Person
Every book Kerry Washington recommended on podcasts
Across 2 podcasts. Every show Kerry Washington appears on, in one place — not just one.
Kerry Marisa Washington is an American actress and producer. She has received several accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award as well as nominations for two Golden Globe Awards and two Tony Awards. She was included in Time's 100 list of most influential people in 2014, and Forbes named her the eighth-highest-paid television actress in 2018. During an appearance on On Purpose with Jay Shetty, Kerry Washington recommended Julia Cameron's book The Artist's Way, describing it as one of the most important books she has read in her life and explaining that it taught her how to integrate spiritual practice into creative endeavors. Later, during an appearance on SmartLess, she discussed books with the hosts, including Erik Larson's The Splendid and the Vile and Viet Thanh Nguyen's The Sympathizer. While discussing reading habits and experiences on the beach, the participants shared their thoughts on these contemporary titles, reflecting on how various narratives engage readers and evoke strong reactions, ranging from immersive storytelling to the challenges of reading under specific physical conditions.
Books recommended by Kerry Washington
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Thicker Than Water
Thicker Than Water by Kerry Washington is a deeply personal memoir by the acclaimed actress and activist that explores her life, career, and the complex family secrets that ultimately reshaped her understanding of her identity.
Recommended“I think it's one of the most important books that I've read in my life called the artist Way by Julia Cameron”
Where to get it
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The Splendid and the Vile
The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson is a gripping historical non-fiction account of Winston Churchill and London during the Blitz.
Discussed“When you're on the beach, reading in the sun makes me want to—what I do is write, and I'm sorry, then I just started—I’m now reading this Splendid and the Vile, which a lot of people have read.”
Where to get it
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The Sympathizer
The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that explores the Vietnam War and its aftermath through the eyes of a communist spy of mixed French and Vietnamese descent living as a refugee in America.
Discussed“The Sympathizer was one that pulled surprise reading in the sun. To me, it's like being trapped in a hot car with the windows rolled up, stuck, broken.”
Where to get it
Books Kerry Washington wrote
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| KERRY WASHINGTON On The Family Secret That Changed Her Life: ”We’re as sick as our secrets” | On Purpose with Jay Shetty | 2023-09-25 | 1 |
| Kerry Washington | SmartLess | 2022-08-01 | 2 |
Other mentions (10: passing, ad reads, own books)
“I didn't know Louise Hay at that time”
“It's like that great you know the the Winston Churchill brne Brown quote about like being in the ring and you know what it is to be in the ring”
“I don't know where it comes from. I see it throughout the book; I don't know where it was born.”
“I feel like I'm finally able to tell my truth, but there's also this awareness as I sit across from my parents that this is not the book they would have written and their book is no less true.”
“It's funny; I talk in the book about how when my parents told me, you know, I'd spent my whole life saying I love you to my dad, and it was true, I loved him before this revelation.”
“It is one of the greatest gifts of these few years and writing this book. I am so much closer to my parents than I have ever been before because now there's nothing to hide from each other.”
“They are literally telling people now because they're like, 'Listen, this book is coming out, and I want you to hear this thing from me.'”
“One of the things that's been really wonderful about sharing the book is that people immediately tell me their family secrets.”
“It's funny how I've realized all families have them, and people feel less alone when they read the book because I who has been so private have maintained a certain level of Hollywood.”
“I love that that's what's happening as a response to the book because how beautiful would it be if every friend who picks up this book shares it with their friend and opens up about something they’ve been holding on to?”