Until Tuesday

By: Luis Carlos Montalvan

Narrated by: Luis Carlos Montalvan

Length: 8 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

"We aren't just service dog and master; Tuesday and I are also best friends. Kindred souls. Brothers. Whatever you want to call it. We weren't made for each other, but we turned out to be exactly what the other needed."

A highly decorated captain in the U.S. Army, Luis Montalvan never backed down from a challenge during his two tours of duty in Iraq. After returning home from combat, however, the pressures of his physical wounds, traumatic brain injury, and crippling post-traumatic stress disorder began to take their toll. Haunted by the war and in constant physical pain, he soon found himself unable to climb a simple flight of stairs or face a bus ride to the VA hospital. He drank; he argued; ultimately, he cut himself off from those he loved. Alienated and alone, unable to sleep or bend over without pain, he began to wonder if he would ever recover.

Then Luis met Tuesday, a beautiful and sensitive golden retriever trained to assist the disabled. Tuesday had lived amongst prisoners and at a home for troubled boys, blessing many lives; he could turn on lights, open doors, and sense the onset of anxiety and flashbacks. But because of a unique training situation and sensitive nature, he found it difficult to trust in or connect with a human being until Luis.

Until Tuesday is the story of how two wounded warriors, who had given so much and suffered the consequences, found salvation in each other. It is a story about war and peace, injury and recovery, psychological wounds and spiritual restoration. But more than that, it is a story about the love between a man and dog, and how together they healed each other's souls.

©2011 Luis Carlos Montalvan (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Luis and Tuesday were one of the original sources of inspiration for my very first piece of legislation. Luis' story of military service, his struggles with visible and invisible wounds of war, and the dog who helped save his life is as compelling on the page as when you hear it in person." (Senator Al Franken)

“Montalvan’s first-person account of their journey together offers rare insight into the issues facing returning veterans and the lifesaving bond between a service dog and human. Listeners hear the despair, fear, frustration, and, ultimately, the love and hope of the pair. Montalvan doesn’t refrain from discussing his most painful and embarrassing experiences. Hearing the story in his own voice adds to its power and vibrancy.” ( AudioFile)

A story with hearing

There was mention in the book about the validity of his work. I find this criticism both disturbing and sad. First, when something is written from memory it is subject to the views of that person. It is their version of what happened, that neither makes it 100% true nor partially false, it is their truth. What possible difference can it make when the end result is a good story, with a good moral and a sound message? It has inspired me to up my donation to freedom dogs here in Colorado.

The reality of our soldiers....

Would you listen to Until Tuesday again? Why?

Yes, because I can feel for both man and Tuesday.

What did you like best about this story?

The value of a dog, and using their capabilities correctely.

Which character – as performed by Luis Carlos Montalvan – was your favorite?

Him

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Can a dog save a wounded soul?

I couldn't get through this book

I was hoping / expecting this to be a great book about a dog trained for therapy and it's helping of a victim of some disabling condition. As the book progressed, I was put off by the author's (a self professed patriot) continual dissing of or government's policies regarding our involvement in the middle east. His putting down of the two Bush administrations and how happy he was that Obama was elected clued me into his program. Leave your political views out of your manuscripts. I don't care how great your book may have turned out. I will never know (or care) because you totally incensed me with your political viewpoint.

What a beautiful story!

What made the experience of listening to Until Tuesday the most enjoyable?

Knowing that it is true. This could be happening close to our home, so be patient with those who so quickly come into, then leave our lives.

Great Story

This is a great story about a veteran whose life was pretty much saved by his service dog, Tuesday. It really made me appreciate veterans more to hear his story told firsthand. Luis pretty much starts in the present, goes back in time to before Tuesday, then works his way forward telling of his time in the Middle East, problems with his family, how he came to get Tuesday, and his life with him. I think anyone who likes dogs, anyone who is close to someone with a mental or physical disability, or anyone who'd like to know more about veterans' lives would love this book.

Great book!!

A wonderful book that gives insight about our Heroes and what makes them tick. My husband is a Viet Nam Vet and the true heroes can't really articulate the questions that those who love them want to know. They stand for a cause greater than themselves. Their internal values drive them & are their own reward because they must be true to who they are. Unfortunately the price they pay is tremendous & as a society it is an embarrassment that they are treated so badly after their selfless sacrifice for our freedom that too many take for granted. I realized my husband has PTSD & no doubt the reason he doesn't like crowds. No help was offered back then. It was truly heartwarming to see how intuitive animals are & how they can change lives. They make a house a home. Thank you Luis Montalvan for your sacrifice, your service & a beautiful book.

A persuasive voice that needs to be heard

Captain Montelvan adds a persuasive voice to our national dialogue about veterans, traumatic brain injuries and living with disabilities. He has done so with a very engaging account of his personal journey. This book is informative, challenging and encouraging. The author demonstrated amazing courage by allowing his vulnerability and and strength to show throughout the book. I think there should be medals for emotional courage, with oak leaf clusters.

The part of this book still stuck in my head is the scene with the bus driver. I can't stand injustice and wonder why the other passengers did not intervene. I also admire his father for having the guts to admit he was wrong and then educate himself about the issues.

One last note. I usually do not like audio books narrated by the author. This was the exception. It felt as if he were talking with me and relaying his story in person.

Dogs Rule.

Awesome

Where does Until Tuesday rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This will be on my list of all time favorites

What did you like best about this story?

I could actually feel the emotion of the writer.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

what life is like when for our veterans when they come home

Any additional comments?

Americans need to know the price our military people are paying for us. thsi is an eye opener.

earnest and honest summation of a warrior's rehab

Any additional comments?

The author paints a good picture of his transformation from a warrior who believed in his mission, to a broken and angry man, then healing and finding peace with the help of his service dog. With the exception of a mild amount of repetition at times, this story held my interest to the end.

A must listen

Would you listen to Until Tuesday again? Why?

Absolutely. I loved the story.

What did you like best about this story?

The transparency and honesty of the author.

What about Luis Carlos Montalvan’s performance did you like?

WOW! I just realized he also narrated the book. He is truly a talented writer and narrator. He brought the book to life.

Any additional comments?

I didn't realize how are vets are being treated. This is an important message for everyone.