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.

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

Absolutely phenomenal

The genuine vulnerability, honesty, and grace Kerry shared through this journey is beyond moving. This spoke to my soul. I could not stop listening. Thank to Kerry for sharing this with the world!

Amazing

Kerry! Thank you for sharing your story. Seeing you in a plethora of great films and listening to you share your experiences in life was astounding. These events exemplify the strength of a woman you have become. Enjoyed every chapter. Again, thank you for sharing.

Immersive

Only stopped listening to sleep this became my whole weekend and thankful for this relatable deep and immersive introspective look into a favorite actress that I look up to and look up to more. Could not stop listening!!!

Relatable

The transparency and relatability of the story and the performance was refreshing. The way scenes and people were described made me feel as though I were sitting in an audience at a play.

Wide Open!

This was such a good listen. Kerry shared so much of her with us in a way she had never done before.