I have always been fascinated with the whole concept of the Manson Family, and this book gives a very frank insight into Charles Manson. I think the co-author (Nuel Emmons) did a good job of keeping Manson's loony side in check, as the book is an easy read without the pointless rants common to videotaped interviews with Manson. To get a good idea of the Manson family, I would recommend that people read this book, "Helter Skelter" by Vincent Bugliosi, "Sharon Tate and the Manson Murders" by Greg King, and "Would You Die For Me" by Charles "Tex" Watson. I think the truth about Manson lies somewhere in the middle of these four books. The only criticism I have is that Manson tries to deflect much of the blame from himself.

"Now I ask you, is my charisma, my power, my love, or my madness drawing those people to me? Or is it an attraction caused by writers so obsessed with proving themselves to the public, they created a monster and fed a myth to establish their own names?" (225).This is probably the closest to the truth that you will come. This is Manson rambling for hours upon hours inside prison walls. The author, Nuel Emmons lets Manson loose, and barely puts in his own comments, and refuses to take sides. This is Manson's story, and although you have to ask yourself what's true, and what's bull, by the end you wil have a much better understanding and - not so much- a pity for him, but a clearer picture. Manson makes some sense in this book, and I'll be the first to point out that Manson himself ADMITS that he WAS nvolved in those senseless murders, but doesn't take full blame. Does he regret or feel sorry about it? You'll have to be the judge. But, you can also read between the lines here too. He felt a responsibility for those unwanted kids, because that's where he came from. True, he might have used that to his advantage, but again, you be the judge. I highly reccomend this book. I hate to say this, but we may have mistaken this man a bit. And that's not to say that I agree with those senseless murders!!!!But you will see the bitterness that was growing in Manson's heart through his travels through homosexual love flings, rape, being a bastard child, and living life on the run. Read this book, please, don't rely only on Bugliosi's "Helter Skelter." This is the real deal.

This book was by far the best book that I have ever read in my life. After having read Helter Skelter and other books about Manson I was amazed at how different Manson's view point was. It is so exciting to be able to get into the mind of Charles Manson and actually see his side of the story. Charles Manson is a very interesting person and this book really helps you to understand him.