In My Time to Stand, Gypsy-Rose Blanchard courageously steps into her own narrative, sharing her harrowing past and the systemic failures that allowed her suffering to persist. Co-authored with Melissa Moore and Michele Matrisciani, the memoir provides a deeply personal and eye-opening look into the life of a young woman whose story captivated and horrified the world.

This book goes beyond the headlines, revealing a side of Gypsy-Rose’s life that many may not have fully understood. It chronicles her experiences growing up under the oppressive control of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, and the unimaginable abuse she endured due to Munchausen syndrome by proxy. Through her story, Gypsy-Rose highlights the ways in which the system—meant to protect vulnerable children—failed her at every turn, painting a sobering picture of neglect and oversight.

What makes this memoir particularly powerful is Gypsy-Rose’s focus on reclaiming her agency and using her voice to create change. Her desire to document her story for her future children speaks volumes about her strength and resilience. By sharing her truth, she not only confronts her past but also sheds light on the broader issue of child abuse and neglect, urging society to take action to prevent similar tragedies.

The writing is raw and authentic, drawing readers into Gypsy-Rose’s experiences and emotions. The collaboration with Melissa Moore and Michele Matrisciani ensures that her voice is clear and compelling while also providing structure and context to the narrative.

Verdict: My Time to Stand is a moving and essential read, offering a deeper understanding of Gypsy-Rose Blanchard’s life and the systemic failings that contributed to her plight. It’s a testament to resilience and a call to action, making it a must-read for anyone seeking insight into the complexities of abuse, survival, and the fight for justice.

A very interesting story. It was intriguing to hear from her perspective. I think it’s hard to rate a memoir as far as content. But it was well written and well narrated.

Thank you to NetGalley for the audio version of this book!

First of all I am a huge true crime girl so I know this case well. I was so curious to listen to this and see if there was anything new to learn. Gypsy herself narrates this and I was worried her voice would bother me. But to my surprise it didn’t at all and I actually enjoyed the fact that she did it herself. It made it more relatable for the listener. I did learn some new things about this case. And in general I relent enjoyed listening to this book.

It’s not often that I read memoirs, but when I do it’s typically because I’m invested into that person or their life. I’ve followed Gypsy-Rose’s journey for years, and when I was presented with the opportunity to listen to this I couldn’t help but apply. There is something so poetic about the subject of a memoir being the narrator of their own story. Listening to Gypsy-Rose tell more of her story, so vulnerable and raw was emotion provoking for me. I dislike the idea of rating a memoir, because it feels inappropriate to rate someone’s life or livelihood - but I’m rating this one for the sake of receiving an arc but also, because the audiobook was put together so well and Gypsy-Rose told her story so beautifully. The world has portrayed Gypsy in many lights over the last few years, so it’s refreshing to hear her story from her mouth.

Thank you so much Gypsy-Rose Blanchard, and Netgalley for my arc of My Time to Stand.