LITERATURE + LECTURES

On Saturday, August 13, 2011, from 4-7pm, the French Alliance is hosting a 'How Tuesday Saved the Day' book signing and reception for Luis Montalván and his dog Tuesday to celebrate Mr. Montalván’s new book, Until Tuesday. The book is currently #18 on the New York Times Best Seller List.

A highly decorated captain in the U.S. Army, Luis Montalván 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. But because of a unique training system and his sensitive nature, he found it difficult to 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’s the story about the love between a man and a dog and how together they healed each other’s wounds.

French Alliance Executive Director Joan Patrick is on the Board of Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue, a co-sponsor of the event, and is the owner of several frisky Golden Retrievers. “Grab a hankie for this story!” says Joan.

Luis Montalván is represented by Christine Ragasa at Hyperion Books, (Christine.Ragasa@abc.com).