National Network for Equitable Library Service

Gypsy-Rose Blanchard discovered that her whole life was a lie. After eight-and-a-half years of incarceration, she can finally tell you the truth—with this exclusive collection of interview transcripts and journal entries, plus her own illustrations and photos. While incarcerated for her role in her mother's death, Gypsy saw her story told by others again and again in the media, from news reports and podcasts to TV series like The Act (Hulu). Now, granted early parole and preparing to start a new life, she's free to speak directly to her supporters and the world. Falsely told that she suffered from debilitating, chronic illnesses, Gypsy grew up enduring physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her mother Dee Dee, including unnecessary medication and surgery. But her desperate attempts to escape a lifetime of isolation led Gypsy into the grip of another abuser, ultimately resulting in her mother's murder. Released is Gypsy's frank, unflinching, and deeply personal reflection on her past, present, and hoped-for future, and includes: Exclusive interviews with Gypsy recorded during her time in prison; Gypsy's contemplative writing on trust and betrayal, love and freedom, self-worth and identity, prison life, her marriage, and other personal issues; Personal photos, drawings, and other memories from years past. Created with writers Melissa Moore and Michele Matrisciani, Released is a declaration of Gypsy's resolve to turn her pain into perseverance, take accountability for her actions, and help others escape the trap that circumscribed her life for so long.