Matriarch

A Memoir

De: Tina Knowles

Narrado por: Tina Knowles, Beyoncé, Solange, Kelly Rowland, Angie Beyincé

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

“A fascinating memoir of Tina Knowles’s journey to become the global figure she is today.”—Oprah Winfrey

“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.

©2025 Tina Knowles (P)2025 Random House Audio

Amazing and Inspiring!

Each chapter is extraordinary and uplifting! I laughed and cried... I genuinely loved this book! Tina is a fantastic storyteller.

Relatable Moments

The memoir is interesting albeit average in many respects, offering a glimpse into the life experiences that make and mold the person Ms. Tina is today. The bond of family and the depth of loyalty, support, and sacrifice is a blessing and it's value learned over time and sometimes through comparison (after realizing not all families share such connections). There's an interesting mix of references between "giving as the vehicle for receiving" vs "manifesting" and the latter feels more of a catchphrase than actual wording from the time periods referenced. Then again, in California and in entertainment circles, such language likely pre-dates average use. Many themes in Ms. Tina's life experience are easily relatable. Divorce after decades of marriage, being single at 58 and wondering if "love" will come again, discovering and settling into one's own self-worth, the vulnerability that comes with cancer diagnosis, the challenge of deciphering medical care, and the reality that treatment is big business. We never learn the "why" behind Matthew's incessant cheating (although its as likely "because he could get away with it" as anything any therapist might reveal) or the depth of insecurity that contribute to Ms. Tina taking the "mother as martyr" defense for staying (although financial security and appearances likely play a bigger role than we're led to believe). It's always nice to hear the author tell their own story and thats true here as well. At the same time, Ms. Tina speaks with a thick tongue and slow diction that is not conversational but more obvious that she is reading. At times, it's distracting. The moments when Ms. Tina's passion is greatest (defending her kids or recounting moments where cursing comes easily) are when her guard comes down and the storytelling comes alive. Some topics likely have a more intriguing backstory and storyline that Ms. Tina glosses over, carefully selecting just the parts she wants us to know (i.e. raising other people's kids, the stylists who left Headliners, discovering/encountering mistresses, Richard/Tina bringing out the worst in each other). Then again, who wouldn't flatter themselves in the re-telling. History favors the one holding the pen. Refreshing to hear gratitude and appreciation since as Ms. Tina alludes, her life represents the wildest dreams of the matriarchs before her.

Best memoir ever!

I don't even read memoirs usually, or don't usually finish them for some reason or another. But I loved this book. I literally couldn't put it down. It felt like a 'catch-up' session with a good friend. I loved that it was in your voice, literally on audible, but even more so, how you speak; think; say. I loved your layout: the Acts; each chapter dated, etc. I just ordered the book, so I can see pictures, though I googled as many as I thought of. Thanks for sharing your heart, Tina. - Love, Another downhome sistah who grew up in Texas.

MS TINA!! The baddest of them all!

Ohhhhh Ms Tina, this book was timely and amazing. I laughed and cried. It was just incredible. Great storytelling.

Life changing

100000/10 full of laughs, cries, and relatable moments that I feel have truly made an impact on my present and future life.

Memorable

Inspiring especially to black women! Thank you Ms Tina for this amazing work. We love you!

Captivating

From start to finish I was captivated. It's evident that Mama Tina put her blood, sweat and tears into writing this book. She was raw and vulnerable, sharing things that nobody on the outside deserves. However, she's healing for no one other than herself so this is all about her!!!

a true Matriarch of her family!

loved learning about Tina’s journey. What stood out to me is be your authentic self will off with consistency, even if in the moment it seems like you’re under-appreciated. So much of her story resonated with me. Thank you for sharing your journey.

So damn real and authentic! Whew!

Born in 1993, I’ve watched this family be icons for nearly my entire life. Reading this book allowed me to see them not just as legends, but as real, beautiful human beings. Mama Tina, I love you so much — thank you for all the wisdom and gems you shared throughout these pages!

INSPIRING !!!

I could write a book, but to be a fan of this women, and her family, you are truly in for a treat! From all of the rumors, gossip, and first hand experience, this memoir is beyond a celebrity insider. It is a story of An American Dream!