Thirst

A Story of Redemption, Compassion, and a Mission to Bring Clean Water to the World

By: Scott Harrison, Lisa Sweetingham

Narrated by: Scott Harrison

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • An inspiring personal story of redemption, second chances, and the transformative power within us all, from the founder and CEO of the nonprofit charity: water.

At 28 years old, Scott Harrison had it all. A top nightclub promoter in New York City, his life was an endless cycle of drugs, booze, models—repeat. But 10 years in, desperately unhappy and morally bankrupt, he asked himself, "What would the exact opposite of my life look like?" Walking away from everything, Harrison spent the next 16 months on a hospital ship in West Africa and discovered his true calling. In 2006, with no money and less than no experience, Harrison founded charity: water. Today, his organization has raised over $750 million to bring clean drinking water to more than 17.4 million people around the globe.

In Thirst, Harrison recounts the twists and turns that built charity: water into one of the most trusted and admired nonprofits in the world. Renowned for its 100% donation model, bold storytelling, imaginative branding, and radical commitment to transparency, charity: water has disrupted how social entrepreneurs work while inspiring millions of people to join its mission of bringing clean water to everyone on the planet within our lifetime.

In the tradition of such bestselling books as Shoe Dog and Mountains Beyond Mountains, Thirst is a riveting account of how to build a better charity, a better business, a better life—and a gritty tale that proves it’s never too late to make a change.

100% of the author’s net proceeds from Thirst will go to fund charity: water projects around the world.

Critic reviews

“Thirst is a story about all of us. In sharing his own remarkable journey, Scott shows us how to find the extraordinary in the ordinary, how to find hope in despair, and how simple acts of generosity can transform everything from what we believe about ourselves to how we connect with each other. In the end, Thirst is about what matters most. Love.”
—Brené Brown, Ph.D., author of the #1 New York Times bestseller, Braving the Wilderness

“This book does for the soul what water does for a parched throat. Scott Harrison shares his extraordinary transformation from party animal into the visionary leader of one of the world’s most creative and crucial charities. His story will inspire you to think bigger, feel deeper, and give more.”
—Adam Grant, New York Times bestselling author of Give and Take, Originals, and Option B with Sheryl Sandberg

“Scott Harrison's Thirst is a hope-filled book about finding your purpose in life and pursuing it against all odds. From the many unbelievable stories Harrison shares from the field, to the moments when charity: water’s survival was in question, this book will inspire you to believe that you are more than the obstacles life has put in your path, and the world is more generous than it often seems.”
—Arianna Huffington, founder of HuffPost, founder & CEO of Thrive Global

“If you’ve ever dreamed of changing careers or changing the world, read this book.”
—Michael Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP and former mayor of New York City

“Thirst is a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make in the lives of millions of others, if only they surrender to putting others before themselves. What a gift Scott Harrison and his vision are to the world—to provide clean drinking water to every single person. May we all value people the way Scott has—and may we leave such a life-giving legacy.”
—Christine Caine, founder of A21 and Propel Women, author of Unexpected

Compassion, passion, and a noble cause

Such an amazing book, very eye opening experience. Probably one of the best books I’ve read. Amazing stories and the author was a great narrator. You can here his love and compassion for such a troubling issue we all take for granted

Redemption is available for all

Scott has done an amazing job of detailing his journey of faith/redemption.

What the Lord has done through him and his team is amazing.


I listened to the entirety of this book within 3 days . I was drawn to this story

May Lord bless you and keep
May His face continually shine upon you

Donnie

Must Listen

Another important book in our times of greed and selfishness. This book was a page turner for me, and I found myself truly jealous of all that this amazing man, his wife and all involved have done. Halfway through the book I wanted to get on an airplane and go help find water or dig a well. This is the kind of inspiration and motivation we need in our world today. Thank you to Charity Water.

Welcome inspiration

Great story, great work!! I really enjoyed this book. I laughed and I cried! Read it, I think you will enjoy!!

Encouraging and hope empowering story

Very easy listen, inspiring, and real. Amazing story of how God can use one life to work with many others to change millions.