Manson in His Own Words: The Shocking Confessions of 'The Most Dangerous Man Alive' by Charles Manson
|
List Price: Our Price: $8.23 You Save: $5.77 (41%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $2.49 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of Manson in His Own Words: The Shocking Confessions of 'The Most Dangerous Man Alive'
Book Review: This Book Contains A Manson Bombshell
Summary: 4 Stars
If for no other reason, this book is an important Manson readbecause of a startling revelation near the end. For readers who have read "Helter Skelter" or are familiar with the Tate murders on August 9, 1969; a couple of things don't add up. Several
witnesses in the benedict canyon area of Los Angeles that night heard men shouting and arguing in the vicinity of 10500 Cielo Drive. It reportedly occurred between 3:00 and 4:00 a.m. This would have been several hours after the murders, but long before the bodies were discovered around 8:30 a.m. It was also known that in the course of this horrific crime, Sharon Tate never left the house once the killers arrived. She was murdered in the living room, having never made it outside. Her blood; however, was found on the front porch. Police and criminal experts also reported that her body had been completely smeared with blood. As if the body had been handled by someone at the scene, not too
long after the murders.
It is in this book that Manson proclaims that he and "one or two others," went back to the crime scene that night. He said he wanted to "see what my children had done." Manson even writes about what a risky operation that can be and that they were very cautious and unsettled by the whole experience. He refuses to name his accomplices, but goes into details about how he wiped down Steve Parent's car for prints and tried to move Sharon Tate's body. He also goes into sickening descriptions about what he wanted to do to her body in an effort to leave an
an even more horrifying discovery. This would explain the blood discrepency, the appearanced of a handled body (Tate), and the voices heard arguing from the residence.
This is not to say that because Manson said this, it is true. It would however, explain alot about the case that Mr. Bugliosi did not really cover in his book, "Helter Skelter." To add even more credibility to Manson's story, Tex Watson has said recently that he believed Manson reurned to the scene of the murders after he and the girls had retired for the night at Spohn Ranch. Adding a very creepy twist if true, to an already monstrously evil event in the annals of crime.
Book Review: Manson's True Words?
Summary: 4 Stars
I won't pretend I know all about the "Manson Family" and I haven't even read Helter Skelter (i've seen the film, though) and I don't really read many true crime novels, but this was one I couldn't pass up. I don't know why some are going on about how Charlie didn't write this book, it is plain as day that there is another author, so Charlie more or less dictated the book. Right? Now, how well Emmons adhered to those words I don't know. But I liked this book. It was a fast read for me, compelling, sometimes frighteningly rational, and I understand the motives behind the Manson Family better. No, Charlie didn't commit those murders himself, but he was a ring leader, although I think at that point if he'd told them not to commit the murders they probably would've done them anyway - that being hyped up on drugs thing. I must say that I walked away knowing more than I ever wanted about Manson's previous sex life. I did like the honest feeling that I got from Manson (what there was of it) and he owned up to some things. He didn't try to paint himself as a victim, he did take some responsibility. Does that make all he did excusable? No.
What disappointed me about the book was the lack of information of the trials. Like I said, I haven't read the prosecution's book (maybe i should), but I really would've liked more of Manson's view on his trial, the Family's trial, etc. What was with the swastika on his head and the "I am Christ" claims? I realize some of it may've been media propaganda, but I would've liked more of his view.
Is this book entirely the truth? Probably not, nothing ever is. But it's a good read, in my opinion. He's just an average guy who made some horrible choices, probably has brain damage from all the drugs, and definitely has childhood trauma. It's easy to see how he ended up where he did.
Book Review: In His Own Words
Summary: 4 Stars
As a fan of true crime, Charles Manson has long been one of my favorite subjects. "Helter Skelter" is perhaps the best true crime book ever written. Having read the prosecuting attorney's view of the events, I felt it would be interesting to read Manson's version. Keeping in mind that Manson is neither honest nor completely sane, I was able to gain a lot of insight into who Charles Manson really is.The book contains admissions and other information that were not in "Helter Skelter". This being considered, there are some serious flaws in the book. Manson's lies are fairly obvious at times when he is contradicting the proven evidence that convicted him. One person can lie. But when several stories match up against that person, the lie falls apart.
Perhaps the most eye-opening information in this book is in regard to Manson's childhood. Manson details a brutal childhood in which he was neglected, abandon, and even traded for a pitcher of beer. Manson even details the times he was raped in the youth detention center. One has to be curious if these events really did create the leader of a muderous cult.
While there is little doubt that Manson is a danger to society and guilty of heinous crimes, a disturbing public fascination persists more than 30 years later. The author, Nuel Emmons, makes the best observations in the conclusions. While we may never know the truth or the real Charles Manson, we can certainly gain some valuable insight by reading his own words.
Book Review: His words are strangely compelling
Summary: 4 Stars
Manson tells this tale from prison to former prison-mate Nuel Emmons. He begins with his childhood and explains how he was abandoned by his mother and never knew his father. He winds up in juvenile facilites at a young age and thus begins his life of incarceration. His story moves on to his release in 1967 and how he adapts to the changes in the world while he was imprisoned. It is at this time that he begins to attract young women and forms what becomes known as the "Manson Family." Finally, he concludes with his perspective of the murders that made him a household name.
What is oddly compelling is that Manson has a tendency to make a lot of sense - that is until you reread a particular paragraph and think about the inherent flaws in his logic. But at first you will think, ok, I can understand why he broke the law there.....wait a minute!! It is a fascinating look into the criminal mind and largely explains why criminals will continue to break the law and rationalize their behavior away. Ultimately, the effect he had and continues to have over others is chilling. He admits to at least some role in the murders, and through this admission shows how much control he had over the women that did his bidding. How much of this is actually directly from Manson is debatable since he has discredited Emmons since publication. However, strangely compelling, this book is a direct window into the brain of a very dangerous individual.
Book Review: A chilling look into the mind of a monster....
Summary: 4 Stars
I was somewhat reluctant to purchase this book because I didn't want to help glorify Manson in anyway. However, I found it irresistable not to know what Manson's version was of those two nights of senseless slaughter in August, 1969. I was shocked to learn that after 32 years, Manson continues to claim he didn't order the murders at all--it was "the girl's idea", he simply "went along with it". Incredible! Poor ole Charlie, apparantly, HE was the one who was brainwashed!Manson does not disappoint! He comes across as being just as crazy as most people imagine him to be. It's really scary to hear him try to justify his actions. He takes no responsibility for anything and claims society made him what he is. He offers absolutely no remorse for the brutal murders and has no sympathy for the families of the victims.
I gave this book a 4 star rating because I do believe Manson told the truth--the truth as his sick, twisted mind believes the truth to be. This look into the mind of a monster is chilling, but almost as chilling is the fact that there are still people out there today who think he is some kind of hero and truly believe that what he and his "family" did on those two hot, summer nights in 1969 was "cool".