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 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

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

Yes, this title is worth the listen!

I am in awe! I know the bourgeoning effects of Kerry’s acting in how her outstanding acting provokes you to believe in her characters, but this other hidden talent where her reading skills are above par is an unexpected surprise. I was enthralled by Kerry’s choices of words (painting images in my head with her words and creating new worlds in my thoughts) and the rhythmic melody of her voice. Since this was a pre-order, I opened and listened immediately after seeing that it was available; I am in no way disappointed. I found myself advising Kerry in areas where I did not belong so I sat myself down and listened more intently. Kerry is a wonderful wordsmither (I am making up words, but you get what I mean).

We all have trauma and some hidden truths, but dang, Kerry! Thank you, Kerry, for sharing; you’re braver than I am when it comes to sharing levels of intimacy reserved for my secret keepers. I am honored to have listed to your vulnerabilities and to have learned how you navigated waves of disparities and broke through your fears and uncertainties to overcome many obstacles. I am so proud of you.

I’m older than you and I admire your stamina, tenacity, openness, and eager sacrifices. I want to make a comment, but I do not want to spoil your hard work for someone wanting to know if this audible title is worth the listen. Yes, it is well worth the listen! I will listen to it again.

I listened to you while shopping in several stores, and for some strange reason, every time I was listening to you while shopping, you would curse and I couldn’t stop listening-no children were in earshot. I was not trying to advertising your book being available on Audible, but I saw a few people lurking and ear hustling when I was shopping. Your book is fascinating and wonderfully read (written). I appreciate your art and endurance. Thank you for sharing.

I am praying for you and your family.

Gusto love,
AY

Wow

I felt the words! I could not stop listening. The book captivated me in the best way!

Familial bonds

I could not put this book down, I am amazed at how Kerry was able to tell her story with such truth and insight. As someone who has followed her career and remembers all her roles, it is so parallel how her character roles were always leading her to what she was meant to known unbeknownst to her. You are a true warrior and survivor. Your journey is your loyalty to family and finding your true self.

A Must Read/Listen to!!!

Even if you are not a Gladiator fan, so much in this book… for any female who has ever felt lost… for many reasons.
I would recommend to males/ fathers as well… to hear the other side, so much in one book. An amazing life and glad she shared with us!

Remarkable

Sister Kerry,
REMARKABLE, from beginning to end.
Your family is blessed to have you and I am blessed by your story. Now you can read or listen to mines. “A Not So Ordinary Book of Poetry: Your Life has Purpose!

Amazing Grace

This was an amazing look into the life of Kerry Washington ,written and read beautifully, a lovely homage to her parents and her ability to forgive with grace

Poignant

Great read! You won’t be disappointed! Bravo Kerry Washington! Makes you appreciate life’s ups and downs!

Absolutely Incredible Book

Kerry has gained a new level of respect from me. I always loved her as an actress but this truth telling, brave, courageous, heart wrenching and heart palpitating story of her family, career and relationship to herself thru all of her challenging and successful stages of life is so brilliantly written (and spoken). The title makes so much sense bc the waves of ups and downs that she experienced seemed like personal tsunamis however love persevered. I am inspired. I am in awe of her eloquence. I hope she writes more. I applaud her realness that is so relatable in many ways. Feeling grateful. Thank you Kerry and thank you to her parents!

This book

i was anticipating what Kerry memoir would be about with such a private life. I absolutely loved it, it didn’t disappoint. Very relatable

Truthfully Magical & Meaningful!

Kerry Washington’s search and discovery of her life’s origin is every person’s journey that resonates so deeply. Her ability to transform her roles into triumph is remarkable and true. From our meeting at 2002 GW’s Alumni Weekend, I have followed KW with awe and pride in the characters she’d embody to find the meaning of her truest self! ❤️❤️❤️