Book description
A glorious chronicle of a life like none other—enlightening, entertaining, surprising, empowering—and a testament to the world-changing 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 the world beyond. 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 readers here. This is a page-turning 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 each other, mothers to daughters, across generations.
ManManMan
Audiobook excellence simplified – this app's functionality is a true delight. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience. Supports a wide range of formats flawlessly. Very happy with it. A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Prone
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day. 📱 Unlocking the world of literature with just a tap – this app is my digital library card! 📚📱 🎧 Audiobooks anywhere, anytime – this app's convenience is unbeatable! 🌟📚 💃 Dancing through chores with audiobooks – this app turns cleaning into a lively and literary affair! 🎶📚 I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy.
Honey
ListenBook's audio filters are a fantastic addition, enhancing the sound quality of my audio files. With this app, I can switch seamlessly between my iPhone and iPad, making my reading experience continuous. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique touch – it's like having a personalized reading. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Eerie
ListenBook has reignited my love for storytelling and learning, one audio file at a time. I love how this app fits seamlessly into my daily routine. 💡 This app truly understands the needs of audiobook enthusiasts – it delivers an effortless and enjoyable listening experience. 📚🎧 is a breeze. It's incredibly convenient for building my collection. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. My audio quality has improved dramatically.
Bleachers
I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities. 🚶♀️📱 I'm exploring new worlds while on the move, all thanks to this app's seamless functionality. 🏞️📚
NexusNavigator
No need to convert files anymore – ListenBook's seamless playback of various formats is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts like me! The equalizer is a great addition. It really enhances the audio quality. The app is perfect for bedtime listening. The sleep timer is a must-have. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Mafia Princess
This app has made my commutes and long drives a source of joy and learning. 📱 Carrying stories in my pocket – this app's convenience is a game-changer! 📚🛍️ ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Fadey
I'm constantly amazed by the variety of genres – there's something for everyone. Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's design is user-centric. Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. 🎉🎧 The app is constantly updated with new features. The developers really care. I love the ability to import books from my computer. It’s so easy.
Fire Feline
Kudos to ListenBook for optimizing the app for iOS 16 – it shows their dedication to excellence. I'm so grateful for this app – it's like having a personal storyteller wherever I go. I'm amazed at how this app's features cater to audiobook enthusiasts' every need.
Old Man Winter
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. This app's ease of use has made my downtime more enriching and enjoyable. CUE playlist support is a thoughtful feature that keeps my audiobook listening organized and enjoyable.
Easy Mac
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a brilliant way to connect. 🎉 My audiobook haven – this app is like a door to endless adventures and knowledge! 📚🔑 Tone adjustment is an innovative touch that adds a personal connection to the audiobook narration. It's like having a custom reading experience. Love the silky-smooth playback and easy-to-use interface. ListenBook is the best! The app is so user-friendly. Even my grandma can use it!
Heaven Sent
Listening to audiobooks on this app has become my favorite way to relax. Supports a wide range of formats flawlessly. Very happy with it. An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening.
Devil Chick
ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. I'm in awe of how this app has brought new dimensions to my reading experience. ListenBook is a true audio treasure! It turns my own audio files into immersive listening experiences. Absolutely loved the narration! The voice actor brought the characters to life with distinct tones and emotions. The production quality was top-notch, with no background noise or distractions. A truly immersive experience!
Are Ess Tee
ListenBook's commitment to providing top-notch audio quality has taken my audiobook experience to a new level. ListenBook's versatile features have made my audiobook experience more enjoyable than ever. ListenBook's extensive format support makes it the ultimate audiobook app for any audiobook lover. I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives. A serviceable audiobook that met basic expectations. The narration was clear if somewhat unremarkable, and the production quality was standard without any noticeable technical issues. It kept me moderately engaged during workouts but didn't leave a lasting impression.
Kabuki
I'm impressed with the wide range of supported formats. Finally, an app that plays all my audiobooks flawlessly. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends.
Sky Herald
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy of audiobooks. ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise. Downloading books over WiFi is quick and hassle-free. Very convenient.
Guillotine
The fact that ListenBook doesn't just play, but enhances audio quality, is truly remarkable. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Doz
With this app, I can switch seamlessly between my iPhone and iPad, making my reading experience continuous. This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. Finally, an app that supports a wide range of audio formats! It's a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
Feline Devil
I can't believe how much I've 'read' since I started using this app. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. I'm impressed by the extensive statistics feature, allowing me to track my audiobook consumption over time. I love the statistics feature. It’s fun to see how much I’ve listened. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Bridge Whip
🎉 Unveiling the joy of reading once again – this app is my gateway to literary wonders! 📚🔓 🏡 Making house chores more enjoyable – audiobooks help me stay engaged while tidying up the living space. 🏠📚 Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is commendable. Every moment is a chance to explore new stories with this app. Its intuitive features and compatibility ensure my audiobook journey is seamless. 🌌🎧 Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy!
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience