Denali's Fortunate Son: A Bipolar Journey

Most professionals believe a Bipolar I diagnosis precludes the stress of a litigation lawyer. Set in the "Golden Heart" of Fairbanks, Alaska, the book is one of faith, hope, adventure and perseverance against the daunting challenges of mental illness. In this book, Kenneth Lougee negotiates the conflicts between his Bipolar I diagnosis, his son's autism, and his adventures practicing law on the Last Frontier. As his disorder progresses, Lougee raises four small children, meets colorful Alaskans, travels to the backwoods of the state, wins multimillion dollar cases and grows prize winning giant cabbages. The book is shows the determination that mental illness does not define a person. This memoir is a guide to younger lawyers who may suffer depression or other mental illnesses. Not only can they anticipate a professional life, they can if willing, have successful marriages, raise responsible children and gain the respect of the community. Additionally the book gives hope to parents of autistic children that even if one parent suffers mental illness, together parents can surmount the difficulties of raising that child. Alaskans call the mountain Denali meaning "the Great One." A grateful author is indeed "Denali's Fortunate Son."