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Outside the Wire: Ten Lessons I've Learned in Everyday Courage
A smart and revealing political memoir from a rising star of the Democratic Party.
Barack Obama has called Jason Kander the future of the Democratic Party. A former Army Captain who served in Afghanistan, Kander was the first millennial ever elected to statewide office. Today, he is the founder and president of Let America Vote and a bold new voice in American politics.
In Outside The Wire, Jason Kander writes candidly about his life, from joining the military following 9/11 to launching his first political campaign, to becoming the next step in the evolution of the Democratic Party following the 2016 presidential election.
Kander's signature outspoken voice is on full display as he guides readers through his own journey from soldier to politician, detailing -- often with a dose of humor -- the lessons he's learned along the way. Outside The Wire is an inspiring and entertaining argument for a life of service, as well as a hopeful vision of America's future as seen through the eyes of one of its most dedicated citizens.
Barack Obama has called Jason Kander the future of the Democratic Party. A former Army Captain who served in Afghanistan, Kander was the first millennial ever elected to statewide office. Today, he is the founder and president of Let America Vote and a bold new voice in American politics.
In Outside The Wire, Jason Kander writes candidly about his life, from joining the military following 9/11 to launching his first political campaign, to becoming the next step in the evolution of the Democratic Party following the 2016 presidential election.
Kander's signature outspoken voice is on full display as he guides readers through his own journey from soldier to politician, detailing -- often with a dose of humor -- the lessons he's learned along the way. Outside The Wire is an inspiring and entertaining argument for a life of service, as well as a hopeful vision of America's future as seen through the eyes of one of its most dedicated citizens.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published August 7, 2018
99 people are currently reading
1,336 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
September 26, 2019
I’ve followed Jason Kander on social media for years now, probably since he decided to run for the Senate in 2016. I didn’t live in St. Louis by then but I had great memories of living in Missouri as well as visiting Kansas City, and I was quite excited to follow a progressive millennial politician from the very red state. The election night ended up being full of disappointments, including Kander’s loss but he is still contributing a lot to the country through his organizations Let America Vote and Veterans Community Project. I was actually very excited to read his book when it released last year but somehow lost sight of it among whatever was happening in my life then. I was recently watching a YouTube video of his and decided it was time I picked it up. I managed to get the audiobook which is even better because he narrates it himself and it was very fun experience.
This is not a typical memoir where we follow his life in a chronological order. This is more of a list of lessons he has learned in his life, that he thinks will be useful for other too - especially ones who are aspiring politicians or want to be a part of public service in whatever way they can. However, don’t mistake these life lessons to be told in any preachy manner because he is too cool for that. He lets us know through his self deprecating humor and signature bluntness how he arrived at those lessons, giving us anecdotes from his life in Afghanistan or the campaign trail or even his various interactions with politicians and voters. He really is very honest about whatever he wants to say, and it’s clearly obvious that this trait of his has gotten him into hot water quite a few times with other politicians across party lines. But I guess this is what makes him apart from everyone else - he is not here just to win elections, he is here because he believes in his convictions and works hard to ensure that he is helping people in whatever way he can.
I particularly enjoyed listening about some policy fights he had with republicans during his stint in the Missouri House of Representatives and as it’s Secretary of State. He is also not at all scared of naming and shaming people with whom he had these encounters, which I actually found a bit surprising but also refreshing. His anecdotes from Afghanistan are also quite funny in retrospect, but it’s a little hard to read about the kinda of scary situations the soldiers had to navigate, oftentimes without a lot of protection. And even though the book jumps timelines a lot of times, he narrates it all in such an engaging manner that I didn’t get bored for even a second. He even makes some situations feel very suspenseful and I was eagerly awaiting to know the outcome (like any fiction novel). I obviously can’t not mention that his pop culture references really show that he is a true blue millennial even though I didn’t get most of them. But he referenced particular scenes and dialogues from the tv show The West Wing and that brought a huge smile on my face.
On the whole, this was a very engaging memoir and I loved getting to know Kander better after just getting glimpses of him through twitter for years. If you like reading politician’s memoirs and would love to know more about a progressive politician who also happens to be the first millennial to ever win statewide office in the country, you should definitely pick this up. It’s full of hope and optimism and a sense of duty and I think you’ll really enjoy it. I would also highly recommend the audiobook because Jason’s narration is fun and honest and very engaging. And I’m very much looking forward to see what he does next in the political arena.
This is not a typical memoir where we follow his life in a chronological order. This is more of a list of lessons he has learned in his life, that he thinks will be useful for other too - especially ones who are aspiring politicians or want to be a part of public service in whatever way they can. However, don’t mistake these life lessons to be told in any preachy manner because he is too cool for that. He lets us know through his self deprecating humor and signature bluntness how he arrived at those lessons, giving us anecdotes from his life in Afghanistan or the campaign trail or even his various interactions with politicians and voters. He really is very honest about whatever he wants to say, and it’s clearly obvious that this trait of his has gotten him into hot water quite a few times with other politicians across party lines. But I guess this is what makes him apart from everyone else - he is not here just to win elections, he is here because he believes in his convictions and works hard to ensure that he is helping people in whatever way he can.
I particularly enjoyed listening about some policy fights he had with republicans during his stint in the Missouri House of Representatives and as it’s Secretary of State. He is also not at all scared of naming and shaming people with whom he had these encounters, which I actually found a bit surprising but also refreshing. His anecdotes from Afghanistan are also quite funny in retrospect, but it’s a little hard to read about the kinda of scary situations the soldiers had to navigate, oftentimes without a lot of protection. And even though the book jumps timelines a lot of times, he narrates it all in such an engaging manner that I didn’t get bored for even a second. He even makes some situations feel very suspenseful and I was eagerly awaiting to know the outcome (like any fiction novel). I obviously can’t not mention that his pop culture references really show that he is a true blue millennial even though I didn’t get most of them. But he referenced particular scenes and dialogues from the tv show The West Wing and that brought a huge smile on my face.
On the whole, this was a very engaging memoir and I loved getting to know Kander better after just getting glimpses of him through twitter for years. If you like reading politician’s memoirs and would love to know more about a progressive politician who also happens to be the first millennial to ever win statewide office in the country, you should definitely pick this up. It’s full of hope and optimism and a sense of duty and I think you’ll really enjoy it. I would also highly recommend the audiobook because Jason’s narration is fun and honest and very engaging. And I’m very much looking forward to see what he does next in the political arena.
August 26, 2018
If, like me, you find yourself in the lucky position of getting to spend your working days in a position to make the world better, you need to read this book. It is a clear-headed inventory of the basic values of integrity, humility, and compassion that drive us to make change. I expect to return to this book when I need to remind myself why I do what I do, or when I need a second wind.
March 25, 2024
A mixed review book. A 5 for military achievements and a 1 for political commentary. Thus a 3
September 5, 2018
He’s just a delight this man! I think this is a very hopeful book about politics and very worth reading!
September 16, 2018
Simple life lessons from Jason Kander’s political life. He seems like a totally sensible, nice guy who is doing all the right things. I hope he continues to have success and that we see him rise to the national stage.
Let America Vote!
Let America Vote!
August 11, 2018
You may have heard of this dynamic person--the first millennial ever elected to statewide office and founder and president of Let America Vote. He is a
progressive Democrat who speaks honestly about his vision for America--an America for everyone. Part memoir and part pep talk, this book is full of hope
and optimism. It is not a politician's talking points, it is a down-to-earth look at who he is, what America is, and what we can be again.
For anyone disheartened and discouraged by the results of the 2016 election and the present climate of discouragement, I urge you to read this book. Take
a deep breath, and let's get to work.
progressive Democrat who speaks honestly about his vision for America--an America for everyone. Part memoir and part pep talk, this book is full of hope
and optimism. It is not a politician's talking points, it is a down-to-earth look at who he is, what America is, and what we can be again.
For anyone disheartened and discouraged by the results of the 2016 election and the present climate of discouragement, I urge you to read this book. Take
a deep breath, and let's get to work.
September 3, 2018
Didn’t find any of these rules particularly insightful or applicable to my own life. Ex: Politics is a profession practiced entirely by amateurs. Maybe it’s because I’m not into politics? Felt the author was patting himself on the back for his honest political stands most of the time. And had to struggle to understand how his stories/examples applied.
January 20, 2019
Made me want to run for office. Can't wait to see what Jason will do in the future.
January 25, 2019
Really easy to read. Part memoir, part political statement. I have to say it was effective. I'd vote for him :)
And quite frankly after hearing some of his tales of working across party lines for the greater good, I very much wish he was in charge of the whole shebang, we could certainly use a little best for the country mentality right now!
And quite frankly after hearing some of his tales of working across party lines for the greater good, I very much wish he was in charge of the whole shebang, we could certainly use a little best for the country mentality right now!
June 14, 2020
Exactly what I needed. I'll be taking the advice from this book with me the next time I hit the campaign trail.
July 9, 2022
I listened to an interview this author did on the Pantsuit Politics podcast and was so impressed with him that I immediately checked out the audiobook and began listening. This is such an encouraging reminder that there really are still decent, service oriented people running for election to public offices and, best of all, determined to do the right thing rather than what it takes to win and then remain in office. I cannot recommend this book enough.
July 20, 2022
Excellent perspective builder memoir from our previous MO Representative and Secretary of State, Jason Kander. Absolutely loved his openness of feelings and experiences throughout his dealings with MO & national politics and military service. I strongly recommend this book to any and all folk’s regardless of which side of the aisle you ‘sit�!
August 8, 2018
If you've listened to Majority 54, then you know what you're getting here. I read Outside the Wire in two days, and it could have easily been one. It is so well written, I heard Jason narrating as I read.
For those of you looking for a great read by someone who is very relatable and who cares deeply about this country, this book is for you. Even if you're not sure his politics align 100% with yours, I'd still highly recommend reading Outside the Wire. It's a very compelling story with great lessons.
March 27, 2019
When my Politically Progressive Introverts book club chose this book for November, I was not looking forward to reading it. I'm kind of tired of hearing what privileged white men have to say, you know? But, wow, Jason Kander really won me over. We're about the same age so his cadence, slang and references were right up my alley. I particularly enjoyed his hilarious footnotes. Kander is a democratic politician deep within a red state who won a state-wide election at quite a young age. He did it by really listening to and connecting with the voters, and though they didn't necessarily agree with him, they respected him and appreciated his willingness to listen to their experiences as well as stand up for and hold with his positions. Today's democrats should absolutely take a page from his book, particularly those condemned as 'elite' and 'out of touch'. Kander himself admits that the higher one goes in politics, the harder it is to remember what everyday people need, as his days and nights are spent garnering funds from wealthy donors whose desires are mostly at odds with his middle to lower middle class constituents. However, Kander proves that one can keep one's integrity in this game if one is willing to try hard enough. I'm super tired of white male politicians, but I would totally vote for this guy. My one complaint is that, at the end of the book Kander encourages readers to post about the book on social media, and promises to respond/retweet, and though I shared my Insta post on Twitter and Facebook, I've yet to hear from him. He's a busy guy, though, and I'm sure he has better things to do than toss me a like ;)
January 6, 2019
Jason Kander gets knocked for being a Boy Scout, figuratively speaking, but without a doubt, he’s someone I respect. His anecdotes of army and political life play nicely into one another, and he authentically illustrates how the former informed the latter. At times, I felt like he recounted some of his experiences with a subtle self-congratulatory tone, but it’s possible I felt that way because of my own naturally cynical nature.
If nothing else, after reading this book you’ll take away 10 simple but important lessons. (I particularly enjoyed his chapter on the absurdity of politics.) Beyond those, though, you’ll be impressed by Kander’s integrity and his compassion for all people regardless of political affiliation, and, hopefully, you might even be inspired to go outside the political wire - as he puts it - and start having real conversations with real-life people.
If nothing else, after reading this book you’ll take away 10 simple but important lessons. (I particularly enjoyed his chapter on the absurdity of politics.) Beyond those, though, you’ll be impressed by Kander’s integrity and his compassion for all people regardless of political affiliation, and, hopefully, you might even be inspired to go outside the political wire - as he puts it - and start having real conversations with real-life people.
August 23, 2018
I'm not usually interested in books by politicians, but as a liberal living in Missouri I've followed Jason Kander's career for the last several years and thought this might be worth my time. I was not disappointed. The stories from his military training, deployment, and years in Missouri politics were both enlightening and entertaining, and he doesn't hesitate to make fun of himself repeatedly and point out his own mistakes. Our country needs more politicians like Jason Kander - honest, able to admit when they screw up, and striving to do the right thing in any situation (and it wouldn't hurt to have more people like Diana Kander as well). This is the Citizen Kane of books by millennial politicians.
November 27, 2022
A smart and revealing political memoir from a rising star of the Democratic Party.The celebrated New York Times bestseller, now in paperback!"In life and in politics, the most important work is often that which happens outside the wire."Going "outside the wire" -- military lingo for leaving the safety of a base -- has taught Jason Kander to take risks and make change rather than settling for the easy option. After you've volunteered to put your life on the line with and for your fellow Americans in Afghanistan, cynical politics and empty posturing back home just feel like an insult.
Kander understands that showing political courage really just means doing the right thing no matter what. He won a seat in the Missouri Legislature at age twenty-seven and then, at thirty-one, became the first millennial in the country elected to statewide office. An unapologetic progressive from the heartland, he rejected conventional political wisdom and stood up to the NRA in 2016 with a now-famous Senate campaign ad in which he argued for gun reform while assembling a rifle blindfolded.That fearless commitment to service has placed him at the forefront of a new generation of American political leaders. In his final interview as President, Barack Obama pointed to Kander as the future of the Democratic Party."...do something rather than be something..."In OUTSIDE THE WIRE, Jason Kander describes his journey from Midwestern suburban kid to soldier to politician and details what he's learned along the way: lessons imparted by his dad on the baseball diamond, wisdom gained outside the wire in Kabul, and cautionary tales witnessed under the Missouri Capitol dome. Kander faced down petty tyrants in Jefferson City -- no big deal after encountering real ones in Afghanistan. He put in 90,000 miles campaigning for statewide office in 2012 -- no sweat compared to the thirty-seven miles between Bagram Air Base and Camp Eggers. When confronted with a choice between what's easy and what's right, he's never hesitated.OUTSIDE THE WIRE is a candid, practical guide for anyone thinking about public service and everyone wishing to make a difference. It's a call to action, an entertaining meditation on the demands and rewards of civic engagement, and, ultimately, a hopeful vision for America's future -- all seen through the eyes of one of its most dedicated servants.
Kander understands that showing political courage really just means doing the right thing no matter what. He won a seat in the Missouri Legislature at age twenty-seven and then, at thirty-one, became the first millennial in the country elected to statewide office. An unapologetic progressive from the heartland, he rejected conventional political wisdom and stood up to the NRA in 2016 with a now-famous Senate campaign ad in which he argued for gun reform while assembling a rifle blindfolded.That fearless commitment to service has placed him at the forefront of a new generation of American political leaders. In his final interview as President, Barack Obama pointed to Kander as the future of the Democratic Party."...do something rather than be something..."In OUTSIDE THE WIRE, Jason Kander describes his journey from Midwestern suburban kid to soldier to politician and details what he's learned along the way: lessons imparted by his dad on the baseball diamond, wisdom gained outside the wire in Kabul, and cautionary tales witnessed under the Missouri Capitol dome. Kander faced down petty tyrants in Jefferson City -- no big deal after encountering real ones in Afghanistan. He put in 90,000 miles campaigning for statewide office in 2012 -- no sweat compared to the thirty-seven miles between Bagram Air Base and Camp Eggers. When confronted with a choice between what's easy and what's right, he's never hesitated.OUTSIDE THE WIRE is a candid, practical guide for anyone thinking about public service and everyone wishing to make a difference. It's a call to action, an entertaining meditation on the demands and rewards of civic engagement, and, ultimately, a hopeful vision for America's future -- all seen through the eyes of one of its most dedicated servants.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2020
I stumbled across Jason Kander through his podcast Majority 54. He is a politician, veteran, former secretary of state of Missouri, huge KC Chiefs Fan (Superbowl 54 winners!), baseball fan, Dad, and now author. This book was published just after his failed race for US Senate where he was nationally known for his viral 32 second video on background checks. On the podcast, he was known for sharing calm and compelling talking points for use during controversial conversations. He shared multiple times on his podcast to pre-order his book, and I found it hard to resist checking it out.
Around the time I purchased this book. Jason was making his bid for Mayor of Kansas City (which looked quite promising) when he had to leave the race due to PTSD. Soon after getting help, he went on to accept a position at the Veterans Community Project. He is also the founder of Let America Vote.
Kander wrote this book as if he started it mid-conversation, but don't confuse that with it being clumsily put together. My meaning is simply that he allows the readers to trust him and be comfortable with him. He speaks his truth, openly and honestly, with prepared points (his 10 Lessons), and even more prepared points to go with those points. He is making a lot of points here. So much so, you start to realize the points don't matter so much as his values of speaking (writing?) with integrity, making choices that he can stand behind, and keeping his wits about him. He accompanies these themes with mostly endearing dad and midwestern humor. There are many footnotes in this book almost to the point of slight distraction.
Was this the best read of my life? Probably not. Was it light, simple, endearing? Definitely, and weird to say when it's a book primarily about the life of a politician. I wouldn't even characterize this book as an autobiography, because while he has done a lot, there is so much more he will do. I will say, if Jason's goal was to write a book as a guide to convey the possibility of maneuvering politics by using a platform with dignity, being courageous, and having grit...he did what he came here to do. Kander reminds us that we all have a platform and we can all get to work. Maybe I should get my butt out of this armchair and do something.
Around the time I purchased this book. Jason was making his bid for Mayor of Kansas City (which looked quite promising) when he had to leave the race due to PTSD. Soon after getting help, he went on to accept a position at the Veterans Community Project. He is also the founder of Let America Vote.
Kander wrote this book as if he started it mid-conversation, but don't confuse that with it being clumsily put together. My meaning is simply that he allows the readers to trust him and be comfortable with him. He speaks his truth, openly and honestly, with prepared points (his 10 Lessons), and even more prepared points to go with those points. He is making a lot of points here. So much so, you start to realize the points don't matter so much as his values of speaking (writing?) with integrity, making choices that he can stand behind, and keeping his wits about him. He accompanies these themes with mostly endearing dad and midwestern humor. There are many footnotes in this book almost to the point of slight distraction.
Was this the best read of my life? Probably not. Was it light, simple, endearing? Definitely, and weird to say when it's a book primarily about the life of a politician. I wouldn't even characterize this book as an autobiography, because while he has done a lot, there is so much more he will do. I will say, if Jason's goal was to write a book as a guide to convey the possibility of maneuvering politics by using a platform with dignity, being courageous, and having grit...he did what he came here to do. Kander reminds us that we all have a platform and we can all get to work. Maybe I should get my butt out of this armchair and do something.
October 18, 2023
I'll admit it: I hate politics. I've let myself get discouraged as an American citizen because I don't see how one average person can make a difference in a system dominated by endless campaigning and fund-raising. I know this isn't what democracy is supposed to be. About the only positive thing I can say for myself is that, even if I don't agree with a lot of Republican policies, I understand that every person in this country is entitled to have opinions and beliefs, and I can choose to treat everyone with decency even if I disagree.
So why on earth would I read a book by a politician, and one from somewhere "uncool" like Kansas City? I don't know, although being a lifelong Royals fan helps a little. I'm not on social media and don't follow the news obsessively, so I didn't even know who Jason Kander was.
Then he started reading the audio version I downloaded through the NLS Talking Book Program, and he was really interesting (and funny).
It took me two days to read this book, but only because I had other things to do that interrupted me. It was so good that I could have read it in a single sitting. Kander is smart and engaging. He's honest about his views, tells you how he came to his conclusions, and isn't afraid to say four things you almost never hear from politicians:
1. "I don't know."
2. "I've changed my mind."
3. "I'm sorry."
4. "I was wrong."
Now here's my pitch: Buy copies of this book and give one to every 15-year-old you know. I think most kids at age 15 are old enough to handle the not-always-politically-correct content of this book, but they're also young enough for the lessons to have an impact. Even better, if you have kids, read the book with them and talk about it.
If by some crazy miracle Mr. Kander reads this, I'll end by saying thank you for writing (and reading) this book for us. It has given me some ideas about how my small choices and actions add to other people's small choices and actions to create change.
So why on earth would I read a book by a politician, and one from somewhere "uncool" like Kansas City? I don't know, although being a lifelong Royals fan helps a little. I'm not on social media and don't follow the news obsessively, so I didn't even know who Jason Kander was.
Then he started reading the audio version I downloaded through the NLS Talking Book Program, and he was really interesting (and funny).
It took me two days to read this book, but only because I had other things to do that interrupted me. It was so good that I could have read it in a single sitting. Kander is smart and engaging. He's honest about his views, tells you how he came to his conclusions, and isn't afraid to say four things you almost never hear from politicians:
1. "I don't know."
2. "I've changed my mind."
3. "I'm sorry."
4. "I was wrong."
Now here's my pitch: Buy copies of this book and give one to every 15-year-old you know. I think most kids at age 15 are old enough to handle the not-always-politically-correct content of this book, but they're also young enough for the lessons to have an impact. Even better, if you have kids, read the book with them and talk about it.
If by some crazy miracle Mr. Kander reads this, I'll end by saying thank you for writing (and reading) this book for us. It has given me some ideas about how my small choices and actions add to other people's small choices and actions to create change.
December 22, 2019
I am very glad I read this book. I was enraptured with Kander’s storytelling and the points he made throughout. He tells his stories with such passion, knowledge and reverence for those who surrounded him. I definitely felt inspired by what he had to say and what he wanted to relay to the reader. He is definitely someone worth following and, as a fellow Missouran, gives me a sense of pride for my state. I highly recommend this book to everyone needing some inspiration in their day to day. As dark as you may feel the world is, there are those who work hard to help make a change as best as they possibly can. Having followed his work and read this book, I see Jason Kander as someone willing to do everything he can to help those around him a create positive changes in this world. That comes across in every page of this book, and I hope everyone will similarly take his message to heart and have an open conversation of the topics he discusses. This book is excellent and I’m glad I read it, a very solid read all around.
October 23, 2023
Jason Kander won a seat in Missouri's legislature and became the first millenial in the country to win statewide office (Secretary of State in Missouri) in 2012. He wrote a book with the ten lessons he learned and wanted to share in 2018 Going "Outside the Wire", refers to leaving the safety of the military base. The book was excellent at times and not-so-good at other times. The stories were organized by what they proved rather than in order of time which made the book confusing. Sometimes I had to read a story several times to understand what actually happened. On the other hand, there were times when the stories were moving, funny, and truly proved their point. I liked his philosophy and his attitude towards being a politician. Some stories I liked included;
*His work on a bill on ethics with a politician he disagreed with
*His father's lessons on sportsmanship
*How he overcame a veto of a voting rights bill
*His work on a bill on ethics with a politician he disagreed with
*His father's lessons on sportsmanship
*How he overcame a veto of a voting rights bill
September 20, 2018
Jason Kander offers insights from his military and political career to encourage community action and "grabbing an oar." Kander's podcast, Majority 54 is a great platform that offers conversations on the defining topics of our modern politics, and this book channels that same even tone and inviting perspective. The life lessons are simple while challenging the reader to face the moral dilemmas affecting American democracy, and Kander tempers each directive with his own personal experiences, often communicating his privilege with humility. All in all, it's an inspiring memoir that calls for dialogue and progressive movement using reason and understanding.
Side Note: I completely share Kander's love of Taco Bell, and his practice of using its savory deliciousness as a motivation tool is definitely the first thing I will apply to my life from this book.
Side Note: I completely share Kander's love of Taco Bell, and his practice of using its savory deliciousness as a motivation tool is definitely the first thing I will apply to my life from this book.
September 8, 2020
This was a truly inspiring read. Jason Kander has been an inspiration to many, including me, through these last few tough years in America. Having lived in Missouri during his 2016 campaign, I was fortunate to see the impact of his “no fear� style on the ground and can attest that reality matched what is discussed in this book. His exhortation to “grab an oar� is exactly what we need right now. It’s easy to sense the lack of pretense with which Kander carries himself in person in his writing; what is also evident is that Kander is someone who lives confidently and without much fear of failure. As is true with most who have discovered that secret of life - that ability to not be defined by a career’s successes or failures - he will be someone who is part of our national conversation for the foreseeable future.
August 18, 2022
Jason Kander tells of his life experiences and why he went into politics. He spent three months in Afghanistan and takes many of his lessons from that experience. He adapts them to life on the "outside" and talks about what "outside the Wire" means. The book is written in chapters of lessons he learned, such as "Speak Your Truth" but does it in such a way as to illustrate where the lesson applied in his own life. I have now put his next book on hold at the library, where he fleshes out his experiences with confronting and overcoming PTSD and comments on that from the vantage point of any soldier who has experiences combat. Then he will go on to do a further memoir and how he came to found the organization "Let America Vote", an important effort for our time. OUTSIDE THE WIRE was written 2018 so is fairly current, and his next book even later.
August 13, 2018
The idealism that has defined my political philosophy came pretty close to dying on Nov. 8: 2016. The bitter disappointment of Trump’s election could and should have made me a cynic.
It’s young leaders like Jason Kander that began restoring that belief that better days were coming as long as we didn’t wallow in self-pity.
“Outside the Wire� perfectly encapsulates the pep talk we all need. Self-deprecating, honest and motivating, this book made believing in public servants cool again.
Two of my favorite passages:
“Once you learn what you’re capable of, you run out of the excuses for stopping short of capacity.�
“He wasn’t judging my answer, he was judging my character.�
I hope i have a chance to vote for Jason some day, and i don’t plan on moving to Missouri to do it.
It’s young leaders like Jason Kander that began restoring that belief that better days were coming as long as we didn’t wallow in self-pity.
“Outside the Wire� perfectly encapsulates the pep talk we all need. Self-deprecating, honest and motivating, this book made believing in public servants cool again.
Two of my favorite passages:
“Once you learn what you’re capable of, you run out of the excuses for stopping short of capacity.�
“He wasn’t judging my answer, he was judging my character.�
I hope i have a chance to vote for Jason some day, and i don’t plan on moving to Missouri to do it.
September 29, 2018
I was actually really surprised by how much I liked this book.
I've listened to several episodes of Jason's "Majority 54" podcast and I like it quite a bit. I still probably wouldn't have purchased the book except that he was donating money from each sale to Mom's Demand Action and I was buying a few other books already so I figured what the hell.
This book was really easy to read and very enjoyable. Kander offers useful lessons and tells some great stories from his time in the military (Afghanistan) after 9/11, growing up, and serving in the Missouri legislature / as Secretary of State.
I definitely recommend checking this out. It's a super quick read - you'll gobble it up and then be sad when it's done.
I've listened to several episodes of Jason's "Majority 54" podcast and I like it quite a bit. I still probably wouldn't have purchased the book except that he was donating money from each sale to Mom's Demand Action and I was buying a few other books already so I figured what the hell.
This book was really easy to read and very enjoyable. Kander offers useful lessons and tells some great stories from his time in the military (Afghanistan) after 9/11, growing up, and serving in the Missouri legislature / as Secretary of State.
I definitely recommend checking this out. It's a super quick read - you'll gobble it up and then be sad when it's done.
October 10, 2018
The author provides us with ten lessons on courage illustrated with stories from his life. These are great stories told from his time as a soldier in Afghanistan to his time as a politician to his present career working on making sure everyone votes. He speaks his mind, even when running for office, a welcome breath of fresh air as most politicians too often say only what they think people want to hear. He even describes some instances where people differed from his position but voted for him anyway doe to this honesty. I also love the fact that he has an F rating from the NRA. I am hoping he runs for office again because we can use more people like him in government.
December 20, 2018
I picked up this book thinking it was going to be primarily about people who have had to journey into dangerous places. While some of the book was about that, most of the book was about Jason’s personal story where pushes himself to do things outside his comfort zones in the political arena. I really enjoyed reading about his story and areas where he took risks that didn’t always turn out the way he expected. Jason has served as an elected official on a number of levels and I found myself wishing I could vote for him. I’m hoping he is able to get back into the political arena sooner, rather than later, as I think he has the grit and tenacity to make improvements in our current government.
September 16, 2020
OK - guy has a career, marriage, family, gets elected to office and learns some things...writes a book to get his name out there for the time when he decides to run for bigger office...about as transparent a purpose as any book by a politician could be. Need proof - it can be found on the page where Kander praises Obama and endorses Biden/Harris. I read this because it was a recommended leadership book - not sure why, the "lessons" are so obvious as to be cliché. The constant reference to Taco Bell and Citizen Kane-esque movies get old quickly.
Besides that, the guy seems likable enough and our country could use more like him to continue to serve.
Besides that, the guy seems likable enough and our country could use more like him to continue to serve.
February 9, 2021
Forewarning: This is definitely a biased review. I've followed Jason Kander since his first episode of Majority 54 and have nothing but respect for the man.
With that said, "Outside the Wire" is an interesting book that feels like a memoir. As he describes his time in service and politics, he gives advice on how he got there or the lessons he learned where he got. Sometimes it felt like the writing was a little lost but there were plenty of interesting stories. I would give this book 3.5 stars. It's a super quick read and if you listen to the audio, it's read by the author himself (which I highly recommend as Jason has a very smooth soothing voice lol).
With that said, "Outside the Wire" is an interesting book that feels like a memoir. As he describes his time in service and politics, he gives advice on how he got there or the lessons he learned where he got. Sometimes it felt like the writing was a little lost but there were plenty of interesting stories. I would give this book 3.5 stars. It's a super quick read and if you listen to the audio, it's read by the author himself (which I highly recommend as Jason has a very smooth soothing voice lol).
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