Thirst

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

By: Scott Harrison, Lisa Sweetingham - contributor

Narrated by: Scott Harrison

Length: 10 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's Summary

A New York Times best seller

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 more than $400 million to bring clean drinking water to more than 10 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 percent 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 best-selling 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. 

The author will donate 100 percent of his net proceeds from Thirst to fund charity: water projects around the world.  

©2018 Scott Harrison (P)2018 Random House Audio

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, PhD, author of the number-one New York Times best-seller 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 best-selling 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 and CEO of Thrive Global)    

Inspiring!

I listened to this book during every free minute I could, including sneaking outside next to my garbage can while my teenagers had 7 school friends over! “I loved it” wouldn’t be strong enough... I’m sad it’s over. Scott is a gifted leader and has blessed the lives of God’s children in such an immeasurable way... I’m so proud I joined The Spring last May and I only wish I had enough to attend the Charity Ball.. what an amazing experience. I’m looking forward with Hope and excitement for the future work of this great charity.

The hope & encouragement I needed!

Last year, I found myself in a very dark place. I made the difficult decision to exit the social impact business I had founded, lived, and breathed for nearly 10 years. I have since been praying for a sign that God isn’t finished with my life yet & this book was exactly that. It could not have come at a better time. This book has truly changed my life. Thank you, Scott for sharing your story & the story of many others so perfectly! Can’t wait to go home & join the Spring!!

Reads like a novel

It was hard to step away from. Beautiful story told - of both Scott and the people he impacted along the way.

Incredible Story

I could not stop listening!!!! I was so drawn in and completely inspired by the lives that were forever changed.

Wonderful approach to giving

I loved this book! So much information and such a different look at how to help others plus the incredible water challenges so many face. I love his outside the box thinking and how honestly he talked about his journey. I think it would be an excellent book to add to school curriculum for all the discussions it would provoke about personal decisions and global needs and situations

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

It brought me to tears!

Scott, As a police officer and a father of four you are a true inspiration. The book, the story and the details were all jawdropping. (Pardon the pun) You continued to show me what one human is truly capable of accomplishing. As a lifelong resident of NJ, I am proud we are proud to be new spring members and look forward to meeting you and helping you on your mission. Joe Rude and Family

Incredible

This book was phenomenal start to finish. I felt like Scott was in the car having a personal conversation with me. Written well and very entertaining!

Deeply inspiring!

This book is truly captivating, I couldn’t stop listening through the chapters as Scott tells his beautiful story of redemption and passion to help people in need. I loved his energy and commitment. It’s such a greatly inspiring book, I’m so glad I came across it: it enriched my soul and inspired me to action.

Thirst is an inspiration to all

loved it! Really great message to give and feel good about being part of something

Great Story

A truly inspirational story of one man's vision, along with great support, to help make a difference. Everyone should listen or read it 👍

in my top 3

narratives it pefectly one of my top 3 biographies now. both funny and meaningful would recommend

inspired from start to finish

fantastic book a complete inspirational reed that will inspire you from start to finish it makes you question your life buy also so tells you all you need to do is just starts and change other people's life

You can clearly understand the struggles of NGO's

Scott story telling came to life here. if you ever wondered how do NGO survive. If you ever felt non profit workers or humanitarians do not work compared to profit making organisations then this is for you. if you are looking to pick up a cause to make a difference in the world , community, life this book is for you. I was entertained, I was satisfied, I was proud of this book. I work in the nonprofit sector and can clearly understand and fully celebrate Scott for this treasure.

Wow

I loved this book. What a rollercoaster journey and what an incredible outcome. Scott is a natural storyteller and I was hooked from the start. Scott’s an absolute inspiration... to tackle a global issue that’s so difficult, but one step at a time. And the impact is huge!!

Must Read!

What an inspirational book! Would highly recommend it! I enjoyed the narration by Scott himself

For such a time as this!

Really great book, powerful story, one guy on a mission. Inspired. Will change your life if you let it.