Break Out That Library Card Because Beyoncé Has A Book Recommendation

The Beyhive book club 🐝

"Mom, I hate reading!" - Youths of America

"Read this book!" - Beyoncé

Queen B graces the cover of art and fashion mag Garage's Spring/Summer 2016 issue. Considering how famously selective she is with interview requests, new Beyoncé content is like honey for the Beyhive.

In her first major interview since her Super Bowl slaying, Beyoncé turns the focus away from her own art to talk about those who inspire her.

“I would love for my younger fans to read What Will It Take to Make a Woman President? by Marianne Schnall," she revealed. "It’s a collection of interviews and essays by great women, including Maya Angelou, Gloria Steinem, and Melissa Etheridge. They will inspire you to become a better leader.”

Your local book store right now: 

But Bey's biggest source of inspiration is, of course, her mother, Tina Knowles. "Ring Off," one of the strongest songs off Beyoncé's last album, is basically an open letter to her mom, in which she praises Tina for her unwavering strength. 

“My biggest hero is and always will be my mother," she told the magazine. "She has taught me about caring for others, working hard and working smart. Everything I know about being a mother comes from the examples she has shown. My mother has instilled confidence in my sister and me and taught us to always be grateful.”

Tina has, no doubt, set an example for her daughter about how success comes from paying no mind to other people's expectations and taking control of your own ... destiny. 

“Over time, I have learned to focus on the things I want to focus on in the time frame that I set,” she continued, “I no longer have to work based on someone else’s expectations of pressure. I put enough pressure on myself! I love being 100 percent involved with all my projects and now I’m fortunate enough to do that.”

And for those that try to define Beyoncé as a just a singer, an actress, an activist or an artist, B would like to make one thing clear: She is not here for your labels. 

“I think defining art is a really personal thing,” she explained to the mag. “I try not to think about it too much. It makes me think of a Basquiat quote I read somewhere that said, ‘I don’t think about art when I’m working. I try to think about life.'”

Download the Garage app to read the full interview now. 

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Before You Go

Beyonce's Style Evolution
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Beyonce back in the Destiny's Child days at the 2002 Grammys. (credit:Getty)
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B rocked a shimmery bustier dress to the Billboard Awards back in 2003. (credit:Getty)
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Loving her lingerie a little too much at the 2003 Essence Awards. (credit:WireImage)
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Beyonce the barbarian at the 2003 MTV Europe Music Awards. (credit:Getty)
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A strange print for a night on the red carpet back in 2003. (credit:Getty)
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Beyonce looking like a hot, gold mess at the 2004 Grammys. (credit:Getty)
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Pretty in pink at the 2004 NRJ Music Awards. (credit:Getty)
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Beyonce's the ultimate glamour girl, especially in this metallic romper from 2004. (credit:Getty)
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Not the right silhouette for this famously curvy star, in 2005, (credit:WireImage)
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Beyonce does vixen velvet in this sultry black gown worn to the 2005 Oscars. (credit:Getty)
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Matching with her Destiny's Child mates at the 2005 BET Awards. (credit:WireImage)
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Not so red carpet ready in this yellow frock from 2005. (credit:FilmMagic)
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Beyonce donned this intricate gown to the 2006 MTV VMAs. (credit:FilmMagic)
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A sexy, sophisticated white gown worn to the 2007 Academy Awards. (credit:FilmMagic)
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Effortlessly gorgeous at the U.K. premiere of "Dreamgirls" in 2007. (credit:WireImage)
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B wore this appropriately revealing ensemble to the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue event back in 2007. (credit:Getty)
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Beyonce's a stunner in this black, embellished dress from 2008. (credit:FilmMagic)
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And at the 2008 Grammy after-party thrown by Sony/BMG. (credit:WireImage)
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Beyonce's ice blue gown from the 2008 Grammys. (credit:Getty)
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At the Kennedy Center Honors, 2008. (credit:Getty)
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Dazzling in diamonds, 2009. (credit:Getty)
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Beyonce looked fierce and fabulous at the 2009 BET Awards. (credit:WireImage)
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B donned this nude-colored gown to the 2010 Grammys. (credit:WireImage)
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Bold and beautiful at a benefit. (credit:WireImage)
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At a Lorraine Schwartz event in 2010. (credit:Getty)
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A vision in Pucci at the Met Gala in 2011. (credit:Getty)
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Beyonce performing at the 2011 Glastonbury Music Festival. (credit:Getty)
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On "Good Morning America" in July 2011. (credit:Getty)
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Showing off her baby bump at the 2011 MTV VMAs. (credit:Getty)
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Performing in a sequined jacket at the 2011 VMAs. (credit:Getty)
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Stepping out in Paris in June 2012. (credit:FameFlynet)