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Matriarch: A Memoir
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Audiobook (2025), Nominee for Readers' Favorite Memoir (2025)🎧Listening Length = 17 hours and 16 minutes
OPRAH’S BOOK CLUB PICK A revealing personal life story like no other—enlightening, entertaining, surprising, empowering—and a testament to the world-making power of Black motherhood
“You are Celestine,” she said. She squatted to push the hair off my face and pull leaves off my pajama legs. “Like my sister and my grandmother.” And there, under the pecan tree, as she did countless times, that day my mother told me stories of the mothers and daughters that went before me.
Tina Knowles, the mother of iconic singer-songwriters Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Solange Knowles, and bonus daughter Kelly Rowland, is known the world over as a Matriarch with a capital M: a determined, self-possessed, self-aware, and wise woman who raised and inspired some of the great artists of our time. But this story is about so much more than that.
Matriarch begins with a precocious, if unruly, little girl growing up in 1950s Galveston, the youngest of seven. She is in love with her world, with extended family on every other porch and the sounds of Motown and the lapping beach always within earshot. But as the realities of race and the limitations of girlhood set in, she begins to dream of a more grandiose world. Her instincts and impulsive nature drive her far beyond the shores of Texas to discover the life awaiting her on the other side of childhood.
That life’s journey—through grief and tragedy, creative and romantic risks and turmoil, the nurturing of superstar offspring and of her own special gifts—is the remarkable story she shares with listeners here. This is a binge-worthy chronicle of family love and heartbreak, of loss and perseverance, and of the kind of creativity, audacity, and will it takes for a girl from Galveston to change the world. It’s one brilliant woman’s intimate and revealing story, and a multigenerational family saga that carries within it the story of America—and the wisdom that women pass on to one another, mothers to daughters, across generations.
OPRAH’S BOOK CLUB PICK A revealing personal life story like no other—enlightening, entertaining, surprising, empowering—and a testament to the world-making power of Black motherhood
“You are Celestine,” she said. She squatted to push the hair off my face and pull leaves off my pajama legs. “Like my sister and my grandmother.” And there, under the pecan tree, as she did countless times, that day my mother told me stories of the mothers and daughters that went before me.
Tina Knowles, the mother of iconic singer-songwriters Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Solange Knowles, and bonus daughter Kelly Rowland, is known the world over as a Matriarch with a capital M: a determined, self-possessed, self-aware, and wise woman who raised and inspired some of the great artists of our time. But this story is about so much more than that.
Matriarch begins with a precocious, if unruly, little girl growing up in 1950s Galveston, the youngest of seven. She is in love with her world, with extended family on every other porch and the sounds of Motown and the lapping beach always within earshot. But as the realities of race and the limitations of girlhood set in, she begins to dream of a more grandiose world. Her instincts and impulsive nature drive her far beyond the shores of Texas to discover the life awaiting her on the other side of childhood.
That life’s journey—through grief and tragedy, creative and romantic risks and turmoil, the nurturing of superstar offspring and of her own special gifts—is the remarkable story she shares with listeners here. This is a binge-worthy chronicle of family love and heartbreak, of loss and perseverance, and of the kind of creativity, audacity, and will it takes for a girl from Galveston to change the world. It’s one brilliant woman’s intimate and revealing story, and a multigenerational family saga that carries within it the story of America—and the wisdom that women pass on to one another, mothers to daughters, across generations.
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First published April 22, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,292 reviews
May 3, 2025
In this era of my life, stories of women coming into themselves for the first time in their lives at ages society might deem as too old to get to know yourself are really resonating with me. Matriarch is a story of learning self-love, self-worth, and self-advocacy as a woman who was once a daughter and sister then became a wife and mother until she got to the stage where she could finally just…be her.
Knowles pens a very bold and raw exploration of self where she is introspective, reflective, and filled with equal parts of rage and love, ever-warring within her. She is reflective on her marriage with Mathew and the many ups and downs they had over the years, which I hope was healing for her and her daughters. The Knowles family feels very private despite being such public figures, and this is by design and with intention—in this day and age it's a beautiful thing to be able to tell your story your way, and to some degree she was able to accomplish that and clear up things that had gone left unsaid over the years.
This was a very touching memoir, and, as a Black woman, I am extremely drawn to and thirst for stories of Black women reflecting on their lives and the ways they impact their daughters. I am also drawn to stories of Black families knowing their roots in a country that remains intent on disconnecting us from them.
Where a lot of Black women respond to the shortcomings of their mothers by emulating what they saw, Knowles went in the opposite direction of the fear-based decisions her mother made that often led to her feeling unsupported by her mother. She gave her four daughters the gifts of support and encouragement, and it was nice to see that while there were still some gaps where she got things wrong, it is clear that support and encouragement has boosted her children and given them the drive they need to be successful, ending the cycle of that trauma response in her bloodline. I was deeply touched by how she wrote about the now famous Uncle Johnny, her faith, and how much she loves her grandchildren.
Overall, I felt like it was very transparent without slipping into being saucy or tea-centered—which I appreciated because for a woman who has lived such a long life, she definitely could have been—I feel like it would have tainted how pure in heart this book is. I recommend reading this physically and listening to the audio simultaneously so you can absorb the full effect of her words and see all of the really beautiful pictures!
5 ⭐️s
Knowles pens a very bold and raw exploration of self where she is introspective, reflective, and filled with equal parts of rage and love, ever-warring within her. She is reflective on her marriage with Mathew and the many ups and downs they had over the years, which I hope was healing for her and her daughters. The Knowles family feels very private despite being such public figures, and this is by design and with intention—in this day and age it's a beautiful thing to be able to tell your story your way, and to some degree she was able to accomplish that and clear up things that had gone left unsaid over the years.
This was a very touching memoir, and, as a Black woman, I am extremely drawn to and thirst for stories of Black women reflecting on their lives and the ways they impact their daughters. I am also drawn to stories of Black families knowing their roots in a country that remains intent on disconnecting us from them.
Where a lot of Black women respond to the shortcomings of their mothers by emulating what they saw, Knowles went in the opposite direction of the fear-based decisions her mother made that often led to her feeling unsupported by her mother. She gave her four daughters the gifts of support and encouragement, and it was nice to see that while there were still some gaps where she got things wrong, it is clear that support and encouragement has boosted her children and given them the drive they need to be successful, ending the cycle of that trauma response in her bloodline. I was deeply touched by how she wrote about the now famous Uncle Johnny, her faith, and how much she loves her grandchildren.
Overall, I felt like it was very transparent without slipping into being saucy or tea-centered—which I appreciated because for a woman who has lived such a long life, she definitely could have been—I feel like it would have tainted how pure in heart this book is. I recommend reading this physically and listening to the audio simultaneously so you can absorb the full effect of her words and see all of the really beautiful pictures!
5 ⭐️s
August 15, 2025
I feel like Tina Knowles has always been a pretty open book, but I feel like this memoir gave us to opportunity to know her more. I love how the book was organized showcasing her life as a daughter, her life as a mother, and then her life on her own. Reading about her experiences with her family was heartwarming. Through many of the phases of her life her family was her strength and she loved them deeply. She has a lot of love for those that she cares about and will do anything for them. I also love how throughout this journey she was constantly learning about herself and learning to love herself in different ways all the same. This was a very vulnerable and heartwarming memoir. I also loved reading this as an audiobook. I think Ms. Tina did a great job of narrating her story.
Want to read
October 29, 2024Had to add this on Goodreads as soon as I saw it announced. I don't read many celebrity memoirs but a book from the mother of Beyoncé and Solange sounds like one I definitely want to read!
May 2, 2025
NOW THIS HOW YOU WRITE A MEMOIR!!!
Miss Tina ate down with this book. This lady has lived. Nothing was skipped in this book like AT ALLLLL. A lot of these “Memoirs” lately have been skipping a lot and giving us nothing. I have so much respect & admiration for Ms. Tina after reading this.
Now do I love Destinys Child & Beyonce YES. Would this book still be 5 Stars if I didn’t? Most likely YES. I ABSOLUTELY have to have the physical copy of this because It was just that good. This book is very long but so worth it I didn’t get bored NOT ONCE.
I’m so upset Tina waisted all her good years with Mathew 🙄but they did give us Beyonce & Solange so I guessss.
I wish I had a Uncle Johnny🥲
Miss Tina ate down with this book. This lady has lived. Nothing was skipped in this book like AT ALLLLL. A lot of these “Memoirs” lately have been skipping a lot and giving us nothing. I have so much respect & admiration for Ms. Tina after reading this.
Now do I love Destinys Child & Beyonce YES. Would this book still be 5 Stars if I didn’t? Most likely YES. I ABSOLUTELY have to have the physical copy of this because It was just that good. This book is very long but so worth it I didn’t get bored NOT ONCE.
I’m so upset Tina waisted all her good years with Mathew 🙄but they did give us Beyonce & Solange so I guessss.
I wish I had a Uncle Johnny🥲
Read
September 1, 2025READ
Tina Knowles should have just made this memoir about her family growing up kind of how Viola Davis did, instead of including her daughters and current life because that part is lacking in detail and context because she can't be vulnerable due to fame.
Tina Knowles should have just made this memoir about her family growing up kind of how Viola Davis did, instead of including her daughters and current life because that part is lacking in detail and context because she can't be vulnerable due to fame.
May 26, 2025
4.75 Stars!
"Later, daughter will miss the sound of her mother calling her name,"
Tina Knowles or Mama Tina, as we in the Beyhive call her, is, of course, the mother of Solange and Beyonce. The surrogate mother of Kelly and the Grandmother of Blue Ivy. She may have birthed one of the most talented artists in history, but there is so much more to her story.
I could have read this book in one day, but I decided to read it slowly, only picking it up when I needed something to make me feel better. I'm going through a very anxious time in my life, and reading this book and hearing Mama Tina talk about her family made me smile and also miss my mom and aunt Mary.
I told a friend that Mama Tina's family reminded me of my family. Maybe it's the creole in us, or maybe it's something else, but Mama Tina found a way to introduce us to her family in such a down to earth way.
This book isn't a tell all, but it is a tell some... of her own business. You won't hear anything about any Becky's or elevators, but you will hear about Mama Tina's extremely rocky marriage to Matthew Knowles.
I really enjoyed this book, and I think you'll enjoy it even if you aren't a Beyonce fan.
"One of the best ways racism works is erasure. They don't want us to know our history because they are afraid of our futures."
"Later, daughter will miss the sound of her mother calling her name,"
Tina Knowles or Mama Tina, as we in the Beyhive call her, is, of course, the mother of Solange and Beyonce. The surrogate mother of Kelly and the Grandmother of Blue Ivy. She may have birthed one of the most talented artists in history, but there is so much more to her story.
I could have read this book in one day, but I decided to read it slowly, only picking it up when I needed something to make me feel better. I'm going through a very anxious time in my life, and reading this book and hearing Mama Tina talk about her family made me smile and also miss my mom and aunt Mary.
I told a friend that Mama Tina's family reminded me of my family. Maybe it's the creole in us, or maybe it's something else, but Mama Tina found a way to introduce us to her family in such a down to earth way.
This book isn't a tell all, but it is a tell some... of her own business. You won't hear anything about any Becky's or elevators, but you will hear about Mama Tina's extremely rocky marriage to Matthew Knowles.
I really enjoyed this book, and I think you'll enjoy it even if you aren't a Beyonce fan.
"One of the best ways racism works is erasure. They don't want us to know our history because they are afraid of our futures."
July 8, 2025
Matriarch is the best memoir I’ve read in a long time! I loved learning more about Tina Knowles and hearing her share her story. It’s no secret I have been a long-time Beyonce fan and while, admittedly, this was the initial reason I was drawn to reading Matriarch, being a mom to Beyonce and Solange is only one facet of Tina’s life.
Born Celestine Beyonce in Galveston, Texas, Tina was the youngest of seven siblings. She raised her own family in Houston with her husband, Matthew. There were lots of ups and downs in their relationship before they ultimately divorced after 31 years of marriage. Despite their differences, Tina and Matthew remained devoted parents to their daughters, supporting them and their pursuits, and this is evident throughout the book. Tina seems like the kind of mom and friend who knows when someone needs a hug and when they need tough love.
Tina is more than a mother — She is a friend, an entrepreneur and successful businesswoman, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a grandmother, and a mentor, among other roles. Tina has lived an interesting life. I loved Matriarch and highly recommend this memoir.
Born Celestine Beyonce in Galveston, Texas, Tina was the youngest of seven siblings. She raised her own family in Houston with her husband, Matthew. There were lots of ups and downs in their relationship before they ultimately divorced after 31 years of marriage. Despite their differences, Tina and Matthew remained devoted parents to their daughters, supporting them and their pursuits, and this is evident throughout the book. Tina seems like the kind of mom and friend who knows when someone needs a hug and when they need tough love.
Tina is more than a mother — She is a friend, an entrepreneur and successful businesswoman, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a grandmother, and a mentor, among other roles. Tina has lived an interesting life. I loved Matriarch and highly recommend this memoir.
June 16, 2025
I’d give it a 3.5, not a 3 but GoodReads doesn’t allow half points….
There is no doubt Ms. Tina is amazing. A woman leading her life with love, trying to ensure love remains her legacy. Her memoir definitely represented her voice, and it was less polished than I expected, filled with fun insights and context into the personal lives of her very famous daughters. Still, as the memoir is told through the lens (and the blind spots) of a loving mother, there are no bombshell discoveries or salacious storytelling. Any critique or negative event is made to be highly digestible and quickly salvaged with a lesson learned. You get the sense that Ms. Tina hates to stay in the messiness of big emotions (which, to her credit, she admits to as much in the book) and, in the process, we lose out on the complexity and nuances of her life story. Her memoir, while more “real” than anticipated, is still a very controlled narrative; an ultimately wholesome account of a life well lived.
All that to say, unless you’re a fan of Destiny’s Child or the Knowles (or you personally know Ms. Tina), I can see why the memoir would be wholly safe and uninteresting. Even as a fan, I felt it dragged on at times and was simply too long. But still, I enjoyed it!
There is no doubt Ms. Tina is amazing. A woman leading her life with love, trying to ensure love remains her legacy. Her memoir definitely represented her voice, and it was less polished than I expected, filled with fun insights and context into the personal lives of her very famous daughters. Still, as the memoir is told through the lens (and the blind spots) of a loving mother, there are no bombshell discoveries or salacious storytelling. Any critique or negative event is made to be highly digestible and quickly salvaged with a lesson learned. You get the sense that Ms. Tina hates to stay in the messiness of big emotions (which, to her credit, she admits to as much in the book) and, in the process, we lose out on the complexity and nuances of her life story. Her memoir, while more “real” than anticipated, is still a very controlled narrative; an ultimately wholesome account of a life well lived.
All that to say, unless you’re a fan of Destiny’s Child or the Knowles (or you personally know Ms. Tina), I can see why the memoir would be wholly safe and uninteresting. Even as a fan, I felt it dragged on at times and was simply too long. But still, I enjoyed it!
May 15, 2025
"The Matriarch" made me feel everything. Happy, sad, empowered, nostalgic, heartbroken—and above all, deeply moved.
Reading Tina Knowles’ story was like being invited into the living room of a woman whose strength and grace have quietly shaped one of the most influential families in culture today. This book is not just a memoir—it's a love letter to resilience, motherhood, womanhood, and the power of family.
Tina’s journey had me in tears more than once. What she endured in her marriage to Mathew Knowles broke my heart—especially knowing how composed, gracious, and loving this family has always appeared in the public eye. You never would've guessed the pain she carried and overcame behind the scenes. Her ability to rise, to rebuild, and to keep showing up for her daughters and for herself is nothing short of inspirational.
Through Tina’s eyes, I gained a new level of appreciation and love for Beyoncé and Solange—not just as icons, but as daughters, sisters, and human beings shaped by a mother’s quiet strength. It made me fall in love with all of them all over again. Their bond, their respect for each other, their artistry—it all makes even more sense now.
This book reminded me of the meaning of family: unconditional love, tough choices, sacrifice, and the beauty of showing up when it matters most. Tina Knowles is the definition of elegance, wisdom, and resilience, and The Matriarch is a testament to how one woman’s unwavering love can ripple across generations.
I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.
Reading Tina Knowles’ story was like being invited into the living room of a woman whose strength and grace have quietly shaped one of the most influential families in culture today. This book is not just a memoir—it's a love letter to resilience, motherhood, womanhood, and the power of family.
Tina’s journey had me in tears more than once. What she endured in her marriage to Mathew Knowles broke my heart—especially knowing how composed, gracious, and loving this family has always appeared in the public eye. You never would've guessed the pain she carried and overcame behind the scenes. Her ability to rise, to rebuild, and to keep showing up for her daughters and for herself is nothing short of inspirational.
Through Tina’s eyes, I gained a new level of appreciation and love for Beyoncé and Solange—not just as icons, but as daughters, sisters, and human beings shaped by a mother’s quiet strength. It made me fall in love with all of them all over again. Their bond, their respect for each other, their artistry—it all makes even more sense now.
This book reminded me of the meaning of family: unconditional love, tough choices, sacrifice, and the beauty of showing up when it matters most. Tina Knowles is the definition of elegance, wisdom, and resilience, and The Matriarch is a testament to how one woman’s unwavering love can ripple across generations.
I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.
May 2, 2025
First half was excellent, second half skipped over a lottttttt of stuff… she basically went right from 2011 to 2021! A lot of stuff famously went down in that decade in the Knowles family!!!
April 24, 2025
What a memoir of strength, beauty and femininity. Tina Knowles is the epicentre for all things feminism and this beautiful recount kept me rooting for her time and time again.
Even the strongest pillars need rest—sometimes a matriarch must honour herself first to keep holding everyone else up. Tina taught us this lesson again and again and I really enjoyed learning about the legacy she has built with unwavering love and kindness.
Even the strongest pillars need rest—sometimes a matriarch must honour herself first to keep holding everyone else up. Tina taught us this lesson again and again and I really enjoyed learning about the legacy she has built with unwavering love and kindness.
July 23, 2025
4.5 stars. Lots to say about this one later.
May 19, 2025
Loved her honesty, the stories behind the moments, the history behind her ancestral heritage, and of course the tea
April 27, 2025
An honest, riveting, inspiring story about what it means to love others and yourself. Ms. Tina takes you on a journey in her Memoir spanning multiple generations to present day. Her life moments set in the context of the American landscape through the years. I personally loved learning about her childhood and her relationship with her Nephew and soulmate Johnny.
June 10, 2025
Matriarch by Tina Knowles is one of the most beautiful memoirs I’ve ever experienced.
From the very first chapter, it felt like I was sitting at the feet of an elder—wise, raw, real, and full of grace. Ms. Tina doesn’t just tell her story, she pours it out.
You feel her vulnerability, her heartbreak, her strength. You feel her patience, her hustle, her faith in God. You feel her Southern roots and her global impact. It’s poetry wrapped in legacy, business wrapped in love, and culture wrapped in Black womanhood.
She takes you through history, fashion, family, fear, and triumph—and she does it with a pen so sharp and a voice so full of soul, I had to pause just to take it in.
As a Black man from Houston, I saw myself in the pages. I saw my mother. My aunties. My city. And hearing her narrate her own story? Man, that made it even more personal.
Matriarch is more than a memoir—it’s a praise song for every Black woman who builds, protects, and uplifts, even when the world doesn’t see her. Tina Knowles is a force. And this book? It’s a Blessing.
From the very first chapter, it felt like I was sitting at the feet of an elder—wise, raw, real, and full of grace. Ms. Tina doesn’t just tell her story, she pours it out.
You feel her vulnerability, her heartbreak, her strength. You feel her patience, her hustle, her faith in God. You feel her Southern roots and her global impact. It’s poetry wrapped in legacy, business wrapped in love, and culture wrapped in Black womanhood.
She takes you through history, fashion, family, fear, and triumph—and she does it with a pen so sharp and a voice so full of soul, I had to pause just to take it in.
As a Black man from Houston, I saw myself in the pages. I saw my mother. My aunties. My city. And hearing her narrate her own story? Man, that made it even more personal.
Matriarch is more than a memoir—it’s a praise song for every Black woman who builds, protects, and uplifts, even when the world doesn’t see her. Tina Knowles is a force. And this book? It’s a Blessing.
May 13, 2025
Celestine Ann Beyincé, WHAT A STORY! It was wonderful, inspiring, and all around amazing! She started by not only talking about her childhood, but giving us a HISTORY LESSON!
There's a lot to learn from her story, from how she was reared to how she raised her children. They are the mother’s that they are because of the mother that SHE IS, they just took the blueprint she gave and expanded on it!
She played such an important role in her daughters' careers despite the fact that she never received credit for half of what she accomplished!
She also revealed many stories about her family and how their experiences intersected with hers, all while respecting the privacy of the persons whose stories were told.
I believe that every woman can take something away from her story! If you like memoirs, DIS DA ONE!
There's a lot to learn from her story, from how she was reared to how she raised her children. They are the mother’s that they are because of the mother that SHE IS, they just took the blueprint she gave and expanded on it!
She played such an important role in her daughters' careers despite the fact that she never received credit for half of what she accomplished!
She also revealed many stories about her family and how their experiences intersected with hers, all while respecting the privacy of the persons whose stories were told.
I believe that every woman can take something away from her story! If you like memoirs, DIS DA ONE!
May 11, 2025
Amazing!
June 13, 2025
I love a good memoir. I’ve always loved Miss Tina because duh 🐝. But this book was great from the very beginning. Loved the family history and the stories from her childhood. Knowing so much about your family history and then being able to share it with others is beautiful. The way she loves and protects the people in her life. And to finally discover at 70 years old that she is enough. What a beautiful story.
July 24, 2025
A stunning memoir. I laughed, cried, and thoroughly enjoyed reading about Tina. It felt personal, like she was talking directly to me and telling me about her life. It is so inspiring hearing her stories and how she truly worked and worked to get where she is. Her message was clear and her words carried that message throughout.
I really loved this, I really did. Why was I about to cry while listening to the part about Beyoncé's 40th birthday on a yacht? Idk but damn, Tina take me in as a daughter!! You got room!
I really loved this, I really did. Why was I about to cry while listening to the part about Beyoncé's 40th birthday on a yacht? Idk but damn, Tina take me in as a daughter!! You got room!
May 5, 2025
Five stars. Period.
If you’re picking up Matriarch for Beyoncé gossip—keep it moving. This is Ms. Tina’s story: Celestine Ann Beyoncé from Galveston, Texas.
Told in three acts—A Daughter, A Mother, A Woman—this book is a love letter to the women who raised her, the woman she was before marriage and kids, and the one she’s still becoming at 70. It’s honest, emotional, and beautifully reflective.
Act I wrecked me—the way she writes about her mother is tender and full of grace. Act II drops the veil on her 33-year relationship with Mathew Knowles: complicated, messy, and deeply human. Act III is her redemption—Badass Tenie B, living life on her own terms.
I picked it up because I was influenced (TikTok wins again), but I stayed for the storytelling.
Read the full review: http://whitneydaniell.com/2025/05/04/...
If you’re picking up Matriarch for Beyoncé gossip—keep it moving. This is Ms. Tina’s story: Celestine Ann Beyoncé from Galveston, Texas.
Told in three acts—A Daughter, A Mother, A Woman—this book is a love letter to the women who raised her, the woman she was before marriage and kids, and the one she’s still becoming at 70. It’s honest, emotional, and beautifully reflective.
Act I wrecked me—the way she writes about her mother is tender and full of grace. Act II drops the veil on her 33-year relationship with Mathew Knowles: complicated, messy, and deeply human. Act III is her redemption—Badass Tenie B, living life on her own terms.
I picked it up because I was influenced (TikTok wins again), but I stayed for the storytelling.
Read the full review: http://whitneydaniell.com/2025/05/04/...
April 27, 2025
What a life Miss Tina had lived. I loved this book so much!
Read
January 7, 2026Listened to the audiobook… extremely long. 17hours!! In my opinion, this could have been way shorter. We could have started with Chapter 1 and skipped to Chapter 30.
April 27, 2025
4.5 stars
In Matriarch: A Memoir, Tina Knowles steps firmly into the spotlight to tell her own story... and it’s one well worth hearing. Known publicly as Beyoncé and Solange's mother and the creative force behind Destiny’s Child’s early wardrobe and branding, Knowles offers readers a much deeper, fuller portrait of her life in this candid and heartfelt memoir.
As someone who is high-key obsessed with Beyoncé, I came to this book naturally curious about Ms. Tina through that lens. But what Matriarch does so beautifully is make you admire Tina Knowles entirely on her own terms. She shines here as a mother, a businesswoman, and a woman who survived and thrived through intense personal and societal challenges.
The book begins with Ms. Tina (born Celestine Ann Beyoncé) and her early life growing up in segregated Galveston, Texas, painting a vivid and often painful picture of the racism and hardship she endured. From there, she shares her path to independence and success, first running her own thriving hair salon before later dedicating much of her life to supporting her daughters’ careers — designing costumes, managing appearances, and working tirelessly behind the scenes, often without the recognition she deserved. Throughout, Knowles provides clear insight into the complexities of her marriage to Mathew Knowles, and for the first time, she gets to tell her side of that story in her own words.
What struck me most reading Matriarch was how much Tina Knowles accomplished entirely on her own. It’s easy for outsiders to conclude Beyoncé and Solange were raised in privilege, but this memoir makes it clear that their stability was hard-won and rooted in Tina’s sacrifices, resilience, and relentless work ethic. Her story redefines the narrative: this was a woman who built something from nothing... not just for herself, but for her family.
Ultimately, Matriarch is a powerful testament to strength, family, perseverance, and the quieter but no less fierce kind of success that often happens out of the spotlight. Tina Knowles finally gets her flowers, and they are richly deserved.
Bonus points: The audiobook includes a forward recorded by all of Ms. Tina's daughters. The print edition has lots of pictures that provide rich life to the stories. I got myself a signed copy of the book, and I keep touching the signature thinking OMGGGG this marker touched the hand of the woman who birthed my idol.
5.0 —One of the best I've ever read! It will be burned into my brain. If there were any flaws, I didn't care. I would recommend to everyone.
▌4.5 —I loved this! It was very memorable. There weren't many flaws. I would recommend to anyone.
4.0 —I really liked this. It probably will be memorable. There may have been some minor flaws. I'd recommend to fans of the genre.
3.5 —I mostly liked it. It might be memorable. There were some notable flaws. I'd recommend to fans of the genre.
3.0 —I somewhat liked it. It might be memorable. There were significant flaws. I might recommend to people who like similar books.
2.5 —I was underwhelmed or unimpressed. It wasn't memorable. It had significant flaws. I might recommend to people who like similar books.
2.0 —I was disappointed. It wasn't memorable or it was memorable for the wrong reasons. It had major flaws. I probably wouldn't recommend.
1.5 —I did not like this at all. It was memorable for the wrong reasons. It had so many flaws. I wouldn't recommend to anyone.
1.0 —I hated this. I wish I never wasted my time on it. I would actively dissuade people from reading this.
In Matriarch: A Memoir, Tina Knowles steps firmly into the spotlight to tell her own story... and it’s one well worth hearing. Known publicly as Beyoncé and Solange's mother and the creative force behind Destiny’s Child’s early wardrobe and branding, Knowles offers readers a much deeper, fuller portrait of her life in this candid and heartfelt memoir.
As someone who is high-key obsessed with Beyoncé, I came to this book naturally curious about Ms. Tina through that lens. But what Matriarch does so beautifully is make you admire Tina Knowles entirely on her own terms. She shines here as a mother, a businesswoman, and a woman who survived and thrived through intense personal and societal challenges.
The book begins with Ms. Tina (born Celestine Ann Beyoncé) and her early life growing up in segregated Galveston, Texas, painting a vivid and often painful picture of the racism and hardship she endured. From there, she shares her path to independence and success, first running her own thriving hair salon before later dedicating much of her life to supporting her daughters’ careers — designing costumes, managing appearances, and working tirelessly behind the scenes, often without the recognition she deserved. Throughout, Knowles provides clear insight into the complexities of her marriage to Mathew Knowles, and for the first time, she gets to tell her side of that story in her own words.
What struck me most reading Matriarch was how much Tina Knowles accomplished entirely on her own. It’s easy for outsiders to conclude Beyoncé and Solange were raised in privilege, but this memoir makes it clear that their stability was hard-won and rooted in Tina’s sacrifices, resilience, and relentless work ethic. Her story redefines the narrative: this was a woman who built something from nothing... not just for herself, but for her family.
Ultimately, Matriarch is a powerful testament to strength, family, perseverance, and the quieter but no less fierce kind of success that often happens out of the spotlight. Tina Knowles finally gets her flowers, and they are richly deserved.
Bonus points: The audiobook includes a forward recorded by all of Ms. Tina's daughters. The print edition has lots of pictures that provide rich life to the stories. I got myself a signed copy of the book, and I keep touching the signature thinking OMGGGG this marker touched the hand of the woman who birthed my idol.
5.0 —One of the best I've ever read! It will be burned into my brain. If there were any flaws, I didn't care. I would recommend to everyone.
▌4.5 —I loved this! It was very memorable. There weren't many flaws. I would recommend to anyone.
4.0 —I really liked this. It probably will be memorable. There may have been some minor flaws. I'd recommend to fans of the genre.
3.5 —I mostly liked it. It might be memorable. There were some notable flaws. I'd recommend to fans of the genre.
3.0 —I somewhat liked it. It might be memorable. There were significant flaws. I might recommend to people who like similar books.
2.5 —I was underwhelmed or unimpressed. It wasn't memorable. It had significant flaws. I might recommend to people who like similar books.
2.0 —I was disappointed. It wasn't memorable or it was memorable for the wrong reasons. It had major flaws. I probably wouldn't recommend.
1.5 —I did not like this at all. It was memorable for the wrong reasons. It had so many flaws. I wouldn't recommend to anyone.
1.0 —I hated this. I wish I never wasted my time on it. I would actively dissuade people from reading this.
July 14, 2025
*Audiobook.
Ms. Tina came on the scene to right some wrongs and set the record straight. When I heard she was dropping a memoir, I did wonder: why now? Especially since that group is so tight-lipped, and what they do choose to share is usually carefully curated.
She opens the book sharing that she wanted to leave a record for her family, and the first few chapters definitely reflect that desire, with in-depth retellings of her family history, but as it went on, it became clear this was another attempt to shape her (and her family's) image, which duh. The tone throughout is pretty defensive and you can tell she’s trying to respond to folks she felt lied on her and her family in the past.
A lot of space is devoted to her contributions to Destiny’s Child and Beyoncé’s career. You can sense her sensitivity around the fashions she used to put the girls in by how much she drills into the audience how hard she worked designing everything and how much thought she put into their costumes. If I’m honest, the book could’ve been much shorter if even half of the costume stories were cut.
Outside of the fashion recaps, she does pull the curtain back a bit on her marriage to Mathew. She doesn't tell all, but we get more than we ever have from her directly. Unfortunately, the most interesting pieces of the drama (like him having a baby on her) did not make the final cut. She also doesn't touch on the rumored reason for his estrangement from the family - the misuse of them funds! If you're going to write a memoir, you can't leave the good stuff out.
Another thing I wish she spent time on was her marriage (and divorce) from Richard. It was arguably the most interesting thing to happen in her personal life in years, and she breezes right past it. Maybe an NDA situation, but still, very much a missed opportunity for us. Not a must, not a skip, but that secret third thing. If you’re die-hard BeyHive then yeah, have at it.
Ms. Tina came on the scene to right some wrongs and set the record straight. When I heard she was dropping a memoir, I did wonder: why now? Especially since that group is so tight-lipped, and what they do choose to share is usually carefully curated.
She opens the book sharing that she wanted to leave a record for her family, and the first few chapters definitely reflect that desire, with in-depth retellings of her family history, but as it went on, it became clear this was another attempt to shape her (and her family's) image, which duh. The tone throughout is pretty defensive and you can tell she’s trying to respond to folks she felt lied on her and her family in the past.
A lot of space is devoted to her contributions to Destiny’s Child and Beyoncé’s career. You can sense her sensitivity around the fashions she used to put the girls in by how much she drills into the audience how hard she worked designing everything and how much thought she put into their costumes. If I’m honest, the book could’ve been much shorter if even half of the costume stories were cut.
Outside of the fashion recaps, she does pull the curtain back a bit on her marriage to Mathew. She doesn't tell all, but we get more than we ever have from her directly. Unfortunately, the most interesting pieces of the drama (like him having a baby on her) did not make the final cut. She also doesn't touch on the rumored reason for his estrangement from the family - the misuse of them funds! If you're going to write a memoir, you can't leave the good stuff out.
Another thing I wish she spent time on was her marriage (and divorce) from Richard. It was arguably the most interesting thing to happen in her personal life in years, and she breezes right past it. Maybe an NDA situation, but still, very much a missed opportunity for us. Not a must, not a skip, but that secret third thing. If you’re die-hard BeyHive then yeah, have at it.
July 15, 2025
I had to DNF this book 6 chapters in and she is still telling stories about her as a 5-year-old girl. Ms Tina I promise you I do not want to hear about you twirling in your skirt, that is not why I am here. I understand needing to know her background but childhood stories like this brought no relavence and they are questionable to details for the age. I wanted to know the woman and mother that she is not the annoying spoiled 5 year old she once was
September 6, 2025
I loved the first half of this memoir as Knowles wrote about her family and childhood. As we moved later into her life, it felt thin in spots, but I understand wanting to keep somethings, especially about your super famous children, private. The theme of mothering and motherhood is woven through out it, and you can hear it in Knowles’s voice on the audio.
June 7, 2025
Biographies are hard to rate but this was really good. The history is interesting but a little too much! The first 30% was a little frustrating. We went from like grade to grade…
Matriarch is a perfect name for this book and there are a lot of lessons that can be gleaned from her story.
Matriarch is a perfect name for this book and there are a lot of lessons that can be gleaned from her story.
May 14, 2025
4.5- Miss Tina shared so much about faith, kindness and showing up for your people ❤️
August 16, 2025
I absolutely loved this memoir. The whole time I was reading this, I kept saying to Ben: “Want to know something crazy about Tina and Beyoncé?” and telling him more stuff about the book, including:
- The rest of Tina’s family had a different spelling of their last name (only Tina’s was spelled Beyoncé) because the hospital made an error on her birth certificate. When Tina’s mom tried to protest, she was told she was lucky to get a birth certificate at all since they were Black. So it was an act of carelessness and cruelty that produced Beyoncé’s eventual first name.
- Tina was the youngest of 7 siblings and Tina’s oldest sister Selena (born when her mom was 17) was 27 years older than Tina (born when her mom was 44). What an impressively long reproductive life!
- Tina’s dad worked in a salt mine with his 9 brothers. His job was dynamiting the mine when it was time to expand. One day there was an accident and the mine collapsed on top of him. The mine company insisted he would have died and refused to launch a rescue mission. His 9 brothers snuck back into the mine after hours and rescued their brother. Instead of apologizing, the mine company fired the rest of the brothers (and then had to re-hire 5 of them when they couldn’t get the work done without them).
- Tina’s family was repeatedly harassed by the Galveston police for decades. Her brother Skip was taken in the night and beaten while the rest of the family waited up and prayed, not knowing if he was alive or dead.
- Two girls in elementary school told Beyoncé she looked stupid dancing. Tina names their names, which is hilarious. These comments have not aged well.
- The oil burn story is terrifying. Makes me never ever want to have hot oil in the kitchen.
- Beyoncé has performed in two left shoes and also in a single 5-inch stiletto. Iconic.
This was about 15% too long and Tina leaves some topics untouched (e.g., why some girls left Destiny’s Child). Also, Tina can do no wrong, but really she should have stopped taking Matthew back way sooner than she did. Matthew has some strengths but he is a disloyal husband and Tina deserves so much better. I recommend the audiobook for the emotion in her voice.
- The rest of Tina’s family had a different spelling of their last name (only Tina’s was spelled Beyoncé) because the hospital made an error on her birth certificate. When Tina’s mom tried to protest, she was told she was lucky to get a birth certificate at all since they were Black. So it was an act of carelessness and cruelty that produced Beyoncé’s eventual first name.
- Tina was the youngest of 7 siblings and Tina’s oldest sister Selena (born when her mom was 17) was 27 years older than Tina (born when her mom was 44). What an impressively long reproductive life!
- Tina’s dad worked in a salt mine with his 9 brothers. His job was dynamiting the mine when it was time to expand. One day there was an accident and the mine collapsed on top of him. The mine company insisted he would have died and refused to launch a rescue mission. His 9 brothers snuck back into the mine after hours and rescued their brother. Instead of apologizing, the mine company fired the rest of the brothers (and then had to re-hire 5 of them when they couldn’t get the work done without them).
- Tina’s family was repeatedly harassed by the Galveston police for decades. Her brother Skip was taken in the night and beaten while the rest of the family waited up and prayed, not knowing if he was alive or dead.
- Two girls in elementary school told Beyoncé she looked stupid dancing. Tina names their names, which is hilarious. These comments have not aged well.
- The oil burn story is terrifying. Makes me never ever want to have hot oil in the kitchen.
- Beyoncé has performed in two left shoes and also in a single 5-inch stiletto. Iconic.
This was about 15% too long and Tina leaves some topics untouched (e.g., why some girls left Destiny’s Child). Also, Tina can do no wrong, but really she should have stopped taking Matthew back way sooner than she did. Matthew has some strengths but he is a disloyal husband and Tina deserves so much better. I recommend the audiobook for the emotion in her voice.
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