PATRICK A. ROLAND
Patrick A. Roland is a gay, bipolar, ex-drug addict, widowed abuse survivor and the author of three great books. His first, Unpacked Sparkle: a Story of Grief and Recovery, kicks off his journey of sobriety and self-love following the death of his partner, Pack, in January 2014. It was published in 2016 by Az Publishing.
His second book is a children’s book called Sparkle On! This book is about a gecko who is constantly bullied but chooses to fight this torment with love. Sparkle on! was published in 2018 by XLIBRIS. His new book, The Sparkle King, keeps the sparkle flowing as Patrick finds his way through several fear-inducing experiences by constantly choosing faith to overcome them in long-term sobriety. Patrick has been featured on Oprah’s Life You Want class on Oprah Daily and has spoken twice for Storytellers, an event sponsored by Gannett Newspapers and USA Today. He has also been featured on podcasts for the International Bipolar Foundation and Emmy-winning newscaster Brandon Lee in Phoenix. He was interviewed by National Public Radio in 2018 and has been featured in articles by the Arizona Republic and Phoenix New Times. Patrick lives in Phoenix, Az. He is a peer support at a mental health clinic, where he helps others just like himself. He’s also earning a Master’s in Addiction Counselling at Grand Canyon University and is taking care of his elderly, terminally ill parents. He wants you to know you can do anything you decide to do if you love yourself. |
The Sparkle King
In 2014, Patrick lost his partner, Pack, suddenly and without warning. As he struggled to come to terms with this, he was faced with homophobic prejudice from his partner's family. In horrendous emotional pain and feeling desperately lonely and depressed, he started to use recreational drugs heavily and hit rock-bottom whilst on a trip to Las Vegas.
After being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and getting clean from drugs and alcohol, Patrick thought his fight was over. However, this was not the case. Life had many other obstacles in store for him but this time, he knew how to be strong and he knew he had God on his side for support. This inspiring and emotive true story shows how anyone can overcome the hurdles life presents them with, if they just have faith and focus on their inner strengths. |
Unpacked Sparkle chronicles Patrick Roland’s transformative journey upon finding his partner, Pack, dead in January 2017. The journey begins on the day of the funeral which he was not allowed to attend by Pack’s homophobic family, and details a nearly two-year journey back to a now thriving, joy-filled life.
This story discusses addiction and recovery from it, grief and the journey to the acceptance, the family dynamics and DNA that resulted in a life-saving bi-polar diagnosis, and the importance of civil rights and marriage equality. This miraculous journey is threaded together by a tapestry of amazing friends who helped Patrick find his way back to happiness, where he continues putting his hand out to other in search of their own sparkle. The author hopes that by sharing his experience and strength with readers, they will find hope. He believes everyone deserves to sparkle. Let’s take this journey together so you can unpack yours. |
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