Thicker than Water

A Memoir

By: Kerry Washington

Narrated by: Kerry Washington

Award-winning actor, director, producer, and activist Kerry Washington shares the deeply moving journey of her life so far, and the story of discovering her truth in this instant New York Times bestseller.

"Beautiful." —Oprah Winfrey

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 a mother, daughter, wife, artist, advocate, and trailblazer. 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, she inspires readers to search for—and find—themselves.

Critic reviews

"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

Bravo!

Kerry, bravo for the courage to live your truth and the bravery to share it with the world. Secrets keep you sick, so now you are truly living life on your terms!

An amazing and important story.

Having a similar biological history, this booked helped open my eyes to many things. I laughed and cried but more importantly Felt so many new ways to look at our situations and perspectives and have been able to release a lot of old, unnecessary and negative thoughts. Thank you for this beautiful story!

A Reversal

I have a different view of water now: relaxing VS uncomfortable. Seeing how it was interwoven in Miss Washington’s life, I sense a calmness. I thank you for opening up your life to me, us. It’s true we are all like snowflakes: none alike!

Truth

What a beautiful story. Soo well said and inspirational. My life is mine!! Wow how blessed you are🙏🏽🙏🏽

Don’t Ask Kerry Washington this Question . . . .

“How are you?” Boggles me too. I recently learned that perhaps you’re an Enneagram 2? A Thinker and a Doer but late blooming to becoming a Feeler. Cause wtf is a “feeling”? Heart.