Invisible Storm

A Soldier's Memoir of Politics and PTSD

By: Jason Kander

Narrated by: Jason Kander, Diana Kander

Length: 6 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

From political wunderkind and former army intelligence officer Jason Kander comes a haunting, powerful memoir about impossible choices—and how sometimes walking away from the chance of a lifetime can be the greatest decision of all.

In 2017, President Obama, in his final Oval Office interview, was asked who gave him hope for the future of the country, and Jason Kander was the first name he mentioned. Suddenly, Jason was a national figure. As observers assumed he was preparing a run for the presidency, Jason announced a bid for mayor of Kansas City instead and was headed for a landslide victory. But after 11 years battling PTSD from his service in Afghanistan, Jason was seized by depression and suicidal thoughts. He dropped out of the mayor’s race and out of public life. And finally, he sought help.

In this brutally honest second memoir, following his New York Times best-selling debut Outside the Wire, Jason Kander has written the book he himself needed in the most painful moments of his PTSD. In candid, in-the-moment detail, we see him struggle with undiagnosed illness during a presidential bid; witness his family buoy him through challenging treatment; and, giving hope to so many of us, see him heal.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.  

©2022 Jason Kander (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers

Normalizing mental health help

I’ve followed Jason Kander for a long time so I eagerly awaited this book. It did not disappoint. His honestly and frankness about his (and his wife’s) mental health struggles and treatment shed needed light on this important topic for veterans and anybody who has experienced PTSD.

A story veterans and civilians all need to hear.

This book exceeded my expectations. I thank Jason and his family for unleashing his vulnerability to recount such a remarkable journey to health, healing and rediscovering your identity through passion to serve others. This Kansas City native is proud to know your story more fully.

A great (and important) listen

Telling the story both from his perspective and having his wife chime in with the other perspective added a fullness to the story in ways other autobiographies lack. It was compelling and thoughtful. It is a perspective I do not know as a non-military person yet something I can deeply identify with in the culture of medicine. It’s something I’m going to sit with a while and then listen again.

Comparative Trauma

This appears to be simply a book about on man’s journey through the recognition and impacts of his particular mental health need, but it is far more. This book is replete with reminders, some less subtle than others, that trauma comes in just about any form you can conjure. It is less a book and more a mirror. PTSD, once understood, was a soldier’s burden. Or so we thought. We now have a significantly better understanding of trauma and the long term impacts it can create. Weight problems, addictions, compulsive behaviors, and of course the anger and for some unfortunately the depression and suicidal ideation. But the source of the trauma can vary. -and PTSD does not leave you alone if you do t wear a uniform.

After the collective trauma of January 6th, the COVID response, and for many the Trump administration in general - this book is an absolute must read. Or, in this case must listen.

The writing is crisp and evokes emotion throughout the book. As truly good writing does, you will laugh through tears in parts.

Jason and Diana are both excellent speakers and do a great job with narration.

Heart wrenching yet wonderful

The honesty from this man often brought me to tears. Simply brave on all fronts. I remember the blindfolded gun ad and his calmness in that ad, and remember being impressed by him then and throughout his campaigns. But to hear his honest account, and that from Diana, I’m so thankful they saw there is a need in sharing their story. Here’s hoping this story and their work will offer continued hope to others with this struggle.

Excellent book for any kind of trauma.

I can think of nothing I didn’t like about this book. Every page. The order of the chapters. The asides from his wife. This book is monumental if you or anyone you know has PTSD or just have been through any kind of trauma that’s “injured your brain.” It’s concise. Only ~6hours.
It’ll make you laugh and cry.

I’m so thankful this book exists.

Amazing insight into PTSD

Why I enjoyed this book:

- Jason's reading of the book is fantastic. Calm, genuine, and sincere. A pleasure to listen to even when tackling heavy subjects.

- Amazing insight into the lives of people who struggle with PTSD. I don't have personal experience with PTSD, so it was incredibly eye-opening to hear personally from someone who does. It gave me more understanding of what veterans and other trauma suffers may be experiencing.

- It was a wonderful way to get to know Kander and what's important to him. Namely, being a soldier, change-maker, father and husband.

Highly recommend, especially to anyone with a personal or familial connection to the military.

In the Pool

Listened to most of this great book in my pool, thanks to my new water resistant hearing aids, and knowing my tears would not be detected.
Thanks, Jason!

This book helped me understand myself.

I listed to at least one Audible book per month and this is one of the best I have heard yet. The story is deep, honest and exposing. Hearing Diana describe how he experience of the same events were so different was a dynamic that no one shares. The best way to sum up this book is realizing that the best and brightest among us are still human and mental health impacts us all in different ways. I would recommend this book to anyone and would suggest is as required reading for any military family.

Grateful

it's hard for me to acknowledge that on the same day, I have given two similar yet different books 5 star ratings. I have been struggling to read, or even listen to books. This book is one of the two that I haven't been able to step away from.

I'm so grateful to Team Kander for sharing their story with us. as someone who continues to fight PTSD, and have family members with it also, as well as military friends that I will refer this book to, it was a welcome acknowledgment that the road can be tough, yet healing can occur. I am grateful for Jason's message of post traumatic growth.