Nationally recognized artist and Fargo native, Steve Revland, shares his personal struggles with mental health and addiction in his newly released memoir, Simply Revland: How to Succeed in Life Despite Yourself. The memoir, intended as a gift for his son, has resonated with readers worldwide, particularly those looking for personal stories of overcoming addiction.
Revland’s journey to recovery began when he received a life-changing phone call from his son, Ryan, who contacted him at the age of 10 as they had agreed a decade prior. This pivotal moment prompted Revland to enter a recovery program, setting him on a path to sobriety. Now, at the age of 70, he describes these years as the best of his life.
Growing up with ADHD, dyslexia, and Tourette’s Syndrome, Revland faced numerous challenges throughout his life. His memoir is filled with funny and harrowing anecdotes, showcasing his self-deprecating humor and emphasizing that stumbling through life doesn’t diminish one’s worth.
Despite his own difficulties with reading due to dyslexia and ADHD, Revland has become an award-winning author, with Simply Revland being celebrated at events such as the LA Times Festival of Books and the Tribeca Book Fair. The memoir has touched many lives, with readers reaching out to express how it has helped them or their loved ones struggling with addiction or ADHD.
Revland’s artistic journey began over 50 years ago when he started building fine-art furniture from his home studio in Fargo. His creative talent and dedication have established him as a reputable furniture maker, despite setbacks caused by his addiction. With his recovery in 1991, Revland took time to regain his mojo and focused on creating custom furniture and writing his memoir.
Now in his semi-retirement, Revland plans to continue working with wood, albeit in a more intentional and selective manner. He looks forward to spending more time with his wife, Mary, their grandkids, and indulging in his hobbies such as golfing. Alongside his woodworking, Revland is considering writing a second book, as requested by his publisher.
Revland’s memoir, Simply Revland: How to Succeed in Life Despite Yourself, is available for purchase on various online platforms. To connect with the artist and learn more about his work, visit his website or follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
In summary, Steve Revland’s memoir illuminates his journey of overcoming addiction and embracing creativity. The book’s unexpected success has touched the lives of readers worldwide, while Revland continues to craft beautiful furniture and consider future literary projects. His story serves as an inspiration, showing that one can find purpose and success despite battling personal demons.1234
