"My Time to Stand" by Gypsy-Rose Blanchard offers a truly unique and compelling narrative. Although I initially approached the book with some bias, it became clear that the depth of trauma Gypsy-Rose has endured is beyond anything most people can fully comprehend. As the story unfolded, I found myself empathizing with her more than I expected.

The relationship between Gypsy-Rose and Nick is explored in explicit detail, though at times, the level of description felt more than necessary. While I can't say I "enjoyed" the book in the traditional sense, the audiobook kept my attention throughout, offering a glimpse into the author's harrowing experiences.

I truly hope Gypsy-Rose is able to find the support and healing she deserves after everything she has been through.

My Time to Stand by Gypsy-Rose Blanchard, with Melissa Moore and Michele Matrisciani, offers a raw look into Gypsy-Rose’s life, her struggles with abuse, and her journey toward reclaiming her voice. The memoir highlights important themes of survival, manipulation, and the long road to self-empowerment, giving readers insight into a widely publicized and tragic story.

While the emotional honesty is impactful, the narrative often feels surface-level, missing opportunities to dive deeper into the psychological complexities of Gypsy-Rose’s experiences. At times, the storytelling leans more toward recounting events than fully exploring the emotional and moral layers behind them.

2.5 stars — a heartfelt but somewhat uneven memoir that offers a glimpse into Gypsy-Rose’s perspective but leaves deeper questions unexplored.

It almost feels wrong to rate this book and because of that I put it off for a long time. I think the fact is, we will never know the true story of what happened between Gypsy-Rose Blanchard and her mother. What I can say is that what happened to her was deeply troubling and it skewed her beliefs in a way that I hope she has healed from since she has now brought another life into the world. She does bring things up in this book that are contradictory and I can't firmly believe the entire novel is true. The most troubling of this being the absolutely terrible and horrific things that Nick fantasized with her about, one thing so horrific she claimed it was her "final straw", but was it? How was it not crossing the line and how could it have been her final straw when she went on to continue plotting with him to murder her mother and THEN continued that relationship in prison. So it couldn't have possibly been the final straw, there was nothing he could have said to push her away she never would have left him without the police becoming involved. That said, I do think it is worth a read and would recommend listening to the audiobook to hear the tale straight from her own lips, but I am also grateful that this was a free book from NetGalley and I did not contribute to her life.

Thank you to NetGalley for the free copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed the audio version of this book as it is read by Gypsy Rose and that adds a level of personality to the writing.
It was helpful to hear the full story including some background of her mother.
Whilst I enjoyed the book the writing felt quite amateur and I feel it could have benefitted from a ghost writer/higher level of editing. Parts of the book felt like they were lacking detail.

Full disclaimer: GRB and her story is, perhaps, what I consider to be my „favourite“ true crime case. I don’t like calling it that, because we are still talking about murder (and I can be quoted saying that I find the podcast „My Favourite Murder“ distasteful not only because of the frankly annoying hosts, but also because of the title; we are all lovers of the macabre in this house, but I don’t have any patience for that kind of sensationalism). Put simply, it combines all the non-fiction topics I normally seek out: medical malpractice, Münchhausen-in-proxy, and matricide. Yeah, you heard that right.

But what the public finds so fascinating about GRB goes beyond that: The narrative of an adult woman „trapped“ in a child’s body for years (and almost no one, not even those who discovered the blatant gaps in her medical history, seemed to suspect), the act of murder committed as possible „self-defense“ („It was me or her“), the opioid addiction, and, naturally, the grooming at the hands of a man caught up in a perverse fantasy world, who himself wasn’t at full mental capacity. Possibly twice.

It goes without saying that this book was controversial before it was even published.

Hard to trust a memoir that was written by someone who has been proven to have lied in the past. Do I think the whole account of GRB’s life as told by herself is false? No. But I find it difficult to sincerely engage with the story of someone who has repeatedly been untruthful. More so because that person was brought up by a notorious liar and con artist. GRB herself mentions how difficult it is for her to find her own identity, as everyone familiar with her case shouldn’t be surprised to hear.

I personally don’t believe she has arrived there yet. And it’s no wonder! We view her as a murderer (or facilitator to murder), but also as a victim of child abuse in more ways than one. She grows up only knowing that she has to put up an act (I haven’t watched the TV show based on her case yet – imo it’s just too soon for a production like that – but it surely was aptly named), yet realizing that she can, in fact, walk. She talks of loving her mother - and despite that arranged her murder anyways. GRB is a contradiction.

Of course, it’s hard to call a piece of writing genuine when it was made by ghostwriters. I honestly can't even guess how much (or how little) of this autobiography was written by GRB herself, considering that her education prior to her imprisonment must have been minimal. That being said, what was written was alright. Excluding the Southern exclamations thrown in by GRB.

And, frankly, it was a... choice to have GRB narrate the audiobook. I can’t help but think that the publisher eschewed a professional voice actress in favour of instrumentalizing her famously high, „child-like“ voice to elicit empathy. But of course empathy is the ultimate goal of any life account. I wouldn’t have listened to this book if I didn’t have empathy for GRB.

Despite that, there I saw very little facing up to her guilt in this book. There are few mentions of her being a criminal (which she of course is). But you can be both things: a criminal and the victim of a crime, an innocent and a liar, a woman with agency and person with a child-like understanding of the world.

I only wish she would keep away from the spotlight these days. And of course publishing a memoir is the opposite of that behaviour. Her infamous social media appearances of the past years, to me, were nothing but a marketing campaign. So this book is, naturally, at least partially another money grab. The detail that went into the recounting of her sexual abuse and more or less consensual sexual encounters was jarring, to say the least, and seemed intentional. To keep things "interesting".

Can a person really ever be free of the way they were raised, when all they were brought up to do was lie and bring in the money? Was this memoir her own idea? Is this another act? I kept asking myself these questions the whole time that I was listening to My Time To Stand. We won’t ever know, because we can’t read people’s minds.

But GRB was let down by the system as a child – and, I’m afraid, it’s happening again. GRB needs continued therapy, not a book deal. Where do I stand in the end (honest to god, this pun was not initially intended)? I can only give the book a mid three stars with a good conscience. Not because I think it’s morally wrong to buy it (I can wash my hands of giving money to a convicted criminal though, thanks to Netgalley), but because I’m afraid this might only be the start of GRB’s return to the public.

I don’t want to see youtube channels, or reality shows, or even breakfast TV interviews by or featuring GRB. Let this be all. Let her move on and away from this!

[Ha, joke's on me for writing down a first draft of this review when I still had 20 minutes of the audiobook left to listen to. As a matter of course, GRB has already appeared on reality TV more than once, as she herself tells us in the book. I don't know what I expected.]

My Time to Stand by Gypsy-Rose Blanchard was a memoir I couldn’t wait to get my hands on. I’ve followed this story from the very beginning.

This was entertaining enough. After years of watching her story unfold publicly- it was nice to hear it from her view, the good, the bad and everything in between. I did find at times like is the narrator of her own life unreliable?!? Obviously, because of social media, seeing prior interviews and following her - there were some things that just didn’t add up if you will.


If you’re looking for a quick, binge worthy listen - definitely pick this one up. But be prepared to side eye some of the material. Either way - some of this was very hard to listen to even if you’ve heard some version of this before.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for an early copy in exchange for my honest review!

It was nice getting to hear everything in Gypsy's voice and from her perspective. I knew a decent amount about what happened from researching information over the years and then watching her show that premiered on Lifetime. It's truly sad what happened to her and the life that she had to live. Not the ideal way to get out of the situation, but at the time she did think that was her only option and I can't fault her for that. I'm glad I was finally able to listen to this and will be picking up a physical copy to add to my memoir shelf.

I know there is a lot of hate over what Gypsy and Nick did to her mother. Gypsy had the right to tell her story on her terms. While I don't condone murder, Munchausen is a horrible disease and many children have been murdered by their parent. Gypsy's maturity and critical thinking skills were severely stunted from her babying and isolation. What concerns me the most is why so many medical professionals put her through so many unnecessary surgeries and treatments without questioning further. That's a terrifying thought and how many other children have experienced the same that we don't even know about? So many people failed Gypsy. It's tragic.

Truly eye opening and i loved getting to know more about Gypsy directly from Gypsy. I also felt herself narrating made it feel like a personal journey taken together

This is a book that definitely benefits from being read on audio! Like most people I was fascinated by Gypsy and her story. While I take what she wrote with a grain of salt it was definitely interesting to hear things from her point of view!

I appreciated Gypsy's candor and reflection throughout the book. I presume it was cathartic for her to get it all out. I am sure many people were keen to read this and get insight into this sensationalized true-crime case. I wish her all the best in the future

Rounded up - thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia | Recorded Books for the ALC in exchange for honest review!

I like most everyone else has heard at least the basics of Gypsy-Rose Blanchard's tale - perfectly healthy kid gets subjected to all sorts of medical abuse by her mom, kills mom in an act of desperation, is caught.

This book, at about six and a half hours, is Blanchard's own telling of what happened -- both "the Deed" as it's called in the moment -- and her life up to, through, and after the fact. Not only that, but because the memoir is constructed both from her own memories, but out of interviews with the family members she was able to reconnect with after being kept so wholly from them, she's gained an insight into her mom's past and youth that she never was able to when her mom was still alive... and maybe it's not forgiveness, but it's understanding.

The audiobook is read by Blanchard herself, and there's a little bonus at the end talking about how the book came to be, and it was written in collaboration with Melissa Moore (an investigative reporter with her own personal connection to notorious crime) and Michele Matrisciani (an editor/ghostwriter) and I was so stoked to see the names of people who very heavily were involved in the writing actually credited for once instead of having to sleuth the internet to see about ghostwriting.

Having never seen The Act or Blanchard's HBO interview or any of her Lifetime docuseries stuff a lot of her story was new to me and I appreciated the way it was presented (although the "I divorced Ryan and got back with my ex Ken was sudden and without explanation) in a sympathetic and understandable way.

This title was interesting. Having consumed a lot of media around these events it was interesting to gain the first hand perspective now so many years after first hearing of the case. I feel like the audio book narration was personal. Its not often that I listen to autobiographies, but I tried this one on due to the past knowledge that I had. At one point it felt like we were getting a lot of sexual context that I personally could have done without. I do feel like I learn new things about the case. This is a mature read / listen, not recommended for anyone under 18.

I always love when the author narrates their memoir. I've been following Gypsy's life for awhile now, and it's nice to finally get her side of things (not that the Hulu show wasn't entertaining).

Gypsy-Rose Blanchard’s My Time to Stand offers a raw, compelling insight into her life, her experiences, and her transformation. Collaborating with Melissa Moore and Michele Matrisciani, the audiobook delves into her journey, shedding light on the complex layers of abuse, survival, and self-discovery.

Narrated with clarity and emotion, the audiobook provides an intimate portrayal of Gypsy's voice as she recounts her experiences of living under the control of her mother, the eventual unraveling of their relationship, and the choices that led to her current reality. The contributions from Melissa Moore, a victim advocate and true-crime expert, and Michele Matrisciani, a skilled writer and editor, add depth and structure to Gypsy's personal narrative, ensuring that her story is not only engaging but also impactful.

One of the audiobook’s strengths lies in its ability to balance the gravity of Gypsy’s circumstances with her resilience and hope for the future. The narrative doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker aspects of her life but also emphasizes her courage to reclaim her autonomy and find her voice.

The audio format is particularly effective for this story. Hearing Gypsy's emotions and reflections allows listeners to connect with her on a deeply personal level. The pacing is well-managed, and the blend of firsthand accounts with expert context enhances the storytelling without feeling overwhelming.

My Time to Stand is not just a memoir; it is a call to awareness and an exploration of the human spirit’s capacity to endure and heal. It is a must-listen for those interested in true crime, psychology, or stories of personal empowerment.

Rating: 4.5/5

This audiobook is a poignant reminder of the importance of self-determination, and it serves as a testament to the power of speaking one’s truth. It leaves listeners not only informed but also inspired.

Thanks to NetGalley, RB Media, and Gypsy Rose Blanchard for the advanced copy of her story.

WOW! The things that Gypsy Rose went through were absolutely nuts! The mind games and physical things that this girl went through! Read by the author and was great!

4 stars!

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced reader copy!

My Time to Stand by Gypsy Rose Blanchard is a raw and deeply personal memoir that sheds light on her harrowing experiences under the control of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard. Through vivid and emotional storytelling, Gypsy reveals the years of abuse, manipulation, and medical deception she endured, as well as the choices that ultimately led to her mother’s tragic death and her own incarceration.
Gypsy is vulnerable, offering readers a firsthand look at the struggles of surviving abuse and reclaiming her identity. Her reflections on her past are heartbreaking.

However, the narrative feels uneven at times. Some sections are vividly detailed and gripping, while others feel rushed or lacking in depth. Readers unfamiliar with the widely publicized case may find certain parts underexplained, leaving them wanting more context or insight into her thoughts and experiences.

Despite its imperfections, My Time to Stand is a compelling and thought-provoking memoir that highlights themes of abuse, survival, and justice. It’s a courageous and important story, offering readers a chance to better understand Gypsy’s life and the strength it took to reclaim her voice.

Definitely interesting to hear this story from Gypsy Rose's point of view. Her voice was a bit off-putting, but, I mean, it IS her voice, and she has a right to tell her story. I recommend this book!

I really didn’t expect to love this book as much as I did. I really wasn’t sure I would like it narrated by Gypsy but she did a great job and I appreciated her willingness to share so much about such a tough time in her life.

Okay I really hate giving lower ratings to memoirs because it feels like I’m judging their life. To be clear, my star rating of this is not based on that. What Gypsy-Rose endured is horrific, and I admire her courage for sharing her story. That being said, this book needed some heavy editing. It’s all over the place. There is something to be said for a non-linear narrative, but it has to be done precisely and this fell short. It’s still worth a listen because, again, her story is heartbreaking and powerful, but I think her editors did her a disservice by not arranging this into a cohesive story.

Thank you to RB Media and Netgalley for this ARC. My Time to Stand is out now.

3.5/5 stars