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Thicker than Water cover art

Thicker than Water

Written by: Kerry Washington
Narrated by: Kerry Washington
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Publisher's Summary

Award-winning actor, director, producer, and activist Kerry Washington shares the deeply moving journey of her life so far, and the bravely intimate story of discovering her truth.

While on a drive in Los Angeles, on a seemingly average afternoon, Kerry Washington received a text message that would send her on a life-changing journey of self-discovery. In an instant, her very identity was torn apart, with everything she thought she knew about herself thrown into question.

In Thicker than Water, Washington gives readers an intimate view into both her public and private worlds—as an artist, an advocate, an entrepreneur, a mother, a daughter, a wife, a Black woman. Chronicling her upbringing and life’s journey thus far, she reveals how she faced a series of challenges and setbacks, effectively hid childhood traumas, met extraordinary mentors, managed to grow her career, and crossed the threshold into stardom and political advocacy, ultimately discovering her truest self and, with it, a deeper sense of belonging.

Throughout this profoundly moving and beautifully written memoir, Washington attempts to answer the questions so many have struggled with: Who am I? What is my truest and most authentic self? How do I find a deeper sense of connection and belonging? With grace and honesty, Washington inspires readers to search for—and find—themselves.

Please note: Based on listener feedback, we have updated the audio of this edition. If you experience any issues, please re-download.

©2023 Kerry Washington (P)2023 Little, Brown Spark

What the critics say

"I read Thicker than Water in one sitting, astonished by Washington’s thrilling story and shimmering writing. Washington is more honest in these pages than she has to be, and the result is a book that will heal hearts and relationships. Thicker than Water will keep readers up at night—flipping pages and thinking: Good Lord, she can write, too??? Yep, she sure as hell can."—Glennon Doyle, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Untamed
"If Kerry Washington's superpower in acting is that she can make the viewer feel intimate with someone we've never known, her writing superpower is that she can make us relive a life we've never lived. Utterly immersive, beautifully descriptive, and radically honest, this book takes a compassionate sledgehammer to the facades that so many of us create about ourselves and our families. It's such a gift."—Trevor Noah, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Born a Crime
“With a true gift for prose, Kerry Washington conveys an intoxicating passion and gratitude for her life. I found myself captivated by every chapter, at her side, inspired by the full spectrum of her experience.”—Gwyneth Paltrow, actor and founder of goop

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What listeners say about Thicker than Water

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Transparency and Depth

I like how Kerry approach this story.. taking us though history and back to present and sharing deep family revelations.

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A work of art

Thank-you Kerry for sharing with me this beautifully crafted book. Your journey to finding yourself is truly remarkable and so well articulated. I enjoyed listening to you tell this deeply personal story so very much. Thank-you.

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I heard the audible version!

Thank you for being so vulnerable… some parts are related to some parts. I understood some parts I disagreed. But I’m always amazed at yours and other artist as good as yourself have come to be who you are and what you do today. your life story would make a great movie.! anyway, thank you Kerry for sharing.

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Beautifully told story.

Thank you for sharing your story, your truth. This took courage and provided insight into the life of a family who loves each other deeply.

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Deeply moved!

I loved listening to Kerry Washington. I connected so deeply with so much of what Kerry said the parts of her story that she said she was told her truth through so many of the events of her life leaves me wondering how much of my life had told me my truth before I knew it. I loved this so much. It's surreal how much you can feel connected to someone's story and be completely 2 different people with so many differences, yet so many connections. I love it, every moment of it. I've been told so many times to write my story, and I always walk away with the thought, "Where do I start?" How do I protect those I love? Wow! Thank Kerry for this unforgettable experience!

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Beautiful in every way

I could not stop listening. Captivating from the moment Kerry begins to speak. I wish she could read all my audiobooks.
Incredible story and beautifully written.

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Joy and gladness within

So please to hear someone share their family’s lives with so much gratitude and happiness thank you

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Great read

Must read! Epic! Kerry was so eloquent in how she moves from one life event to the next. The book provided good insight in her personal experiences. The movies / Tv shows we love and her as a person - discovering herself and her purpose in life!

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