Reviews with content warning for Sexual assault - Thicker than Water: A Memoir

Reviews tagging 'Sexual assault'

Thicker than Water: A Memoir by Kerry Washington

40 reviews

ngb1980's review against another edition

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adventurous informative reflective slow-paced

2.0

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gabbylikestoread's review against another edition

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5.0

I was SHOCKED when I found out that Kerry Washington was coming out with a memoir. Outside of being known as a talented actress, an activist and producer, I knew that she was EXTREMELY private.

After reading the first paragraph of the book, it makes so much sense of why she’s made the decisions that she has.

In reading her memoir, I was able to hear her story in her own words. In hearing her share about the way she approached each character she played through anthropological methods and immersion into their lifestyles, it is clear that she takes pleasure in the process of diving deep into the work.

This was such a revelatory experience. There were so many things that Kerry had to overcome that I dealt and deal with personally. Growing up wanting to be perfect, living a duplicitous lifestyle to maintain the facade, and feeling like you need to be put on facade while neglecting the process of learning who I am.

I was NOT expecting this at all. I knew that Kerry and I had literally one thing in common: having a Jamaican mother. (It’s was cool finding out her maternal grandparents are from St Elizabeth like mine are!)

As I always feel when I read a memoir, I am appreciative that she took the time to share such personal struggles and triumphs in her life. Whether you are a fan of Kerry’s work or not, I recommend this one!

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tutti1908's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced

3.0

I gave myself the disservice of reading this book after a memoir that was five stars and went deep and really got us to hear the emotionality and true raw hardcore feelings. By the time I got to Kerry Washington's book, I just wasn't feeling the same. I really wanted her to push and go deeper with some very sensitive topics that I too am struggling with right now at the age of 35, such as eating or being the product of family secrets. I wanted to see her maybe go a little bit harder or lean in more into that. Maybe that's as vulnerable as she is willing to get with us, but it just didn't satisfy what I, in particular, was craving.

That's not to say that this wasn't bad. She shared some beautiful moments about her husband, who we all know she's incredibly private about. I also enjoyed getting to know more about her background in terms of theater and why 20-year-old actors are playing teenagers and things of that nature. However, I really just wanted more about the healing process of all the things she's been dealing with. But I'm sending her love. I still adore her. I'm still a gladiator, so it's all good. Ultimately, I give this book a three.

**Summary:** *Thicker Than Water* by Kerry Washington provides interesting insights into her life and career but lacks the depth and emotional exploration I was hoping for.

**Rating:** ★★★☆☆

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sbox's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced

3.25

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reading_beyond_the_book_cover's review against another edition

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emotional informative inspiring reflective tense fast-paced

4.0

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curvycajunreads's review against another edition

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3.25

Enjoyed getting a glimpse into her life.

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bmpicc's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.0

When life imitates art. This is a very honest memoir and while I would have loved more about her thoughts on motherhood, marriage, etc. I respect her choice to keep certain things private.

I looked at some of the 1 & 2 star reviews. It is amusing that the complaints tend to be about her not sharing enough/expanding on some of the surprises she dropped, or that it was too much about her parents. To this I say, everyone (even famous people) have a right to privacy and the people who raised us (the good and the bad) affect who we are. Who we become.

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