The Mirror Test

America at War in Iraq and Afghanistan

By: J. Kael Weston

Narrated by: J. Kael Weston

A New York Times Editors' Choice
A Military Times Best Book of the Year

A powerfully written firsthand account of the human costs of conflict.

J. Kael Weston spent seven years on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan working for the U.S. State Department in some of the most dangerous frontline locations. Upon his return home, while traveling the country to pay respect to the dead and wounded, he asked himself: When will these wars end? How will they be remembered and memorialized? What lessons can we learn from them?

These are questions with no quick answers, but perhaps ones that might lead to a shared reckoning worthy of the sacrifices of those—troops and civilians alike—whose lives have been changed by more than a decade and a half of war.

Weston takes us from Twentynine Palms in California to Fallujah in Iraq, Khost and Helmand in Afghanistan, Maryland, Colorado, Wyoming, and New York City, as well as to out-of-the-way places in Iowa and Texas. We meet generals, corporals and captains, senators and ambassadors, NATO allies, Iraqi truck drivers, city councils, imams and mullahs, Afghan schoolteachers, madrassa and college students, former Taliban fighters and ex-Guantánamo prison detainees, a torture victim, SEAL and Delta Force teams, and many Marines.

The overall frame for the book, from which the title is taken, centers on soldiers who have received a grievous wound to the face. There is a moment during their recovery when they must look upon their reconstructed appearance for the first time. This is known as “the mirror test.” From an intricate tapestry of voices and stories—Iraqi, Afghan, and American—Weston delivers a larger mirror test for our nation in its global role. An unflinching and deep examination of the interplay between warfare and diplomacy, this is an essential book—a crucial look at America now, how it is viewed in the world and how the nation views itself.

Good information

what is a good book. Lot of good information. The narrator narrator was too monotone for my taste. I think you would be a great book to read versus listening to it. even though about wmds was a contradictory to Dan Wrights and Chris Kyle book.

Incredible book- I cannot give high enough praise.

Where does The Mirror Test rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The greatest.

What did you like best about this story?

The most honest and clearheaded exploration of modernity, conflict and the inter-personal consequences of America at war.

Which scene was your favorite?

"The Ego has landed."

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The scenes in Fallujah, state-side travels, reflections on "why," and so much more. This is a thick book, with a great deal to absorb. A beast of a book. Deserving a place in the pantheon of essential reads of our century. Also appreciate the rich and engaging discussion of Kael's many personal relationships formed with Iraqis and Afghans. Spending almost a decade in war zones, serving as the top (and sometimes only) foreign service diplomat in country, Kael presents a narrative that is nothing short of amazing. Remaining compassionate, and kind, while honestly exploring (with the reader) the forces, dynamics and sacrifice of a Nation at war, and the countries caught in the middle.

Any additional comments?

A beast of a book. Deserving a place in the pantheon of essential reads of our century.



----I hope you do read this. It is transformational. A must.

Great Read. We'll Written.

Great Story. well thought out. and written and delivered by someone who took pride in his job and telling his story and those who lost there life for there country.

A must read (or listen)

This is a comprehensive look at war and how it affects all sides. Many parts are hard to get through but it's important for us as a national to know what our actions do on a personal level.

It's certainly worth the time and is a unique view into how wars are really fought and won or lost.

Unique and welcom perspective

This is the most unique perspective on war that I have read (listened to) in a while. A favorite. I will be listening to again and again.

reflections of humanity

this book is a must read for those who elect governments, and call themselves citizens.

Terrible narrator

The narrator makes this absolutely unlistenable. I'm sure it is a fascinating story with unique insights...but you can't make it more than 30 minutes without wanting to turn it off. So disappointing.

A Must Read

As an American with no personal ties to the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan it is (and has been) incredibly easy to overlook the toll that these wars have taken on our country, our soldiers, their families, and the natives of the countries invaded. This book provides raw insight into the true costs of war, and the price paid by all involved. This is the first book about any war that I've ever read, but after doing so I feel compelled, and obligated as an American citizen, to learn more and ask more about America's engagement in previous and future wars. Thank you Mr. Weston for your service, and for bravely and honestly telling your story.

As good as the first time

I've listened to this audiobook six times and hear new things I missed before. I'm ready to listen again.
I've especially enjoyed sharing this audiobook with other Marines who served in Iraq and/or Afghanistan as I did.
I thought the authors narration of his book was the perfect choice with his voice inflections spot on with stories told. I personally related to this book 100%.

Eye opening, emotional, powerful book

The author paints a vivid and sympathetic account of those caught up in war; from the soldiers, generals, and bureaucrats of the state department to the local politicians, community leaders and children in Afghanistan and Iraq. He relates some disturbing and depressing descriptions so there were times I cried or had to put it down but these are some very important lessons about armed conflict. The delivery of reading is dispassionate and not at all lively but I found it engrossing to listen to because of the story.