, music, fun, determination, love, sisters, mothers & dauthers

⚠️ sexual assault (implied), jealousy, death, pain, grief, heartache

Shelf Mates You’ll Love

• Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Johnson Reid
• Swing Time by Zadie Smith
• High Fidelity by Nick Hornby
• Nocturnes by Kazuo Ishiguro
• Songs in Ursa Major by Emma Brodie

How I Rated It

Rating Scales

For my rating scales see: About

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*ARC (Review) Policy

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