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)

Read it any way you can!!!

Would you listen to Until Tuesday again? Why?

I would listen to this book again, over and over even though it made me cry-because I I learned so much from it--the nobility of service dogs, the feelings of the disabled and the injustices frequently directed toward them.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Until Tuesday?

A NYC bus driver harrassed the author, belitling his dog and trying to humiliate and deny him access to the bus because she denied the veracity of a "service dog".

Have you listened to any of Luis Carlos Montalvan’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the only book I have read by this author.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Over and over, it made me cry in gratitude to these dogs and the sacrifices of Iraqui verterans and the ignorance of physical and mental suffering of Disabled American Veterans.

Any additional comments?

Anyone aspiring to be a decent human being should listen or read this book--any way they could get it!

Great story about recovery and success!

If you could sum up Until Tuesday in three words, what would they be?

determined and pure love

Who was your favorite character and why?

Tuesday! For his unconditional love and support

Have you listened to any of Luis Carlos Montalvan’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

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

A story of unconditional love

Heartwarming and heartbreaking!!!

Would you listen to Until Tuesday again? Why?

Oh yes! So personal and connects with his audience

What did you like best about this story?

He gives you insight to what returning soldiers wit PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Disorder encounter. He also helps people learn to respect invisible disability.

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

Well himself as well as Tuesday!

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

A hero and the golden dog who rescued him!!!

Any additional comments?

Beautiful story of the connection and relationship/bond of a man and his dog!

Great Listen!

My husband and I listened to this book while on a trip and we both enjoyed it very much. I especially liked that the author was also the narrator.

I really expected this to be a story about Tuesday, which it was, but there was so much more to be told and I feel that Luis Carlos Montalvan was able to do that very well.

I will be recommending this to everyone.

Must read!

As I listened to this book I was unsure of who the narrator was but felt that it was the author. The sadness,anguish, love, and joy was on every page.
There were so many things that go on in this book, Tuesday's story, Luis' story and the story of Luis and Tuesday Each chapter is adventure of a different kind. When Luis talked about realizing he was disabled I wanted to cheer as I have been there for a different reason but he spoke to me on my journey.
I will say that it is unlike any other dog book I have read and would say read it now!

I think I need a dog.

Luis tells us a lot about himself, his service, the army and it's failures, more than I wanted to know. Like Luis's life, Tuesday saves, no, makes the book. As a Vletnam vet it is good to see that the treatment of returning men and women is improving. As I am sure Luis agrees though, the best part is God's great gift, Tuesday!

Book for dog lovers everywhere

This book is amazing! It's not just an amazing story but an insight into a personal war that is not well known. It took amazing courage to tell and should be listened to. It brings out a range of emotions from empathy, to outrage and tears to laughter all in a compelling, interesting story. I loved it!

Loved until Tuesday

Best book I have read recently. It made me want to know the characters personally.

Give you Understanding for PTSD

What did you love best about Until Tuesday?

Well the Dog of course!

What did you like best about this story?

That he didn't go into war stories very much. I don't know the name of guns or what different weapons are so in a book, descriptions seem to just bore me and I wonder off. He mostly talked about today and not the past.

Which scene was your favorite?

When the bus driver wouldn't let him on the bus with his dog and he was trying to have a date.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I never do anything in one sitting

Loved it. Brings into perspective PTSD.

Great listen. Good story. Great job Luis and Tuesday!! Loved it!! Wish you long great years together. Be blessed!!
Luis