📖 Overview
Until Tuesday chronicles the relationship between Luis Carlos Montalvan, a U.S. Army Captain struggling with physical and psychological wounds from his Iraq deployments, and Tuesday, his service dog. Montalvan documents his journey from isolation and trauma to a new chapter of his life with Tuesday by his side.
The memoir details how Montalvan and Tuesday learn to work together and develop their unique bond. Their story illustrates the day-to-day realities of life with PTSD and physical disabilities, while highlighting the vital role of service animals in veterans' recovery.
Through his personal narrative, Montalvan examines larger issues facing veterans, including mental health stigma, accessibility challenges, and the complexities of reintegrating into civilian life. The book serves as both a personal testament and a window into the transformative impact of the human-animal bond on healing and recovery.
👀 Reviews
Readers connect deeply with this memoir about a veteran and his service dog, finding hope in their healing journey together. The book resonates with military families, dog lovers, and those dealing with PTSD or disabilities.
What readers liked:
- Raw honesty about PTSD struggles
- Educational aspects about service dogs
- Clear writing style that avoids self-pity
- Tuesday's personality shines through
- Highlights challenges veterans face
What readers disliked:
- Some repetition in storytelling
- Political commentary feels forced
- Too much focus on author's pre-Tuesday life
- A few readers found tone bitter at times
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.2/5 (8,900+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,800+ ratings)
Sample reader comment: "This book opened my eyes to how service dogs transform lives. The relationship between Luis and Tuesday goes beyond just assistance - it's about finding purpose again." - Goodreads reviewer
Another notes: "Could have been shorter, but the message about veteran support needs is important." - Amazon reviewer
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All Dogs Go to Kevin by Jessica Vogelsang A veterinarian's memoir explores how three dogs helped her navigate life's challenges while providing insight into the transformative relationships between humans and their canine companions.
From Baghdad with Love by Jay Kopelman, Melinda Roth A Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel shares his experience rescuing and bonding with a puppy during his deployment in Iraq, highlighting the healing power of the human-animal connection in war zones.
Thunder Dog by Michael Hingson The account follows a blind man and his guide dog's escape from the World Trade Center on September 11, demonstrating the depth of trust between service animals and their handlers.
A Big Little Life by Dean Koontz This memoir captures the relationship between the author and his golden retriever, Trixie, revealing how service dogs continue to impact lives after their working careers end.
All Dogs Go to Kevin by Jessica Vogelsang A veterinarian's memoir explores how three dogs helped her navigate life's challenges while providing insight into the transformative relationships between humans and their canine companions.
🤔 Interesting facts
🎖️ Luis Carlos Montalvan served two tours in Iraq and earned multiple awards, including two Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart, before PTSD dramatically altered his life.
🐕 Tuesday, a golden retriever service dog, was trained through the East Coast Assistance Dogs program, which takes approximately two years and costs about $25,000 per dog.
📚 The book reached #2 on the New York Times bestseller list and helped raise awareness about both veteran PTSD and the vital role of service dogs.
🤝 After receiving Tuesday, Montalvan was able to return to school and earned a master's degree from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, where Tuesday attended classes with him.
💫 The success of "Until Tuesday" led to a children's book adaptation titled "Tuesday Tucks Me In," allowing the story to reach young readers and educate them about service dogs and veterans.