Until Tuesday

By: Luis Carlos Montalvan

Narrated by: Luis Carlos Montalvan

"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)

Moving Story

I was very moved by this book. It made me aware of the difficulties our soliders go through on their return home. I have recommended this book to all my friends. Everyone needs a Tuesday in their life.

My new favorite book.

Words can not express how much I love this book. If you can only buy one book this year, make it Until Tuesday.

Powerful story, well told.

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

Learning about this soldiers experience of the Iraq war from his perspective, its effect on every aspect of his life afterward, and the amazing courage it took to overcome so much makes Until Tuesday a story all Americans should know.

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

For me there were many

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

I have listened to other writers read their own work, and had to grit my teeth to get through them, but Luis tells his story with honesty, and expression, but without selfpity.

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

I stayed up way too late to finish hearing his story.

Totally inspiring

This book was inspiring and a real tear jerker at the same time. If you do anything help contribute to the cause of service dogs for the disabled

Wonderful, Terrible, Heartbreaking, Heartwarming

From my blog: What amazes me most about the audio version is that Montalván had the courage to read the book himself.

Montalván has an excellent speaking voice, not too deep, not too soft, but not loud either. Soft as if he were petting Tuesday while doing the narration. A little gravelly like some of the desert sand had come home with him in his voice. Listening to Montalván tell the most painful part of his story, I almost wanted to say, “Stop, stop! You don’t have to relive it again just to narrate this book. Get someone else to do this part.” But I’m glad Montalván was the sole voice in the book; he creates a real connection with his listener. I know I will listen to the book again; maybe several times.

But the best part, maybe, maybe the best part… Should I tell you? There’s kind of an “Easter egg” at the end. You find out again that Tuesday is a real dog. Listen to the book, and be prepared to giggle, yes giggle, with the unexpected punctuation, the audio paw-print that says, I hope, “And they lived happily ever after.”

love of dog love of country

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I have recommended this book to other counselors as it gives great insight to the personal view of the military experience as well as the view point of discrimination. I loved his story and his telling made it most real.

I highly recommend it to all but especially anyone who has direct contact with those who have served. Which is pretty much anyone who leaves their home.

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

When he struggled with the dogs and he and Tuesday found each other.

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

Loved his voice I felt like I was sitting in his living room and we were having a conversation.

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

Laughed out loud and wept often.

Any additional comments?

Please give it a try you won't be sorry.

Sweet but not silly - just read it!

I just keep telling others to listen to this story. I didn't want it to end. Tuesday is sweet and talented and just a little goofy - as a retriever should be. Mr. Montalvan is at once strong and yet vulnerable - as a man should be. Because the situations described during war are horrible, and the effect on a solider's mind and body are so devastating, there is great relief in him finding a way back to a somewhat normal life through Tuesday. A special thanks for writing this about a relatively short span of time and focusing on what has been accomplished rather than what has become more typical in dog stories - "I had this dog, it was the most amazing dog in the world, it died. I'm so sad." The tears I shed were happy tears. Great read.

Inspiring!

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

Mr. Montalvan does an excellent job reading his own story. At times my heart ached for him and Tuesday. I definitely recommend!

Sucker for a good dog book!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I found this a good read. Political views crept in from time to time. I guess thats to be expected. Made me think about our VETS. I guess anything that gets the public thinking about our VETS is a good thing.

This eloquent story enlightens! Great gift!

What did you love best about Until Tuesday?

Until Tuesday isn't just a sweet dog story, nor a touching hero story. Although it is absolutely both of those things. I came closer to understanding life in the grips of war better through this book, than living it through any movie or other narrative. It woke me up to the true grit and believe in mission living in the hearts of our men and women overseas. Capt. Montalván tells his story with such care and detail, it becomes profound. I didn't even really want to hear about the heroics of war; yet, the tale was too captivating to ignore. All I can say is "wow." He taught me about PTSD with a depth that was again amazingly illuminating. Not just, oh yea, psychologically freaked out. You learn what it really is. It's amazing. At the same time, don't think it is depressing. Nope, because there is Tuesday! A service dog you will wish you knew. There is light and hope. This honest portrayal now impacts how I view anyone with pain or disabilities, not only PTSD. I became a better person after reading this book.

Imagine - all of this wrapped up in a story that you don't want to stop! All of this surrounding the story of a dog you want to pet, hug, or snuggle - depending on the dog lover in you.

I think any service man or woman, back from war, would find a friend in this book.

This is the perfect gift book. That is if the receiver will only open the pages and join these two on a very honest and amazing journey of crisis, healing and love. It's not for sissies though! Pick it up and go on a great adventure.

And if you don't want your heart to open or your awareness to grow - just read it anyway. You will fall in love with Tuesday!

Any additional comments?

Note that Luis Carlos Montalván has a full schedule of in person appearances - even as I write in 2014. If you google him you can find the events and meet these two heroes in person after you've read their story! I certainly go plan to shake his hand! Perhaps you can get those gift books autographed!