Awards & Recognition
Honored For Stories That Matter
POLICE OFFICER • COMBAT VETERAN • PROSECUTOR
Recognition which reflect a commitment to truth, resilience, and giving a voice to those who serve and protect.
A Year Behind the Leash: Best New Book About Recovery from PTSD of 2026
Best of Best Review is proud to honor A Year Behind the Leash as the Best New Book About Recovery from PTSD of 2026. This powerful memoir, written by Jon T. Harris, provides an honest and deeply personal account of one man’s journey from the brink of despair to finding hope, healing, and purpose through his experiences with PTSD.
A Story of Courage and Hope
Jon T. Harris’s journey is not one often discussed, yet it is one that resonates with many. After a traumatic car crash while on duty as a law enforcement officer, Jon T. Harris found himself battling PTSD, a struggle that, all too often, goes unseen and misunderstood. But rather than letting this silent battle consume him, Jon T. Harris chose an extraordinary path to recovery: a return to the very place where others had once fought their own demons, the battlefield. In A Year Behind the Leash, Jon T. Harris shares how this decision, combined with his bond with military working dogs, became his anchor. As he spent years serving in Afghanistan, Jon T. Harris was paired with three remarkable dogs, Uzo, Jack, and Mad, who became his trusted companions. Together, they braved the harsh terrain of war while Jon T. Harris confronted his deepest fears. His experiences with these dogs, and the lessons they imparted, offer readers a profound look into how love, loyalty, and the courage to face one’s past can be healing forces.
The Power of the Human-Animal Bond
What makes Jon T. Harris memoir stand out is not only his bravery but his recognition of the powerful connection between humans and animals. Through the lens of his work with military dogs, he illustrates how animals can provide emotional and psychological healing in ways that are often underestimated. These dogs became more than just partners in the field, they became his support system, guiding him through the most difficult times and offering an anchor when the weight of PTSD threatened to pull him under.
Jon T. Harris narrative challenges the misconception that PTSD only affects soldiers. It is a battle that first responders, military personnel, and even everyday individuals can face. In sharing his personal experiences, Jon T. Harris memoir offers a message of hope to those dealing with PTSD: there is always a path forward, even if it seems impossible at first.
A Life Rewritten: From War Zones to Law School
Jon T. Harris recovery didn’t stop with his time in Afghanistan. After returning home, he found himself at a crossroads. His body and mind were broken, but he was not defeated. Instead of succumbing to the weight of his trauma, Jon T. Harris chose to reinvent himself. He enrolled in law school at the age of 60, an endeavor that would lead him to become a licensed attorney and later, a prosecutor in New Mexico. In 2023, Jon T. Harris was honored as the Prosecutor of the Year, a testament to his incredible resilience and unwavering commitment to serving others.
In A Year Behind the Leash, Jon T. Harris shares the personal struggles that led him to law school, his journey through academia as an older student, and the satisfaction he found in serving the community in a completely new way. The memoir paints a vivid picture of a man who refused to let PTSD define his life, and who, instead, found a new mission in helping others.
Why A Year Behind the Leash Stands Out
What makes A Year Behind the Leash more than just a story of survival is Jon T. Harris relentless pursuit of purpose. Through his incredible journey, from a law enforcement officer and military contractor to a prosecutor, Jon T. Harris exemplifies the idea that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, to fight for your future, and to find healing in unexpected places. His candid storytelling and the raw emotion he shares in his writing create a deeply human connection with readers, making A Year Behind the Leash a must-read for anyone struggling with PTSD or seeking inspiration in the face of adversity.
Jon T. Harris bravery in confronting his demons, his willingness to share his story, and his determination to find hope in the darkest of times make A Year Behind the Leash an invaluable contribution to the conversation around mental health and recovery.
For more on Jon T. Harris memoir and his journey, visit his website or connect with him on LinkedIn.
Jon T. Harris memoir has earned the distinction of being Best New Book About Recovery from PTSD of 2026. It is a testament to the power of resilience, hope, and the ability to rebuild a life that has been shattered by trauma. Through his words, Jon T. Harris has offered a lifeline to those who need it most, proving that no matter how dark the road may seem, there is always a way to heal and move forward.
A Year Behind The Leash
The award-winning memoir that tells the deeply personal story of PTSD, resilience, and the healing power of a war dog.
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