
Member Reviews

My Time to Stand by Gypsy Rose Blanchard offers a deeply personal look into a life marked by unimaginable abuse. As a victim of her mother’s Munchausen by proxy, Gypsy was deprived of a normal childhood and forced to live a lie of illness and isolation. This memoir gives Gypsy the chance to share her side of the story, something she’s rarely had the opportunity to do before.
Since her case became widely known, it’s sparked a lot of controversy, and many still question her involvement in her mother’s death. But reading Gypsy’s words, it’s clear she’s not asking for sympathy—she’s simply telling her truth. Who am I to judge her for that?
While the book gives a heartbreaking look into her early years, I did wish for more about her time in prison and what life has been like since her release. That part of her journey felt a bit underexplored, which is why I’m giving it four stars instead of five. Overall, though, Gypsy’s story is worth reading and sheds light on the resilience of someone who’s been through more than most can imagine.
Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

I picked this up because a lot of people have been giving it low ratings without reading it or listening. You can't rate a book without reading it at least part of it. So I decided to put my own feelings about Gypsy's crimes aside and give this a read.
I really tried. I was was making terrible faces the entire time. Gypsy is a disabled woman who is trying to process the procedures done to her to manage her microdeletion and other issues. She maintains that she does not have symptoms or disabilities but it is clear when looking at her baby photos and videos that she is disabled. Embrace it Gypsy! A microdeletion is a real thing and does cause these issues.
She took the feelings she had about her disabilities and her procedures and turned those into anger and blame towards her mother. She also just really loves men. I mean she really loves them.
It is no secret that I am a "hater". Gypsy reminds me of my dad's very young wife. She is also obsessed with men and sex, to the detriment of everyone around her. There are certain things we take the the grave, but some gals just do not seem to get that.
However, books are about entertaining or informing people. This mess absolutely held my interest for the 6.5 hours I listened to it. I was honestly impressed with Gypsy's narration so good on her.

Thank you to NetGalley and Recorded Books for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily. Goodreads has decided to not allow further reviews or ratings on this book, so I am unable to share these thoughts on that platform at this time.
I don't want to say I've had my head in the sand, but I don't remember Gypsy-Rose's story at all, just the kerfuffle when she was released from prison. This was interesting to listen to but be aware of some serious trigger warnings for really dark stuff. I had a basic understanding of Gypsy-Rose's life before her mother's death, but I had no idea what a grifter her mother was until I listened to this. The things she made her daughter do all to keep receiving free aid was appalling, to say the least. But that's no reason to unalive her.
This story has some contradictions that should have been dealt with by the editor and ghostwriters. That's why I can't rate it any higher than I have.

☆ALC REVIEW☆
Publication date: Available today.
⭐️I no longer rate memoirs, non-fiction, etc, and these thoughts are all my own⭐️
This left me extremely conflicted.
I have followed Gypsy's story for a long time, as has most of the world.
While empathizing and feeling horrific for Gypsy and all the things she has had to endure in her life, I do not condone the unaliving of her mother. Many of her actions and words make it harder to feel for her, but I have thankfully never been her position so it truly is hard to judge the situation.
Pro:tip:
CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS, and if you choose to listen to the audio, put it to at least 1.5 speed.
Thank you, NetGalley, the authors, and RB Media for an advanced listeners copy in exchange for an honest review.

Listened to the audio and really enjoyed it being read by her. Has information and such that was not known before the book. Really feel for her and the situation.

3 stars. This was an interesting listen. On the narrator herself, the cadence was definitely a little awkward. Especially after hearing the epilogue/reasons for writing, the narration definitely feels disjointed compared to Gypsy’s normal speaking voice. As far as the story goes, I think the story telling, pacing was really good, and I appreciated that we got what felt like a whole picture. That also led to a little confusion over how I was supposed to feel while reading. Maybe that is just the nature of this situation, but I felt flip flopped between feeling like Gypsy was a victim and like she was an active participant in a lot of the scams that went on. Overall, this was interesting, but without the media frenzy around Gypsy Rose (and Ryan and Ken) I don’t know that I would pick this up under other circumstances.

This is a story I'm surprised I didn't know more about. This is gypsy's story and I'm glad she was able to tell her story. I liked how to the point this story is and she told the story succinctly. It was easy for me to understand as someone who knows nothing about her.

I received an ARC from NetGalley for a review.. I have a hard time rating memoirs, like how do you rate someone’s life? I was unable to rate on Goodreads, as they have rating and commenting turned off for this particular book. It was very well written, my issue lies in the fact that gypsy, a public figure, tells her story so many different ways between tv interviews, written interviews and now her book. So yes, the book was well written, but it’s contradictory to her prior interviews.

Usually I’m not a fan of rating memoirs, but for the sake of this situation I’m going to give this a rough 3.
I think Gypsy did a solid job through her narration throughout this audiobook - I’m sure it’s difficult for her to share some parts of the story, especially speaking that out loud. I do think the narration lacked a bit of empathy / overall emotion given the heaviness of the story. Audiobook aside - the story felt a bit lackluster in terms of information and storyline from Gypsy’s perspective. Some of the topics were incredibly dark & disturbing which I’m sure most people expect, but consider this your trigger warning.
I think the abuse Gypsy suffered was horrific, and this is a glimpse of the way generational abuse can evolve over time. I hope Gypsy continues to learn and grow from her experiences, but be mindful we will never understand or know the full scope of the truth.

I binged this audio in one setting because I wanted to literally hear Gypsy's perspective outside of the media frenzy and Hollywood adaptations. I feel that triggers and/or trigger warnings need to be added for listeners. Audio is also best at a quicker speed. The book is exactly what a lot of true crime enthusiasts and deep divers will want and have been waiting for in this case. I am anxious to discuss this book with others and guarantee that it will garner a lot of discussion despite the controversy that is currently surrounding it. It is brutal. It is raw. It feels honest from her perspective. The story is definitely hers and the truth lies somewhere between one of the three sides. I hope that this book allows for new discussion into victims of Munchausen as well as continued study into generational trauma.

I have a lot of thoughts about this one. I don’t know if it helped me form a better opinion and I try not to judge but it really made me extremely sad.
I think Gypsy did well narrating for the first time. Will I read this again? Likely not.

When i requested this book it was strictly being nosey and wanting to know what her story was.
After reading, i found it interesting and very much worth the read.
Well written and very interesting. would recommend!
Thanks NetGalley for letting me listen and review.

I want to first start my saying - if you are sensitive to darker topics - check your TWs because things get very graphic, very quickly.
I am all for victims finding their voice and then letting them be heard & yes, I fully believe that Gypsy is a victim in her own right. I think this book was necessary for allowing her to share her part of the story that isn’t convoluted by what we already know of the case and what was fabricated for shows like the act. However, you know what they say… there are three sides to every story: yours, mine, and the truth. And I think that stands here. I still don’t feel like we’re getting the full scope of what actually went down, nor do I ever think we will (from anyone).
I also don’t think that Gypsy has taken enough accountability of the part she played in her mother’s unaliving. A large part of this book felt like it was specifically catered to bash Nick & paint him as this monster (which I’m not saying he isn’t or that he is) it just felt fully pointed and unnecessary as far as the book goes.
I don’t think that Gypsy deserves any of the hate she is continually getting. She did the crime and she did the time that the justice department sentenced her to. It’s time to let her be free and let her atone for her wrong doings.
***currently unable to post the review to good reads due to restrictions for this specific book.

Rating and writing reviews is turned off for GoodReads but leaving a review here--
First off, check all of your TW before reading (or listening) to this book. I listened to the audio version, which is read by the author. This book is graphic (in my opinion) and details different forms of abuse inclusing including the abuse of a child and graphic SA (she describes BDSM). It also includes pretty graphic details of the 'unaliving' of her mother. It is very clear that the author has her own mental wellness she needs to continue to attend to. How she describes her role (or lack thereof) in the in this memoir/true crime may also be content warning.
I did appreciate hearing the story from her perspective. I am not someone who followed her story and can see the cycle of trauma perpetuating throughout generations in this family. I found this to be a really difficult read/listen, but if you like true crime this would be a great choice for you.
*I received a complimentary audio copy from the author/publishing company via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts & opinions are my own.

well that was a sad listen to. Wish I was able to leave reviews on sites for this one. it was well written and the audio on 1.75x speed wasn't annoying. sad to hear her side of things.

There are many, many public opinions of Gypsy-Rose out there. Wherever you fall on the spectrum, there’s something undeniable from this memoir.
This is about a child who wasn’t given the support she needed growing up - from a variety of people in her life. You can say what you want from speculation and “research” you’ve done online but there’s two sides of a story and the truth.
This is Gypsy-Rose’s story. You can’t deny or call her memories false because it’s not your story. The victim blaming from the reviews are astounding. Not only is it a well written book, it’s an insight into her mind and her journey.

I really liked this book! I loved hearing Gypsy's side. Didn't learn anything new, but it made me understand her so much better. Wasn't sure about her narrating, but she did an amazing job! Highly recommend! I finished this book within 24 hours.

(only rating on NG bc were forced, will not be carryimg rating over to reviews posted elsewhere, & GR has the listing locked so I can't rate or review this at the moment)
I'm not typically one to shy away from rating memoirs, but this has become an exception.
I have 0 credentials to say this, but I'm worried it may be a little too soon for this, and I'm curious how much is Gypsy's own thoughts and reflections vs those of her support systems.
Because I have no idea, I'm going to give the benefit of the doubt.
I hope her life goes nowhere but up from here 💕
I'd highly recommend this as an audiobook. Author narrated memoirs are some of the very best. They've also included some bonus content w Gypsy at the end.
{Thank you bunches to NetGalley, Gypsy-Rose Blanchard, Ben Ella Books and RBMedia for the ALC in exchange for my honest review!}

Unable to post review to goodreads due to unusual activity, but will do so when its available.
I think that there is always three sides to every story, and this is no different; however I do think that accountability was taken when needed from Gypsy where it never was with her mother...
This book is a good look into not only Gypsy's recollection of her life, but what others have told her.
I think many of us would and will never have to understand why what was done was done, but it was nice to hear in her own words.

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.