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)

Dog helps Man, Man helps Dog

A very interesting story about a war veteran and a service dog. Narrated by the author, the story is fully his and his dog. It will give you an insight into the life of a veteran and also the interaction with a service dog.

Moving

What did you love best about Until Tuesday?

Listenting with a broken ear.

What did you like best about this story?

That it was a true story and made you feel the pain with the people in the story.

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

no

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

The love the dog had for the people that he helped and the ones that trained him

A Must Read

Luis gave me a new perspective about the Iraq war. He also confirmed what I had already known, but this book was about his recovery from PTSD and the dog that helped him. It is so much more than that as well. The dog is special as is Luis.

Very informative and heartwarming!

I enjoyed listening to the author tell both his and Tuesday's background stories and then relate how they came to be together. This is not just another dog story! I learned a lot about service dogs and why they are necessary. Best wishes to Luis Carlos Montalvan!

Terrific all-round story

I thought the entire story from his and Tuesday's perspective was really great. Much courage to live through this and then to write it and narrate it. Most of the time I subscribe to "please-don't-let-authors-read-their-own-work", but Luis did a really creditable job and I felt like I was sitting in the living room with him and Tuesday listening to their "tail."

Wonderfully informative and uplifting

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

One of the best books I have listened to! It is not all fluff! Some of it is hard to hear, especially knowing that there are so many of our soldiers who need help.

Fascinating True Story

I enjoyed listening to this book.
A true story about a disabled veteran and how he and his dog become one.
A little repetitive at times and otherwise captivating!

Therapeutic For Many!

as a clinical psychologist, I have recommended this audiobook to colleagues and my patients who struggle with PTSD.

Inspirational

Excellent listen. PTSD is explained in real world terms that offers not only insight into how PTSD effects our Veterans when they return home but how PTSD begins in the War Zone. I hope someday to meet Tuesday and Luis. Their story can be a useful tool in helping our service men and women understand and cope with the life long effects of PTSD.

Perserverance

I enjoyed this book very much. It started a bit slow for me....but took no time to really see where it was going. The author did a fantastic job of telling his story...and that of Tuesday. I have had many dogs and 3 which are goldens and understood Tuesday's pain, loyalty, and dedication. Luis went thru hell and back and persevered. I admire his grit....It also re-opened my eyes to the fragility of what war is and what it is not....I liked Luis's honesty about the war and its effect on our soldiers and the lack of compassion that can exist in our society. It certainly made me look at things differently, and I don't think I would have without reading this book. It will stay with me for a very long time. A beautiful story and well worth the read/listen.