Our Take
Jennifer Weiner delivers her most ambitious work yet with this nostalgic dive into early 2000s pop culture that feels both timely and timeless. The novel's greatest strength lies in Weiner's nuanced exploration of sisterhood, particularly how success can simultaneously bond and divide family members. Her portrayal of the music industry's treatment of women—especially regarding body image and beauty standards—remains painfully relevant today. The dual timeline structure effectively builds suspense as readers piece together the mystery of the band's breakup alongside Cherry's investigation. Weiner excels at creating complex, flawed characters, particularly in her depiction of Cassie's struggles with fame and self-acceptance. While some readers may find the early pacing slow, the payoff is worth the investment as family secrets unravel in satisfying ways. The book serves as both a love letter to the pop music era and a sharp critique of how the industry commodifies young women. Dakota Fanning's narration of the audiobook adds an extra layer of star power to this already compelling story. Fans of Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid or The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid will find similar themes of fame's cost and family dysfunction. This is Weiner at her best—crafting an irresistible family saga that examines how the pursuit of dreams can both elevate and destroy the people we love most.
