Beyoncé Is Life

A Superfan’s Guide to All Things We Love about Beyoncé

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Pub Date Oct 08 2024 | Archive Date Oct 11 2024

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Description

Confirm your Beyhive superfan status with this gorgeously illustrated, all-encompassing guide to all things Beyoncé.

All hail the queen! From her first solo at St. John’s United Methodist Church to becoming a part of Destiny’s Child, shaping the R&B scene, and becoming a pop icon, Beyoncé has taken the world by storm. Gathering her incredible life story, music, and fan culture all in one place, Beyoncé Is Life is the reference you need. Did you know that Beyoncé was supposed to star in the movie A Star Is Born, instead of Lada Gaga? Or that she became the first female artist to have the No. 1 album (Dangerously in Love) and the No. 1 single (“Crazy in Love”) in the US and the UK at the same time? 

Get to know her musical family, her talented friends who have helped launch her career, her husband and children who are her inspiration, and the artists who have helped shape her vision. Beyoncé Is Life takes it a step further and sheds light on the deep and rich symbolism always present in her music and videos, along with many more Easter eggs and facts. 

A comprehensive guide, this book includes: 

  • A full discography, including commentary on cover art, muses, and the inside scoop on her exciting new venture, Cowboy Carter
  • A "Bey-tionary" (dictionary) of terminology, including definitions for terms Beyoncé has personally coined, from "put a ring on it" to "Becky with the good hair"
  • The A-Bey-Cs of Beyoncé, from her most impressive A cappella moments to the zodiac signs found in her music 
  • Symbols and Easter eggs throughout Beyoncé's music, from a crystal spider web to the Tiffany Diamond
  • How Jay-Z contributed to her modern sound
  • Bey's lasting impact on pop culture, feminism, economics, art, film, and music
  • Her collection of fine art that influences her music and videos
  • Bey's ongoing work to help education initiatives, disaster relief efforts, COVID-19 relief work, and Black-owned small business

So, grab your best glitter corset and let biographer Kathleen Perricone take you on a journey to everything you need to know to be part of the Beyhive!

The Modern Icons series takes you on a journey through the lives and legacies of cultural icons who have shaped our world, from fashion to music to media. With original illustrations and meticulously crafted prose, this series captivates and enlightens, offering a glimpse into the personalities whose unparalleled charm and authenticity have left an indelible mark on popular culture.

The series includes: Taylor Swift Is Life, Harry Styles Is Life, Rihanna Is Life, Zendaya Is Life, Lady Gaga Is Life, Adele Is Life, Timothee Chalamet Is Life, and Billie Eilish Is LIfe.

Confirm your Beyhive superfan status with this gorgeously illustrated, all-encompassing guide to all things Beyoncé.

All hail the queen! From her first solo at St. John’s United Methodist Church to...


Available Editions

EDITION Hardcover
ISBN 9780760393130
PRICE $19.99 (USD)
PAGES 172

Available on NetGalley

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Average rating from 7 members


Featured Reviews

"Beyoncé is Life!" by Kathleen Perricone is an absolute must-read. Now, I’ll admit, I wasn’t Beyoncé’s number one fan going into this, but by the end, I felt like I had been right there with her, cheering her on through every step of her incredible journey. From the early days of Destiny’s Child to her meteoric rise as a solo artist and full-blown global icon, this book paints a picture of someone who worked tirelessly to claim her crown—and trust me, you can’t help but admire that level of hustle!

The way the book dives into her milestones is nothing short of fascinating. It’s not just about what she’s achieved (which, let’s be honest, is a *lot*), but how she got there—the dedication, the grit, and yes, even the challenges she had to face along the way. You really get a sense of her evolution, not just as an artist, but as a person who’s constantly pushing boundaries.

Even if you don’t follow Beyoncé’s every move, this book will leave you inspired. It’s not just a biography—it’s a celebration of what it means to persevere, to be unapologetically yourself, and to chase greatness with everything you’ve got. By the time you finish, you’ll be in awe of all she’s accomplished, whether you walked in a fan or not. Trust me, this is one book that will have you rethinking the power of Beyoncé!

A huge thanks to NetGalley, the publisher & author for the opportunity to read this advance copy of this book.

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Beyoncé Is Life by Kathleen Perricone is an absolute must-read for anyone looking to dive deeper into the world of Beyoncé. This book serves as the perfect introduction to everything related to Queen Bey, offering a comprehensive exploration of her journey, achievements, and influence in both music and culture. Whether you’re a longtime member of the BeyHive or a newcomer just discovering her music, this book delivers an engaging and insightful portrait of one of the most iconic entertainers of our time.

The layout of the book is brilliantly done, using vibrant illustrations to complement each section. These illustrations not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also bring Beyoncé's story to life in a way that feels personal and celebratory. The outfits chosen for each section are iconic representations of her various eras, offering readers a visual journey through her career that further deepens their understanding of Beyoncé as a global icon, trendsetter, and cultural legend. Each outfit tells its own story, reminding fans of memorable performances, award shows, and the evolution of her artistry.

One of the standout features of the book is the inclusion of a dictionary specifically tailored to Beyoncé’s world. This feature is a brilliant addition, as it helps break down specific references, phrases, and lingo that are part of the Beyoncé universe. From "Sasha Fierce" to "Flawless" and "Lemonade," the dictionary not only explains key terms but also ties them to moments in Beyoncé's life and career, enriching the reader's understanding. Even as a longtime fan and devoted member of the BeyHive, I found myself learning new connections and gaining deeper insights into her art and influence.

Kathleen Perricone's writing makes Beyoncé’s journey accessible and easy to follow, without losing any of the depth or complexity that makes Beyoncé such a fascinating figure. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to any true Beyoncé fan, as it serves not only as a deep dive into her career but also as a love letter to her legacy. For newcomers, this book offers a well-rounded introduction to who Beyoncé is and where her story began, making it a perfect starting point for understanding her rise to global superstardom.

In addition to being informative, Beyoncé Is Life is a visually stunning book that would make for an ideal gift. Whether for a seasoned fan or someone just beginning to explore Beyoncé’s world, this book is both a beautiful keepsake and a powerful reference guide. It offers an inspiring look at the woman behind the music and a celebration of her indelible impact on pop culture, music, and society. If you’re looking to get lost in the Beyoncé universe, this book is the perfect companion.

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I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up *Beyoncé is Life!* by Kathleen Perricone, but I'm so glad I did. This book is a 100% must-read for any Beyoncé fan or anyone curious about her incredible journey. I've been a fan since her Destiny's Child days, but this book allowed me to experience her evolution in a way that felt fresh and eye-opening. It brilliantly weaves together her early years and current success, making it a perfect blend of nostalgia and admiration for the powerhouse she’s become.

Although I've always been a cheerleader for Beyoncé, I know many haven’t followed her journey as closely. Whether you're a casual listener or a die-hard fan, this book caters to everyone. Perricone strikes the perfect balance, offering insights to both long-time admirers and those who may only know her from her more recent work.

As I read *Beyoncé is Life!*, I felt like I was given a front-row seat to her rise to superstardom. Kathleen does an outstanding job showcasing Beyoncé’s career, highlighting the grit and dedication it took to claim the title of Queen B. This book doesn’t just recount her accomplishments; it paints a vivid picture of the blood, sweat, and tears that went into achieving them. Beyoncé isn’t simply a singer—she’s a true triple-threat: a performer, entrepreneur, and icon.

What struck me most was how much this book transcends a typical biography. Yes, you’ll read about Beyoncé’s milestones (and there are plenty), but Perricone delves deeper into the challenges she faced and the boundaries she’s constantly pushing. Beyoncé’s evolution as an artist is one of the most impactful in the industry, and this book beautifully captures that continual growth and boundary-breaking creativity.

Even if you're not a massive Beyoncé fan, this book will leave you with a newfound respect for her hustle and vision. It’s less of a biography and more of a celebration—a tribute to what it takes to stay at the top and remain true to yourself in the process. By the time you finish, you’ll truly appreciate why Beyoncé commands the respect she does and why she’s adored by millions.

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group, and Kathleen Perricone for the opportunity to read this advanced copy.

#BeyoncéIsLife #NetGalley

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I've read one other bio from Perricone and I enjoyed the format and decided to give this one a shot! Information is provided in way that is easily consumable and does not feel overwhelming, while still covering Beyoncés entire life up to the present. The art is definitely an added bonus; the art in this book showcases some of Beyoncés biggest fashion moments. More bios should be approached in this manner!

Thanks to Quarto Publishing Group- becker and mayer, and NetGalley for an eARC of this book for an honest review!

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