I borrowed this audiobook from the library.
Publisher: Little, Brown Spark
Published: September 26, 2023
Summary:
Award-winning actor, director, producer, and activist Kerry Washington shares the “exquisitely moving” journey of her life so far (Isabel Wilkerson), 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 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 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.
My thoughts:
I first became a fan of Kerry Washington from watching her as Olivia Pope on Scandal. I loved her character on that show and because I love reading memoirs, when I saw she had written hers, I had to read it. I always love finding out more about what makes people tick, seeing slices of their life that they are willing to share with the world.
This one was quite interesting and I loved that she shared a bit about her family life growing up, some fun stories as a child and a bit about getting into acting. There was one audition story she told that had me laughing so much – who knew that Kerry took to heart what her roles would really encompass, including stealing! I almost died when she told that story!
I loved all the bits about Scandal itself of course – how she developed such good friendships with the cast. It definitely has me wanting to rewatch the show now. I haven’t seen her in many other of the shows and movies she’s been in, so I will have to check some of those out.
I don’t often read celebrity memoirs, but the last few I have read have been quite impressive. It reminds me that while they in the public eye, they have their own struggles and just because we don’t know about it, doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. Good food for thought.
Audio thoughts:
I loved that Kerry Washington narrated this one herself. It made it that much more emotional and impactful.
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