My Time to Stand by Gypsy-Rose Blanchard Published by BenBella Books on December 10, 2024
Genres: Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs, Family & Relationships / Abuse / Child Abuse, True Crime / Murder / General
Pages: 264
Format: eBook
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A victim of her mother’s Munchausen by proxy and child abuse survivor, Gypsy-Rose Blanchard’s unique and controversial case made headlines across the world.
Now, she’s finally free to start living her life on her terms—and to tell her own story as only she can.
Forced to use a wheelchair in public and endure a lifetime of faux illness, fraud, and exploitation, Gypsy was subjected not only to her mother’s medical, physical, and emotional abuse, but deprived of childhood milestones. Prevented from attending school or socializing, Gypsy’s formative years were defined by pain and isolation.
After serving 8 years in prison for the role she played in her mother Dee Dee’s murder, Gypsy is embracing her fresh start—and reminding all of us that it’s never too late.
In this revelatory, harrowing, and ultimately hopeful memoir, Gypsy shares the painful realities she grew up with and the details of her life that only she knows, including:
- The abusive cycle that began with Dee Dee’s abuse by her father
- Gypsy’s fear that continued unnecessary surgery would leave her truly disabled
- How she coped with guilt and accepted responsibility for her mother’s death
- Memories of her final days in prison
- What she learned upon reviewing her own medical records for the first time
- How it felt to finally see her family again as her authentic self
Featuring Blanchard family photos and new facts about Gypsy’s life that she previously kept private, My Time to Stand offers an unprecedented look at the real Gypsy-Rose Blanchard, proudly embarking on her ongoing journey to recovery and self-discovery.
Let’s be totally honest. This is not a book I would have ever chosen to read or listen to. Being from the Ozarks, this story put a stain on our community around Springfield – the hub of this region. While I didn’t live it, it was absolutely everywhere for a very long time, even before it sensationalized the way it did with what happened with the murder of Dee Dee. And well, I know people who were involved . . . in the aftermath. However, Kristin picked it up on Libby, and we talked through as she was listening, and like they say here we are. I know for a fact my take on this book, and Gypsy-Rose’s history, is vastly different than her’s, and we’ve gone back and forth, and that is OK. Honestly, because here’s the deal . . . there are three versions of the truth to every story. Gypsy-Rose’s truth, Dee Dee’s truth, and the unvarnished truth that no one ever really sees, since all personal truth is understood through our own lenses and experiences. And, well, Dee Dee isn’t around to share her truth.
How I feel about the people personally impacted doesn’t matter if we are being honest. Everyone that was involved has been vilified and exemplified. It’s been picked over on the news, movies, and even a miniseries. I do have a lot of feelings, but let’s stick to the book itself for a minute. I wish that there was a lot more attention paid to the editing process, if I’m being honest. There are threads that lead nowhere but then pick back up later; the timeline gets really blurry. And in that blur, there’s a lot of contradiction as well. I feel like if you are going to tell your story, you want it to be as accurate as possible to your memory and experience. And this book, well, it gives a vibe that isn’t necessarily truthful due to the contradictions. I could take the time to deconstruct all the inconsistencies and contradictions, but honestly, we ain’t got time for that.
There are some things in the telling of Gypsy-Rose’s experience that I know are not fully truth. Like I mentioned before, it feels like there’s a vibe of contradictions, and here’s just one example (of many). It’s been said she had therapy during her incarceration, but then in the book, she says she didn’t qualify based on her intake. However, in the state of Missouri, any offender may request mental health services at any time during incarceration. Obviously, regardless of the truth, what she experienced, therapy would have been absolutely essential to learn how to live a healthy life in the world. So was there therapy, was there not, did she know she had options? This is just one example of things that were said that I feel like were duplicitous. Was it intentional, or was it simply the lack of a solid editing process that helped to eliminate some of these contradictions? Again, how I feel about this story that stained my hometown and captured a national spotlight, the book itself is well told, but it is lacking in clarity. It does have a target audience, and I think that audience will appreciate this book. I just wish there was more care in ensuring that it was consistent.
About Gypsy-Rose Blanchard
My name is Gypsy-Rose Blanchard, and I am a New York Times bestselling author, and advocate for healing, accountability, and personal growth.
I am the author of My Time to Stand, a memoir that chronicles my life journey with honesty, depth, and reflection. Through my writing, I share my story not to be defined by the past, but to illuminate the power of truth, resilience, and transformation. My work speaks to those navigating trauma, recovery, and the complex process of rebuilding one’s life with intention and grace.
Today, I focus on creating meaningful conversations around healing, self-acceptance, and moving forward after adversity. Whether through writing, podcasting, or public dialogue, my goal is to foster understanding, compassion, and hope — especially for those who feel unheard or misunderstood.
I am a mother, a partner, and a woman committed to growth and accountability. I believe that people are more than the worst moments of their lives, and that real change is possible when honesty meets responsibility and time.
My platform is rooted in authenticity, calm reflection, and progress — not controversy. I strive to use my voice responsibly, with purpose, and with respect for both my past and the future I am building.
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