Gypsy Rose Blanchard Shares Her Top Book Picks for a Break from Reality

The book chronicles her experiences growing up as a victim of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, her time in prison for her involvement in the murder of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, and her journey toward starting a new chapter in life.

While promoting her new memoir, Gypsy Rose Blanchard has shared some of her favorite books that offer her an escape from reality.

Some of Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s favorite books that offer an “escape” from reality include fantasy books such as the “Harry Potter” series.

“The ‘Harry Potter’ series were the first chapter books I remember at 10 years old,” she told Page Six of her love for the fantasy genre. “Fantasy worlds gave me an escape by providing a new world I could pretend to live in and this gave me hope that I could somehow escape my reality.”

She added, “That’s the magic of books. They can transport you to another place. And of course, whatever I read, I always love a happy ending!”

While she loves the whole series, she does have one favorite. “I love the whole ‘Harry Potter’ series and its world-building,” she said. “And I especially love ‘Order of the Phoenix’ because Harry is fighting back and standing up to corrupt leaders with his friends, and I think the message of standing together against evil is so powerful.”

She also named “Star Wars: Legacy of the Force” by Troy Denning, Karen Traviss, and Aaron Allston.

“I loved this series because it makes you feel like you are right there with the famous ‘Star Wars’ characters in their adventures,” Gypsy said. “All the battles and the characters’ choices had me so invested and I loved reading a new perspective on such a famous series.”

Gypsy later added that “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins is a “thrilling” yet “heartbreaking” series.

“I admire Katniss’ strength and bravery so much,” Gypsy said of the main character. “You can’t stop rooting for her, even when everything feels so dangerous and sad.”

Next up – “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” by Suzanne Collins. “In addition to the original trilogy, I love the most recent one that follows President Snow and Lucy Gray,” she told Page Six. “Learning how the games became what we know them as brought so much depth to the world of Panem that I really enjoyed.”

“I loved it because it’s like having a friend who’s always there to tell you what’s happening with your baby,” she told the outlet. “And what’s going on with you! It’s sweet and has helped me feel prepared for every little thing, as much as I can be as a first-time mom.”

She also read “What to Expect the First Year” by Heidi Murkoff, which she said has “been so helpful.”

“To read something explaining everything about baby care, like little secrets only the experts know,” she said of the impact the book had on her. “It has made things seem a lot less scary, and a little easier, and makes me so excited to experience the newborn and infant stages!”

In “My Time to Stand,” co-written with Melissa Moore, Gypsy Rose Blanchard recounts how her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard—believed by medical experts to have suffered from Munchausen syndrome by proxy—kept her isolated from family members to conceal the fabricated medical conditions and unnecessary treatments she imposed on her.

Dee Dee manipulated medical professionals, family, and the public into believing that Gypsy had numerous severe health issues, including leukemia, muscular dystrophy, epilepsy, and other chronic illnesses. She also allegedly claimed Gypsy had developmental delays, ensuring her total reliance on her mother.

Gypsy details the devastating impact of her mother’s actions, including the removal of her teeth and salivary glands, being confined to a wheelchair, and having a feeding tube inserted—all based on fabricated diagnoses.