Matriarch

Okay, when you hear the name Tina Knowles, you immediately think of her as the mother of icons—Beyoncé, Solange, and Kelly Rowland. She is the Matriarch with a capital M. But her new memoir, Matriarch, which is an Oprah’s Book Club pick and a #1 bestseller, shows that she is so, so much more than that. And honestly, her life story is just fascinating.

This isn’t some behind-the-scenes tell-all about a famous family. This is her story, from the very beginning. It starts with her as this precocious, unruly little girl in 1950s Galveston, Texas, the youngest of seven. You can just picture it: a world filled with extended family on every porch, the sounds of Motown in the air, and the lapping of the beach always nearby.

But as the realities of race and the limitations placed on girls in that era start to 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 waiting for her on the other side of childhood.

And what a life it has been. This book is a page-turning chronicle of her incredible journey through deep grief and tragedy, creative and romantic risks, and all the turmoil that comes with life. All while nurturing her superstar daughters and, just as importantly, her special gifts.

This is a powerful, multigenerational family saga that carries within it the story of America. At its heart, it’s a beautiful testament to the wisdom women pass on to one another, from mother to daughter, across generations. It’s an intimate, surprising, and deeply empowering read.