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Oprah’s Latest Book Club Pick: Tina Knowles’ Inspiring Memoir "Matriarch"

2025-04-22

Author: Jessica Wong

Oprah Chooses Tina Knowles’ Memoir as Her Next Highlight

Oprah Winfrey has officially selected "Matriarch," a heartfelt memoir by Tina Knowles, as her latest book club choice. This deeply personal account chronicles Knowles' life, from her upbringing in segregated Texas to the triumphs of raising global music icons, Beyoncé and Solange.

A Powerful Connection

Speaking on "CBS Mornings," Winfrey lauded the memoir for its unique blend of intimacy and relatability. "You’ve managed to tell your story in such a personal way while making it resonate universally," she remarked, noting how every mother and child will find something valuable within its pages.

Surprising Revelations

The memoir unfolds several surprising revelations, including Knowles' previously hidden battle with cancer, a subject that even caught the attention of the seasoned talk show host. Knowles' candidness is both a relief and a source of anxiety for her, as she expresses her mixed emotions about sharing such a personal narrative with the world.

From 1,000 Pages to Perfection

Originally intended to be a sprawling 1,000 pages, Knowles shares a laugh about her publisher's insistence on a more concise version. "Nobody's going to read a book that's a thousand pages long!" she remembers. Her commitment to telling her story while respecting others' privacy has made the writing process challenging yet rewarding.

Legacy and Inspiration

Knowles hopes her memoir will inspire readers to explore their own family histories and appreciate their legacies. "I didn’t have the chance to know my grandparents, which fuels my desire to create a story for my grandchildren and future generations—one that comes directly from me," she shares.

Navigating Motherhood

The memoir also shines a light on Knowles' long marriage to Mathew Knowles, revealing how their children coped with the couple’s on-again, off-again relationship. "They were too young to understand, and it was a tough situation to navigate without burdening them," she reflects. Oprah highlights Knowles' forward-thinking approach to parenting, sharing how she encouraged her daughters to seek therapy to bond better.

Discovering Destiny

Tina Knowles gives readers a glimpse into her past, recounting experiences of racism and even the origins of her daughter Beyoncé's iconic name. The name "Destiny's Child" was a serendipitous moment—"I found it in my study Bible one day, and my ex-husband added 'child' because it was already in use," she explains.

Motherhood: A Journey of Intent

Reflecting on her role as a mother, Knowles calls it "the best, most important job of your life," emphasizing the necessity of being purposeful and intentional in her parenting. Despite the mistakes along the way, she was determined not to let her children suffer from her past missteps.

Get Your Copy of "Matriarch"

"Matriarch" is now available for readers eager to dive into Knowles' remarkable story. Fans can also catch more insights on "The Oprah Podcast," hosted on YouTube and other podcast platforms, as Knowles embarks on a book tour to promote her compelling memoir.