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Queen Bey: A Celebration of the Power and Creativity of Beyoncé Knowles-Carter
One of HelloGiggles' "50 Most Anticipated Books of 2019"
From the editor of the bestselling anthology The Meaning of Michelle, a celebration of one of the greatest stars of our time
The Ultimate Beyonce Collectible
Beyoncé. Her name conjures more than music, it has come to be synonymous with beauty, glamour, power, creativity, love, and romance. Her performances are legendary, her album releases events. She is not even forty but she has already rewritten the Beyoncé playbook more than half a dozen times. She is consistently provocative, political and surprising. As a solo artist, she has sold more than 100 million records. She has won 22 Grammys and is the most-nominated woman artist in the history of Grammy awards. Her 2018 performance at Coachella wowed the world. The New York Times wrote: "There's not likely to be a more meaningful, absorbing, forceful and radical performance by an American musician this year or any year soon." Artist, business woman, mother, daughter, sister, wife, black feminist, Queen Bey is endlessly fascinating.
Queen Bey features a diverse range of voices, from star academics to outspoken cultural critics to Hollywood and music stars. Essays include:
"What Might a Black Girl Be in This World," an introduction by Veronica Chambers
"Beychella is Proof That Beyoncé is the Greatest Performer Alive. I’m Not Arguing." by Luvvie Ajayi
"On the Journey Together," by Lena Waithe
"What Beyoncé Means to Everyone," by Meredith Broussard with visualizations by Andrew Harvard and Juan Carlos Mora
"Jay-Z's Apology to Beyoncé Isn't Just Celebrity Gossip — It's a Political Act" by Brittney Cooper
"All Her Single Ladies" by Kid Fury
"The Elevator" by Ylonda Gault
"The Art of Being Beyoncé" by Maria Brito
"Getting, Giving and Leaving" by Melissa Harris Perry and Mankaprr Conteh
"Beyoncé the Brave" by Reshma Saujani
"Living into the Lemonade: Redefining Black Women’s Spirituality in the Age of Beyoncé" by Candice Benbow
"Beyoncé’s Radical Ways" by Carmen Perez
"Finding la Reina in Queen Bey" by Isabel Gonzalez Whitaker
"Beyoncé, Influencer" by Elodie Maillet Storm
"The King of Pop and the Queen of Everything" by Michael Eric Dyson
"Style So Sacred" by Edward Enninful
"The Beauty of Beyoncé" by Fatima Robinson
"Because Beyoncé." by Ebro Darden
"King Bey" by Treva B. Lindsey
"Meridonial: Beyoncé’s Southern Roots and References" by Robin M. Boylorn
"B & V: A Love Letter" by Caroline Clarke
From the editor of the bestselling anthology The Meaning of Michelle, a celebration of one of the greatest stars of our time
The Ultimate Beyonce Collectible
Beyoncé. Her name conjures more than music, it has come to be synonymous with beauty, glamour, power, creativity, love, and romance. Her performances are legendary, her album releases events. She is not even forty but she has already rewritten the Beyoncé playbook more than half a dozen times. She is consistently provocative, political and surprising. As a solo artist, she has sold more than 100 million records. She has won 22 Grammys and is the most-nominated woman artist in the history of Grammy awards. Her 2018 performance at Coachella wowed the world. The New York Times wrote: "There's not likely to be a more meaningful, absorbing, forceful and radical performance by an American musician this year or any year soon." Artist, business woman, mother, daughter, sister, wife, black feminist, Queen Bey is endlessly fascinating.
Queen Bey features a diverse range of voices, from star academics to outspoken cultural critics to Hollywood and music stars. Essays include:
"What Might a Black Girl Be in This World," an introduction by Veronica Chambers
"Beychella is Proof That Beyoncé is the Greatest Performer Alive. I’m Not Arguing." by Luvvie Ajayi
"On the Journey Together," by Lena Waithe
"What Beyoncé Means to Everyone," by Meredith Broussard with visualizations by Andrew Harvard and Juan Carlos Mora
"Jay-Z's Apology to Beyoncé Isn't Just Celebrity Gossip — It's a Political Act" by Brittney Cooper
"All Her Single Ladies" by Kid Fury
"The Elevator" by Ylonda Gault
"The Art of Being Beyoncé" by Maria Brito
"Getting, Giving and Leaving" by Melissa Harris Perry and Mankaprr Conteh
"Beyoncé the Brave" by Reshma Saujani
"Living into the Lemonade: Redefining Black Women’s Spirituality in the Age of Beyoncé" by Candice Benbow
"Beyoncé’s Radical Ways" by Carmen Perez
"Finding la Reina in Queen Bey" by Isabel Gonzalez Whitaker
"Beyoncé, Influencer" by Elodie Maillet Storm
"The King of Pop and the Queen of Everything" by Michael Eric Dyson
"Style So Sacred" by Edward Enninful
"The Beauty of Beyoncé" by Fatima Robinson
"Because Beyoncé." by Ebro Darden
"King Bey" by Treva B. Lindsey
"Meridonial: Beyoncé’s Southern Roots and References" by Robin M. Boylorn
"B & V: A Love Letter" by Caroline Clarke
224 pages, Hardcover
First published March 5, 2019
42 people are currently reading
2193 people want to read
About the author
Veronica Chambers
63 books282 followersVeronica Chambers is a prolific author, best known for her critically acclaimed memoir, Mama’s Girl, which has been course adopted by hundreds of high schools and colleges throughout the country. The New Yorker called Mama’s Girl “a troubling testament to grit and mother love… one of the finest and most evenhanded in the genre in recent years.” Born in Panama and raised in Brooklyn, Ms. Chambers' work often reflects her Afro-Latina heritage.
Her most recent non-fiction book was Kickboxing Geishas: How Japanese Women are Changing their Nation. Her other non-fiction books include The Joy of Doing Things Badly: A Girl’s Guide to Love, Life, and Foolish Bravery. She has also written more than a dozen books for children, most recently Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa and the body confidence Y/A novel, Plus. Her teen series, Amigas, is a collaboration between Chambers, producer Jane Startz, and Jennifer Lopez.
Veronica spent two seasons as an executive story editor for CW’s hit series Girlfriends, and earned a BET Comedy Award for her script work on that series. She has also written and developed projects for Fox and the N.
Veronica has contributed to several anthologies, including the best-selling Bitch in the House, edited by Cathi Hanuaer, and Mommy Wars, edited by Leslie Morgan Steiner.
A graduate of Simon’s Rock College at Bard, she and her husband have endowed three scholarships at the college in the fields of music and literature. She has been the recipient of several awards including the Hodder fellowship for emerging novelists at Princeton University and a National Endowment for the Arts fiction award. She speaks, reads and writes Spanish, but she is truly fluent in Spanglish. She lives with her husband and daughter in Hoboken, New Jersey.
Her most recent non-fiction book was Kickboxing Geishas: How Japanese Women are Changing their Nation. Her other non-fiction books include The Joy of Doing Things Badly: A Girl’s Guide to Love, Life, and Foolish Bravery. She has also written more than a dozen books for children, most recently Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa and the body confidence Y/A novel, Plus. Her teen series, Amigas, is a collaboration between Chambers, producer Jane Startz, and Jennifer Lopez.
Veronica spent two seasons as an executive story editor for CW’s hit series Girlfriends, and earned a BET Comedy Award for her script work on that series. She has also written and developed projects for Fox and the N.
Veronica has contributed to several anthologies, including the best-selling Bitch in the House, edited by Cathi Hanuaer, and Mommy Wars, edited by Leslie Morgan Steiner.
A graduate of Simon’s Rock College at Bard, she and her husband have endowed three scholarships at the college in the fields of music and literature. She has been the recipient of several awards including the Hodder fellowship for emerging novelists at Princeton University and a National Endowment for the Arts fiction award. She speaks, reads and writes Spanish, but she is truly fluent in Spanglish. She lives with her husband and daughter in Hoboken, New Jersey.
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May 28, 2019
Queen Bey: A Celebration of the Power and Creativity of Beyoncé Knowles-Carter is a collection of essays from various people in the publishing, music, and entertainment industries. Each essay discusses Beyoncé’s impact, whether in the music industry or for social causes; her elevation of what makes a performance outstanding; her relentless pursuit of perfection, outdoing herself time and time again; her evolution as an artist; her embrace of culture; and of course, her relationship with Jay-Z.
”This woman is on top but still shows up as if every performance is her first and last. She acts like she still NEEDS to impress people (like it’s her first time), and leaves everything she has on the stage as if it’s the last time we’ll see her. She’s constantly trying to do herself because she’s not in a race with anybody but who she was yesterday. She doesn’t take being at the top for granted, and that makes me appreciate her artistry and her personhood and her work ethic like nothing else.”
I’m a huge, longtime fan of Beyoncé. She is one of my favorite artists, from her days in Destiny’s Child, to Dangerously in Love, to B’Day, to 4, to Lemonade, to Everything is Love, her album with Jay-Z. As a devoted fan, this book intrigued me. I thought some essays were more engaging than others, but appreciated the various takes. There were a few that did not resonate with me, but that in itself just reiterates the point that music speaks to everyone differently.
One of the essays noted a common theme among her albums is, of course, Love. Whether she’s crazy in love or calling out allegations of ill behavior, Beyoncé embraces all forms of it - Good and bad. At the time of the writing of Queen Bey, her songs featured the word “love” 460 times. Interesting though not surprising.
I enjoyed most of the collection in Queen Bey, although my interest level was up and down. I would have preferred more of a biography style book about Beyoncé or a more thorough, extended interpretation of her creativity and power, by one author. Not a bad read but likely not what Beyoncé super-fans (speaking from personal experience) will enjoy the most.
”This woman is on top but still shows up as if every performance is her first and last. She acts like she still NEEDS to impress people (like it’s her first time), and leaves everything she has on the stage as if it’s the last time we’ll see her. She’s constantly trying to do herself because she’s not in a race with anybody but who she was yesterday. She doesn’t take being at the top for granted, and that makes me appreciate her artistry and her personhood and her work ethic like nothing else.”
I’m a huge, longtime fan of Beyoncé. She is one of my favorite artists, from her days in Destiny’s Child, to Dangerously in Love, to B’Day, to 4, to Lemonade, to Everything is Love, her album with Jay-Z. As a devoted fan, this book intrigued me. I thought some essays were more engaging than others, but appreciated the various takes. There were a few that did not resonate with me, but that in itself just reiterates the point that music speaks to everyone differently.
One of the essays noted a common theme among her albums is, of course, Love. Whether she’s crazy in love or calling out allegations of ill behavior, Beyoncé embraces all forms of it - Good and bad. At the time of the writing of Queen Bey, her songs featured the word “love” 460 times. Interesting though not surprising.
I enjoyed most of the collection in Queen Bey, although my interest level was up and down. I would have preferred more of a biography style book about Beyoncé or a more thorough, extended interpretation of her creativity and power, by one author. Not a bad read but likely not what Beyoncé super-fans (speaking from personal experience) will enjoy the most.
September 5, 2019
”Beyoncé Giselle of House Knowles. First of her name. Snatcher of Edges. Killer of Stages. Citizen of Creole Wonderland. Legendary Black Girl. Queen."
4 stars. This was not only an ode to Beyoncé but to blackness and what it means to be black as well. It’s an interesting look at her career and her impact in music. As a huge Bey fan since the 90s, I enjoyed it thoroughly and I enjoyed a lot of the essays in this. Some of them felt out of place a bit but for the most part they were good. Some were just love letters to Bey while others were studies and dissertations which was cool. I enjoyed seeing how she’s effected and impacted different peoples lives, everyone had a different story to tell and had a different moment that made them Beyoncé fans but it was all so relatable.
The only thing I will say is that I can’t stand this narrative that Bey is better or has surpassed Michael Jackson (who I am also a huge fan of) and there was a lot of that in here. It just seems disrespectful to his legacy and it’s unfair to Bey. He was one of her idols so to say that isn’t doing either of them any favors. It’s possible for them both to be great in their own rights because they are. MJ was in his own lane just like Bey is in her own lane.
Other than that, this was still an interesting read and I highly recommend it.
4 stars. This was not only an ode to Beyoncé but to blackness and what it means to be black as well. It’s an interesting look at her career and her impact in music. As a huge Bey fan since the 90s, I enjoyed it thoroughly and I enjoyed a lot of the essays in this. Some of them felt out of place a bit but for the most part they were good. Some were just love letters to Bey while others were studies and dissertations which was cool. I enjoyed seeing how she’s effected and impacted different peoples lives, everyone had a different story to tell and had a different moment that made them Beyoncé fans but it was all so relatable.
The only thing I will say is that I can’t stand this narrative that Bey is better or has surpassed Michael Jackson (who I am also a huge fan of) and there was a lot of that in here. It just seems disrespectful to his legacy and it’s unfair to Bey. He was one of her idols so to say that isn’t doing either of them any favors. It’s possible for them both to be great in their own rights because they are. MJ was in his own lane just like Bey is in her own lane.
Other than that, this was still an interesting read and I highly recommend it.
February 15, 2019
*** 2 Stars ***
Expected Publication Date: March 5, 2019
I absolutely love Beyonce. I've grown up with her and followed her throughout the years. I still remember when I had to have a House of Dereon sweatshirt with fur hood. Unfortunately this book wasn't what I expected. I wanted this to be a biography about Beyonce but instead each chapter is an essay by a different author about how Beyonce influenced their life. I didn't know who a single author was so I didn't relate much. The stories had me thinking about how those moments affected me growing up, however, this just fell flat for me.
Special Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Expected Publication Date: March 5, 2019
I absolutely love Beyonce. I've grown up with her and followed her throughout the years. I still remember when I had to have a House of Dereon sweatshirt with fur hood. Unfortunately this book wasn't what I expected. I wanted this to be a biography about Beyonce but instead each chapter is an essay by a different author about how Beyonce influenced their life. I didn't know who a single author was so I didn't relate much. The stories had me thinking about how those moments affected me growing up, however, this just fell flat for me.
Special Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2019
I was late to being a Beyoncé fan, but I got here as fast as I could (2013 eponymous "Beyoncé" album.
This is book is for:
* Anyone who (still) wonders (in the year of our Lord) why Beyoncé means so much to so many different people
*Beyhive members who want cultural critics to back up their devotion to Queen/King Bey
*Anyone needing/wanting a book to complement Beyoncé's latest cultural offerings ("Homecoming" on Netflix, "Lemonade" being available on streaming services, her Adidas drop and more
This read is entirely laudatory, so don't read it expecting nuance about Beyoncé, but rather for qualitative and quantitative reasons why she's significant at a global and personal score.
I came away agreeing that she been on.
This is book is for:
* Anyone who (still) wonders (in the year of our Lord) why Beyoncé means so much to so many different people
*Beyhive members who want cultural critics to back up their devotion to Queen/King Bey
*Anyone needing/wanting a book to complement Beyoncé's latest cultural offerings ("Homecoming" on Netflix, "Lemonade" being available on streaming services, her Adidas drop and more
This read is entirely laudatory, so don't read it expecting nuance about Beyoncé, but rather for qualitative and quantitative reasons why she's significant at a global and personal score.
I came away agreeing that she been on.
November 11, 2024
Sigh…
Before I begin this review, I must say that I had been waiting patiently for at least a year or two for my library to get this book. Now that I got it, I am blown away!
I could have finished this book in a day, but decided against it because the content was just too amazing.
This book was quite literally a breath of fresh air and I recommend it to fans of Bey, baby hive, Beyhive, og hive, Michael Jackson fans and honestly everyone else who either likes or hate Bey. You’ll learn something for sure!
This book reminded me why I’m a fan of hers. It didn’t just feature all praises, believe it or not, there were certainly criticisms, but those critiques were definitely okay.
I officially became a fan of Bey in 2013. Being born in 95, I was around right when DC kicked off. I never really had an opinion of her, I just always enjoyed her singing. I was influenced by others in my early teens to dislike Bey, but honestly never even knew why we were disliking her. When self titled dropped during winter break of my freshman year of college, I was mesmerized. The albums before had caught my attention, but I can fully say that self titled made me the fan I am today. I finally caught my first tour in 2023 when I witnessed the Queen for the first time in Club Renaissance and bawled my eyes out. For much of my formative years, Beyoncé has been there, has met the people I love who are now gone (MJ, Prince, Whitney) who among others have passed the torch to her and I finally got a chance to see her for the first time in the flesh.
In 2023, I also finished her biography by J. Randy Taraborrelli which made me love her even more. And now to finish reading this celebration??? I am once again encouraged and inspired by this country black girl from Texas. Bey and I have tons of similarities: we’re both the oldest, shy (unless doing something we love), love our craft, put our all into what we love, perfectionists and many more. This book reminded me of that and so much more. And I’m glad people who are not only diehard Beyhive but also just fans have come together to put this book out.
I need a physical copy to highlight and write notes through.
One day, I hope and pray that Bey writes her autobiography. I truly do. Her documentaries are wonderful. The biographies and celebrations of her are wonderful, but if she tells her her own story, I can’t wait to see how certain biographies, celebrations, etc either line up or refute what’s been written about her.
IMO, everyone should read this book.
It’s time for my annual watch of “Life Is But A Dream.”
Before I begin this review, I must say that I had been waiting patiently for at least a year or two for my library to get this book. Now that I got it, I am blown away!
I could have finished this book in a day, but decided against it because the content was just too amazing.
This book was quite literally a breath of fresh air and I recommend it to fans of Bey, baby hive, Beyhive, og hive, Michael Jackson fans and honestly everyone else who either likes or hate Bey. You’ll learn something for sure!
This book reminded me why I’m a fan of hers. It didn’t just feature all praises, believe it or not, there were certainly criticisms, but those critiques were definitely okay.
I officially became a fan of Bey in 2013. Being born in 95, I was around right when DC kicked off. I never really had an opinion of her, I just always enjoyed her singing. I was influenced by others in my early teens to dislike Bey, but honestly never even knew why we were disliking her. When self titled dropped during winter break of my freshman year of college, I was mesmerized. The albums before had caught my attention, but I can fully say that self titled made me the fan I am today. I finally caught my first tour in 2023 when I witnessed the Queen for the first time in Club Renaissance and bawled my eyes out. For much of my formative years, Beyoncé has been there, has met the people I love who are now gone (MJ, Prince, Whitney) who among others have passed the torch to her and I finally got a chance to see her for the first time in the flesh.
In 2023, I also finished her biography by J. Randy Taraborrelli which made me love her even more. And now to finish reading this celebration??? I am once again encouraged and inspired by this country black girl from Texas. Bey and I have tons of similarities: we’re both the oldest, shy (unless doing something we love), love our craft, put our all into what we love, perfectionists and many more. This book reminded me of that and so much more. And I’m glad people who are not only diehard Beyhive but also just fans have come together to put this book out.
I need a physical copy to highlight and write notes through.
One day, I hope and pray that Bey writes her autobiography. I truly do. Her documentaries are wonderful. The biographies and celebrations of her are wonderful, but if she tells her her own story, I can’t wait to see how certain biographies, celebrations, etc either line up or refute what’s been written about her.
IMO, everyone should read this book.
It’s time for my annual watch of “Life Is But A Dream.”
April 14, 2019
This book seriously surpassed my expectations. A collection of essays by intelligent people, this is not simply a love letter to Beyonce. It analyzes aspects of her music/dance/fashion/art through ethnic/gender/political lens. Eye-opening, empowering, and inspiring.
August 1, 2025
i have so much respect for beyoncé as a performer and woman, and this essay collection captured all of her complexity. i really enjoyed the discussions of symbolism within her work and the accounts of how people relate to her through her different eras. my favorite is the conversation between a professor and her student about beyoncé’s role as a cultural icon.
Read
February 26, 2019I really enjoyed reading this essay collection on Queen Bey, Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter. It was a fun, easy read. Some essays stuck out more than others. The essays aren't so much about Beyoncé as they are about her impact on culture, art, and individuals. The essays that stuck out to me the most were by Lena Waithe, Brittney Cooper, Robin Boylorn and Kid Fury. This would make for a good beach read or for alternating through reading the essays with another, heavier read like I did.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2019
This biography was well researched and contained a lot of information that I hadn’t previously read in other books. The author’s attention to detail is evident in the writing. Highly recommend!
October 13, 2021
5% Done -Come through Luvvie!
Lovely collection of essays written by witnesses and fans alike. I will say that the amount of pressure put on a singer(let's not forget Beyonce is a entertainer) to sing the "appropriate" songs, fall back when others see fit (Ledisi), what to wear, when to wear it, is ridiculous to me. Like, can we stop. This woman is a SINGER. She is not here to be everything you want and need. It's the weirdest flex ever. There's an essay focused heavily on song lyrics, as if she writes all her music and even if she did can she write something that is light and fun? No, you say...uhkay. Dumb, just dumb. Be entertained by Beyonce or don't but please stop with the unrealistic "she should haves". Worry about yourself.
Ugh, now there are complaints that she doesn't donate enough money or she should shoot her videos in black spaces(boooo, the Louvre). The audacity. I hate it here.
Lovely collection of essays written by witnesses and fans alike. I will say that the amount of pressure put on a singer(let's not forget Beyonce is a entertainer) to sing the "appropriate" songs, fall back when others see fit (Ledisi), what to wear, when to wear it, is ridiculous to me. Like, can we stop. This woman is a SINGER. She is not here to be everything you want and need. It's the weirdest flex ever. There's an essay focused heavily on song lyrics, as if she writes all her music and even if she did can she write something that is light and fun? No, you say...uhkay. Dumb, just dumb. Be entertained by Beyonce or don't but please stop with the unrealistic "she should haves". Worry about yourself.
Ugh, now there are complaints that she doesn't donate enough money or she should shoot her videos in black spaces(boooo, the Louvre). The audacity. I hate it here.
May 20, 2019
We all worship Bey, so it was more than wonderful to find a book of essays celebrating her music, feminism, Southern roots, representing people of color, being an ally to the LGBTQ community, etc. Several perspectives stood out the most - "What Might A Black Girl Be In This World?", "The Elevator", "The Art of Being Beyonce", and "King Bey", to name a few. Each essay is under several pages long, making the book a breeze to read. And the variety of voices shine through, so none of them feel similar. However, the main portion of topics stemming from a personal identity through her music, fierce work ethic, and watching her legacy grow became repetitive. I'm a hardcore Beyonce fan because her music has truly helped me through good and bad times, and I've always looked up to her. That said, there are so many facets outside of her music that are equally inspiring - her fashion, film roles, positive body image, and other career milestones like Destiny's Child "Survivor" anthem, playing Foxxy Cleopatra in Austin Powers in Goldmember, her role in Dreamgirls, serenading Former Present Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama at the inaugural ball, revealing her pregnancy to Jay-Z and the world at The 2011 VMAs. Overall, the book accomplishes making you feel more inspired by Beyonce, and made me want to read more essays that I can find online and revisit her career. As good as this is, I also felt like it could've been a stronger source material too.
January 26, 2019
This is a lovely and personal collection of very digestible essays from a variety of contributors. From Lena Waithe and Melissa Harris Perry to a YouTuber and a choreographer, the essays are all testimonies to Beyoncé or an aspect of her life and career that has profoundly affected each author. It was refreshing to hear Beyoncé’s legacy discussed and even critiqued so candidly, but all in recognition of her undeniable importance.
April 12, 2024
I love Bey but this book was not it. I had high hopes but it didn’t deliver - a collection of essays from a bunch of people rather than a biography by one author (which is what I thought I was getting). Also, a good portion of the book can be summed up in “yassss queen” 😅
March 23, 2019
An engaging and entertaining collection of essays that celebrate and interrogate Beyoncé's cultural legacy. I really appreciated the discussion on Lemonade and look forward to downloading the Lemonade syllabus.
September 7, 2021
In awe of Beyoncé, slightly underwhelmed by the book. But I do love the insight it gives into her artistry! Long live queen Bey
May 8, 2019
If you didn't guess from my picture, I'm a full fledged member of Beyoncé Anonymous. This is an organization for people who are not just fans, but who are addicted to Queen Bey in unhealthy, alert your next of kin kind of way. So, yeah, you might say this book could have been two hundred pages of "Bleb, bleb, bleb, go f*** yourself" and I still would have liked it. So, feel free to grade me on a Bey Curve if you don't trust my opinion. On the other hand, I have been known to tell he occasional four year old that his kindergarten art project was "No Picasso", so I am able to put emotions aside.
But look, in all sincerity, I think this is phenomenal book that takes the seemingly ordinary and transforms into something enlightening and educational. And in today's brainless society where the concept of eating Tide Pods and the word "challenge" are put in the same sentence, any book that detours our minds, however subversively, into the realm of the intellectual is a welcome reprieve. A gateway drug to enlightenment, if you will. Entitled Queen Bey: A Celebration of the Power and Creativity of Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, this book touches on prescient themes such as civil rights, feminism, sexuality, art, and that burning question: Why'd Solange slap the hell of Jay-Z in that elevator? (OK, we all know it was "Becky with the good hair" but still).
In this you learn that Beyoncé (bows head in reverence) is not just a pretty face with a good voice and perfect legs that make you want to punch your personal trainer and say "Why can't I have those!" She, like all of us, is a layered, complex, and sometimes contradictory person trying to uplift and educate through her music. And if one takes the time to examine the subtle nooks and crannies of her work, you might be surprised at what you might find. And, heaven forbid, you might find yourself engaging in Gaston's and Lafoe's most dangerous pasttime: Thinking.
Yes, some of the essays might seem like intellectuals trying force things (That roach that crawled across the stage during Beyonce's performance of No, No, No on her Ladies First tour was symbolic of the existential tension between yin and yang as we get catapulted in a thankless world to an inevitable and pointless death), but the good thing about this book is that the essays are each their own work. And you don't have to agree with everything. And, don't get it twisted, though this work is indeed a celebration of the reigning Queen and King of Pop (Yes, she is both -- don't at me), it does seriously address the internal contradictions in her work. She is supposed to be uplifting toward women, creating empowering songs like "I'm a Survivor" and "Single Ladies" but she turns around and makes songs telling her female detractors to "Bow Down Bitches". She seems to succumb to the "male gaze", dancing like two cent stripper in works like Partition. These paradoxes may not be addressed to your liking, but they are explored.
But the most important part of this book is that it delivers exactly what the title says. It is a celebration of Beyoncé -- her hard work, her intellect, her contributions to the craft, the way she has touched fans uniquely and individually across all demographics. When you are reading some of these essay, the beauty of her majestic nature just pops off the page and inspires you to embrace your inner self, conquer the world, track down "Becky with the good hair" slap her like she stole something. Old songs, you'd forgotten a long time ago, are given an added dimension -- they take on a new life and are revitalized. So, if you're a fan, read this book and then hit Bey up on your IPOD, and see her work come alive in a whole new way.
But look, in all sincerity, I think this is phenomenal book that takes the seemingly ordinary and transforms into something enlightening and educational. And in today's brainless society where the concept of eating Tide Pods and the word "challenge" are put in the same sentence, any book that detours our minds, however subversively, into the realm of the intellectual is a welcome reprieve. A gateway drug to enlightenment, if you will. Entitled Queen Bey: A Celebration of the Power and Creativity of Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, this book touches on prescient themes such as civil rights, feminism, sexuality, art, and that burning question: Why'd Solange slap the hell of Jay-Z in that elevator? (OK, we all know it was "Becky with the good hair" but still).
In this you learn that Beyoncé (bows head in reverence) is not just a pretty face with a good voice and perfect legs that make you want to punch your personal trainer and say "Why can't I have those!" She, like all of us, is a layered, complex, and sometimes contradictory person trying to uplift and educate through her music. And if one takes the time to examine the subtle nooks and crannies of her work, you might be surprised at what you might find. And, heaven forbid, you might find yourself engaging in Gaston's and Lafoe's most dangerous pasttime: Thinking.
Yes, some of the essays might seem like intellectuals trying force things (That roach that crawled across the stage during Beyonce's performance of No, No, No on her Ladies First tour was symbolic of the existential tension between yin and yang as we get catapulted in a thankless world to an inevitable and pointless death), but the good thing about this book is that the essays are each their own work. And you don't have to agree with everything. And, don't get it twisted, though this work is indeed a celebration of the reigning Queen and King of Pop (Yes, she is both -- don't at me), it does seriously address the internal contradictions in her work. She is supposed to be uplifting toward women, creating empowering songs like "I'm a Survivor" and "Single Ladies" but she turns around and makes songs telling her female detractors to "Bow Down Bitches". She seems to succumb to the "male gaze", dancing like two cent stripper in works like Partition. These paradoxes may not be addressed to your liking, but they are explored.
But the most important part of this book is that it delivers exactly what the title says. It is a celebration of Beyoncé -- her hard work, her intellect, her contributions to the craft, the way she has touched fans uniquely and individually across all demographics. When you are reading some of these essay, the beauty of her majestic nature just pops off the page and inspires you to embrace your inner self, conquer the world, track down "Becky with the good hair" slap her like she stole something. Old songs, you'd forgotten a long time ago, are given an added dimension -- they take on a new life and are revitalized. So, if you're a fan, read this book and then hit Bey up on your IPOD, and see her work come alive in a whole new way.
May 20, 2019
I enjoyed this book a lot, but it didn't maintain that joy for me all throughout. I consider myself a Beyonce fan apart of the BeyHive, but because of how this book is put together and written, I got bored at times. It is a collection of essays from people who love and appreciate Beyonce's career. These are people who never met her, met her, worked with her, etc. It's an abundance of voices. But many of the essays read like a dissertation. I felt I was in a class for The Study of Beyonce. Many things I appreciated. I loved the dissection of LEMONADE, Beyonce's influence on music, Beyonce's growth to legend status, and how Beyonce reaches her fans and the world now. Many essays were better than others for me but I can't take away how well it was put together to give each writer a theme to talk about. Whether it was fashion, music, activism, privacy, etc. they all gave a little something different. As a fan, you already know so much about her career so there were a few repetitive moments, but a lot of the writers gave different accounts. The book showed a lot of how Beyonce has affected each writer. There were times when I felt they were talking more about themselves than Beyonce. But I'm not complaining 100%. A lot of times I could see myself in their stories because I also grew up with Beyonce from the Destiny's Child days and know many songs by heart.
It probably could have been shorter for an already pretty short book. I would have loved if they got an essay from someone like Beyonce's manager. I'd probably read that essay over and over again. Some essays could have delved deeper because I've seen insights that are not from this book that showed more thought out information. Beyonce hasn't talked about LEMONADE like how she talked about Self-Titled, so a lot of this info is just interpretation.
This book leads up to the release of the album, Everything is Love by The Carters. So when this book was published, no one had any clue that HOMECOMING was coming to Netflix. We didn't know that Beyonce has 2 more documentaries coming as well. So, this book is a moment in time. It's already dated.
This is nitpicking, but I wish this was more of a coffee table book. If it was larger with pictures, those nice shiny pages and also a better cover design this would be a must for the BeyHive in that case. But I'm sure that's more costly for publishers. I just think the appearance helped to bore me those few times when I didn't feel like finishing it.
It probably could have been shorter for an already pretty short book. I would have loved if they got an essay from someone like Beyonce's manager. I'd probably read that essay over and over again. Some essays could have delved deeper because I've seen insights that are not from this book that showed more thought out information. Beyonce hasn't talked about LEMONADE like how she talked about Self-Titled, so a lot of this info is just interpretation.
This book leads up to the release of the album, Everything is Love by The Carters. So when this book was published, no one had any clue that HOMECOMING was coming to Netflix. We didn't know that Beyonce has 2 more documentaries coming as well. So, this book is a moment in time. It's already dated.
This is nitpicking, but I wish this was more of a coffee table book. If it was larger with pictures, those nice shiny pages and also a better cover design this would be a must for the BeyHive in that case. But I'm sure that's more costly for publishers. I just think the appearance helped to bore me those few times when I didn't feel like finishing it.
February 20, 2023
Thinkpieces about Beyoncé is par for the course for a living legend. The book is a result of how longtime fans, casual fans, and even nonchalent consumers are impacted by both her music and personal life. I was afraid that the book'll provide as a one-lane worshipping vehicle without nuance or thought. The editing could have be slightly more coherent (there are two chapters written by two different authors that similarly end as "I love that for her"), but overall, there are some well-written chapters that think outside of the "Yas queen" box.
I read a comment about how the authors aren't familiar to the cultural stratosphere, which I feel like is a benefit to the book. I don't want to hear other celebrities preach about Beyoncé without consideration of what her impact means to the everyday listener that propels her to the superstar that she is today. Reading about her through the eyes of academia, journalists, and workers in the entertainment industry (people of color, no less) is fascinating in itself.
This book extends all the way to her historical Coachella performance of 2018, which is interesting because if there were to be a second edition, I'd love to hear more about her Grammy record or the iconic Renaissance. Beyoncé's reign hasn't stopped, which makes it harder to have an all-inclusive book of everything she's done.
My favorites:
- "Jay-Z's Apology to Beyoncé Isn't Just Celebrity Gossip — It's a Political Act" by Brittney Cooper
- "The Elevator" by Ylonda Gault
- "The Art of Being Beyoncé" by Maria Brito
- "Beyoncé, Influencer" by Elodie Mailliet Storm
- "Living into the Lemonade: Redefining Black Women's Spirituality in the Age of Beyoncé" by Candice Benbow
- "Finding La Reina in Queen Bey" bu Isabel Gonzalez Whitaker
- "The Beauty of Beyoncé" by Fatima Robinson
I read a comment about how the authors aren't familiar to the cultural stratosphere, which I feel like is a benefit to the book. I don't want to hear other celebrities preach about Beyoncé without consideration of what her impact means to the everyday listener that propels her to the superstar that she is today. Reading about her through the eyes of academia, journalists, and workers in the entertainment industry (people of color, no less) is fascinating in itself.
This book extends all the way to her historical Coachella performance of 2018, which is interesting because if there were to be a second edition, I'd love to hear more about her Grammy record or the iconic Renaissance. Beyoncé's reign hasn't stopped, which makes it harder to have an all-inclusive book of everything she's done.
My favorites:
- "Jay-Z's Apology to Beyoncé Isn't Just Celebrity Gossip — It's a Political Act" by Brittney Cooper
- "The Elevator" by Ylonda Gault
- "The Art of Being Beyoncé" by Maria Brito
- "Beyoncé, Influencer" by Elodie Mailliet Storm
- "Living into the Lemonade: Redefining Black Women's Spirituality in the Age of Beyoncé" by Candice Benbow
- "Finding La Reina in Queen Bey" bu Isabel Gonzalez Whitaker
- "The Beauty of Beyoncé" by Fatima Robinson
June 7, 2019
I wish I had taken a moment and wrote my review right after reading this book because I can't recall the specific lines that made me wish that I had not purchased this title.
For the most part, I did not like this "celebration" of Beyoncé. The book begins with a comment about colorism that literally stopped me. I had to reread the line and look up the author. I was disturbed, but continued on. I enjoyed Lena Waithe's contribution. I actually picked up the book because it was mentioned on Kid Fury's podcast. I enjoyed his chapter as well. However, there were some chapters that offered a critical analysis of Beyoncé . I am not the super fan that refuses to engage in any negativity about their favorite artist, so I was definitely open to reading alternate opinions. The contributions felt low and mean spirited. I was particularly bothered by the portion that questioned her scholarships and the suggestion that she started celebrating her race and speaking out against racism when she felt safe in her career. There were also comments regarding how she flaunts her sexuality and and criticism about her approach to feminism.
I arrived at this party ready for a celebration. I was eager to read about Beyoncé's influence, her talent and basically what this black woman means to our culture. Some of that can be found in this book, but it was overshadowed by unnecessary criticism.
For the most part, I did not like this "celebration" of Beyoncé. The book begins with a comment about colorism that literally stopped me. I had to reread the line and look up the author. I was disturbed, but continued on. I enjoyed Lena Waithe's contribution. I actually picked up the book because it was mentioned on Kid Fury's podcast. I enjoyed his chapter as well. However, there were some chapters that offered a critical analysis of Beyoncé . I am not the super fan that refuses to engage in any negativity about their favorite artist, so I was definitely open to reading alternate opinions. The contributions felt low and mean spirited. I was particularly bothered by the portion that questioned her scholarships and the suggestion that she started celebrating her race and speaking out against racism when she felt safe in her career. There were also comments regarding how she flaunts her sexuality and and criticism about her approach to feminism.
I arrived at this party ready for a celebration. I was eager to read about Beyoncé's influence, her talent and basically what this black woman means to our culture. Some of that can be found in this book, but it was overshadowed by unnecessary criticism.
March 25, 2019
I got an ADC from Netgalley for review.
Let me say to start off, I am not a member of the Beyhive. I didn't take Beyonce seriously as an artist until she released Lemonade. Prior to that, I wrote her off as some sort of pop creation/confection. Possibly because I am so much older, she didn't speak to me as she does the 90s babies that are all stan all the time.
I picked this up in an attempt to understand why she generated such breathless devotion from the younguns. I certainly understand a lot better. Beychella WAS a complete triumph, she is at the zenith of her career with no signs of relenting. Her ability to record and release product at will on her own terms is enough to tag her a legend.
She will never be as important to me as Mary J. Blige or Janet Jackson...but that doesn't matter. Her impact on music culture; American Culture; the African diaspora; people of all ethnic, gender, and sexual identities in addition to the Black Communities of the US is permanent. She makes people feel seen, and heard, and vital, and beautiful...in a way they never felt before. THAT is why they stan.
Recommended for fans, and for folks who want to know what the big deal is.
Let me say to start off, I am not a member of the Beyhive. I didn't take Beyonce seriously as an artist until she released Lemonade. Prior to that, I wrote her off as some sort of pop creation/confection. Possibly because I am so much older, she didn't speak to me as she does the 90s babies that are all stan all the time.
I picked this up in an attempt to understand why she generated such breathless devotion from the younguns. I certainly understand a lot better. Beychella WAS a complete triumph, she is at the zenith of her career with no signs of relenting. Her ability to record and release product at will on her own terms is enough to tag her a legend.
She will never be as important to me as Mary J. Blige or Janet Jackson...but that doesn't matter. Her impact on music culture; American Culture; the African diaspora; people of all ethnic, gender, and sexual identities in addition to the Black Communities of the US is permanent. She makes people feel seen, and heard, and vital, and beautiful...in a way they never felt before. THAT is why they stan.
Recommended for fans, and for folks who want to know what the big deal is.
November 2, 2021
As a second generation hive member, I was really excited to see how Bey had influenced the lives of others. I enjoy this kind of book and thought it was a fun read.
However, I took issue with a few of the essays and the lack of nuance they possessed. I thought Ylonda’s was entirely unnecessary-rife with slut shaming and celebrating one of the most publicly traumatic moments of Beyoncé’s career, I found myself scratching my head as to how this essay made it through. There were a few other well-intentioned moments that made my eyes roll-such as the ever-present call of ‘not enough!’ when presented with Bey’s charity/brand of social awareness, and subtle references to her ~promiscuous~ wardrobe.
I don’t expect everyone to be Hive, but it was just weird that a book celebrating her would include confusing and poorly researched digs casually throughout. It didn’t seem the type of literature that was meant to illicit deeper discussion on certain topics, so it felt really out of place.
However, I took issue with a few of the essays and the lack of nuance they possessed. I thought Ylonda’s was entirely unnecessary-rife with slut shaming and celebrating one of the most publicly traumatic moments of Beyoncé’s career, I found myself scratching my head as to how this essay made it through. There were a few other well-intentioned moments that made my eyes roll-such as the ever-present call of ‘not enough!’ when presented with Bey’s charity/brand of social awareness, and subtle references to her ~promiscuous~ wardrobe.
I don’t expect everyone to be Hive, but it was just weird that a book celebrating her would include confusing and poorly researched digs casually throughout. It didn’t seem the type of literature that was meant to illicit deeper discussion on certain topics, so it felt really out of place.
September 16, 2019
This book is like all the other celebrity books I've read. I'm not going to provide insight of the book, but I will provide a general idea of what this book is about and how I feel about the book's context.
The book is definitely an eye opener. Not to the industry, but to how a celebrity has to conduct their job. With that known, the book's context is literally what is against my morals and values. I was very appalled to what I was reading and what was put into the book. I was completely shocked of the context and the social associations. I do understand for such social identification and the related story line, but completely.... something. That's the best I can describe my feelings. COMPLETELY SOMETHING.
Worth Reading... Just like all books. As for insight. That's left to your own devices.
The book is definitely an eye opener. Not to the industry, but to how a celebrity has to conduct their job. With that known, the book's context is literally what is against my morals and values. I was very appalled to what I was reading and what was put into the book. I was completely shocked of the context and the social associations. I do understand for such social identification and the related story line, but completely.... something. That's the best I can describe my feelings. COMPLETELY SOMETHING.
Worth Reading... Just like all books. As for insight. That's left to your own devices.
September 30, 2025
Beyonce promotes lowest common denominator consumerism. She supports pedophiles like P. Diddy. Her husband Jay-Z calls women bitches and hoes. Which is tasteless. There was a time when she felt threatened by Aaliyah's talent and grace. Beyonce was an arrogant tyrant to band members of Destiny's Child. Which actually shows what a pathetic gold digger Beyonce is. Her promoting violence against police shows she has less compassion than Martin Luther King, Jr. She enables toxicity rather than everyone being unified and happy. She's the product of what happens when leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. get assassinated. Her promoting these politicians that continue the racist war on drugs while not letting refugees in her home show true colors.
July 31, 2019
An incredibly fast read. I enjoyed the biographical nature of this book and flipped the pages quite rapidly. Could almost feel the music of Bey & Destiny’s Child pulsing as the book came to life. It chronicles tidbits of Beyoncé’s life with excerpts from different authors, yet has the same overall voice - many thanks to Veronica Chambers editing job. I enjoyed the diverse views and subjects covered on Queen Bey, a few times I stumbled on following because tangents of other famous artists and subjects ensued.
Overall worth the read and left inspired on how Beyoncé’s bravery has helped pave a new path for the world as we know it.
Overall worth the read and left inspired on how Beyoncé’s bravery has helped pave a new path for the world as we know it.
August 4, 2019
I love Beyoncé as much as every other Brown Skin Girl but I was hesitant to read this book. This is not a biography but love letters from established, semi-famous professionals. It’s not all praise and worship - a few speak of their falling out, call her out on her half hearted feminism, and outgrown her music at times. Mostly it speaks of their interpretation of her songs, videos and concerts. A bit repetitive, how could you not mention Beychella or Lemonade?
Overall I enjoyed the book because it was well written but still unnecessary.
Overall I enjoyed the book because it was well written but still unnecessary.
March 5, 2022
I picked up this book in February off the Black History month shelf because A. it was one of the only ones left and B. I love Beyoncé.
This book is a collection of essays praising, analyzing, and criticizing the artist’s work throughout her life. As I read this book, it became a little repetitive, but it was lovely to see how she has impacted so many in various places in their life. Some of the essays are less well written, but my favorite from the collection is Melissa Harris-Perry and Mankaprr Conteh’s contribution.
This book is a collection of essays praising, analyzing, and criticizing the artist’s work throughout her life. As I read this book, it became a little repetitive, but it was lovely to see how she has impacted so many in various places in their life. Some of the essays are less well written, but my favorite from the collection is Melissa Harris-Perry and Mankaprr Conteh’s contribution.
March 13, 2019
Let me start by saying I LOVE BEYONCE!!!!
Some of the things that stuck out to me...
The author talks about Michael Jackson and refers to him as “pure.” I’m just not sure in this time frame of life with Netflix airing Leaving Neverland that using the word “pure” is appropriate. The next chapter that follows is JayZ. It was overall just poor timing.
This book is wonderful for super fans. It is a wonderful glimpse into the public and private lives of Beyoncé and Jay-z.
Some of the things that stuck out to me...
The author talks about Michael Jackson and refers to him as “pure.” I’m just not sure in this time frame of life with Netflix airing Leaving Neverland that using the word “pure” is appropriate. The next chapter that follows is JayZ. It was overall just poor timing.
This book is wonderful for super fans. It is a wonderful glimpse into the public and private lives of Beyoncé and Jay-z.
April 23, 2019
I received this book from a giveaway from Goodreads. I loved the interesting takes from each of the authors in this essay compilation and no opinion was the same. It was like looking in a kaleidoscope of who Beyonce is and I think that it was a very good idea to portray her in this light. If you want a fan of Beyonce who at least understand more of why people are fans or get to know her better even if not exactly in her own words.
June 6, 2019
It's rare that an anthology has a great mix of perspectives and criticism, but Chambers edited a wonderful collection here. With essays from journalists, professors, and YouTube personalities, the point that Beyoncé's career is a tour de force, rather you're a fan of her or not, is clearly made. Every essayist pinpoints reasons beyond her musical performance: creativity, activism, feminist symbol, and Beyonce's role as a human being. Overall, an impressive book that surprises.
July 19, 2020
Queen Bey by Veronica Chambers is one of my favorite pieces of work spotlighting the Queen...Beyonce. Can you tell I'm a huge fan? As a fan, I was worried that this book would not appropriately spotlight Beyonce. Boy was I wrong! Well-researched and well-written, this book is truly a celebration of Beyonce's life and career.
I received a review copy from the publisher, via NetGalley, for my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a review copy from the publisher, via NetGalley, for my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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