Publishers Weekly gave Thick a starred review, concluding that "the collection showcases Cottom's wisdom and originality". Rebecca Stoner, writing for Pacific Standard, praised the broad appeal of Thick, noting that McMillan Cottom "makes it possible for her readers, whether or not they are black women, to understand the interdependent nature of our oppressions". The New York Times praised "the author's skillful interweaving of the academic with the popular" and concluded that Thick "is sure to become a classic of black intellectualism". Thick was a finalist for the 2019 National Book Award for Nonfiction.
