In the late 1970’s, a rare metabolic disorder called “Phenylketonuria” (PKU) was little known by the medical community. With this condition, a liver enzyme is missing, preventing the body from properly breaking down protein rich foods, which becomes toxic to the body. As the brain develops, high levels of "phenylalanine" can lead to severe intellectual hinderance, neurological conditions, and a failure to thrive. Everyone is tested for PKU shortly after birth, as it is passed on genetically. The doctors, still, remained uncertain if the new treatment - a diet and strict blood monitoring - would work. What was this strange disorder, which prevented people from eating healthy foods?
Award-winning author A.L. Mengel was one of the first babies placed on the experimental treatment program, a protein restricted diet. His parents, in defiance of the doctors, insisted he also be given breast milk, for the necessary cerebrosides for proper brain development. It was not recommended, due to the risk of the emergence of protein toxicity. A.L. Mengel is one of the first success stories, demonstrating his family's perseverance not only in the construction of his mind, which allowed him to function as a productive member of society, but also giving him a chance to pursue an extraordinary journey as an Award-Winning author.
The chances of success weaved uncertainty throughout Mengel's life, as there remains no cure.
Three Letters is their story. The book
tells the story of how his family beat the odds of a mysterious disorder which shows that one’s challenges must be broken through to follow a dream.
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Editorial Review - "...a deeply personal memoir...vivid descriptions, raw honesty, and heartfelt anecdotes."
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite (FIVE STARS)
Three Letters by A.L. Mengel is a deeply personal memoir chronicling the author's journey with Phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic metabolic disorder. The book opens with Mengel's early years, detailing the challenges his family faced after his diagnosis as one of the first PKU babies placed on an experimental treatment program. Through vivid storytelling, Mengel recounts his childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, highlighting the sacrifices his family made to ensure his mind developed normally despite the limitations of PKU. The narrative explores themes of identity, family bonds, and purpose, weaving together memories, conversations, and reflections on life’s challenges and triumphs. Mengel’s story is not only about living with PKU but also about finding his voice as an author and embracing his uniqueness.
A.L. Mengel draws readers into his world with vivid descriptions, raw honesty, and heartfelt anecdotes. The memoir’s pacing lets readers journey with Mengel, experiencing his struggles and victories as he navigates life with PKU. The book’s structure, divided into thematic parts, offers a clear and engaging progression through Mengel’s life stages. It provides a clear understanding of the resilience required to live fully with a rare condition. Readers who enjoy memoirs exploring personal growth, family dynamics, and the search for meaning will find Three Letters compelling and inspiring. Mengel’s ability to transform his challenges into a narrative of hope and self-discovery makes this book a unique and welcome addition to the genre. The letters to his mother, father, and siblings at the end concisely sum up his story and his life.
