Play Book Tag discussion

How do you review a true story that's so unbelievable that it has to be true? I had vaguely heard of Charles Manson and his 'family' before reading this, but had no idea the extent of his power, influence, or how gruesome the actual murders are. It's scary to even think about the fact that he is still alive, and still has a following to this day almost 50 years later. Reading The Girls inspired me to read this.

The writing was great. You can tell that Bugliosi is not only a great lawyer, but a great writer as well. He put's the situations and terms into a familiar sense so it's understandable to anyone reading. The book is broken up into parts. Explaining the murders themselves, then going through the trials and legal processing for all indicted in the Manson Family party, even a nice 25 year later afterword that tied everything together. I think this was the smartest way to explain such an extensive case. He was detailed in describing things, while picking and choosing what to put in from interviews, legal transcripts, and quotes from other places. Everything made sense, and came together to agree that he is pure evil.

My five stars is not only for the story, but the storytelling. I used this as my 'gym book' to motivate me to go to the gym just to read more. If a book get's me into the gym-it deserves praise (and reading it at night was too creepy for me). Can't go to sleep with murder thoughts on the brain. Plus reading this actually makes me want to start reading true crime. This could be the gateway book that shoves me down the true crime rabbit hole.

I should reread this...

I was a teenager when the Manson Family committed the murders and remember how it completely shocked the world. I was fascinated by this book when I read it in 1975. There was no 24 hour news stations at the time and we grabbed the newspaper every morning to follow the story. It did start me on a decades long true crime habit. Another true crime story of the same style is The Stranger Beside Me: Ted Bundy The Shocking Inside Story by Ann Rule.

Like Cindy, I should find some time to reread this one.

once you go down the True Crime Rabbit Hole, look for the Podcast, "My Favorite Murder"

Like Olivermagnus, I read this as soon as it came out in 1975. And I read the newspaper daily to follow the case ... and the trial.

It's one of those books that I remember clearly, but that is not on my Goodreads list because I read it so long before I was keeping track. But I'm certain I would have rated it 5 stars had Goodreads (or Shelfari) existed then.

I also second OM's recommendation on The Stranger Beside Me: Ted Bundy The Shocking Inside Story, which I've read a couple of times (the last time during the week Bundy was executed).

I was a child when those murders happened and read this book when I was a teen. As a precocious reader, I was reading about this in the newspaper (I started reading the newspaper at the ripe old age of 9 because we'd moved to San Francisco for 2 years and for some reason I was finally interested in more than just the comics).

Thought this book was absolutely outstanding and so glad to see you felt similarly, Joi. I've often thought I'm someone who could join you down the true crime rabbit hole. Something about the whole thing never fails to grab my attention. Especially books that get into the psychology of the criminal.

Book Concierge wrote: "Like Olivermagnus, I read this as soon as it came out in 1975. And I read the newspaper daily to follow the case ... and the trial.

I also second OM's recommendation on The Stranger Beside Me: Ted Bundy The Shocking Inside Story, which I've read a couple of times (the last time during the week Bundy was executed). ..."

I also read Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders when it first came out. Not something I care to revisit. The Bundy book piques my interest, however. He allegedly kidnapped a young woman from a city that I moved to a few years later. He bought gas there so they were able to place him in town, but he never admitted to any involvement with her. I don't believe they ever found the body, but she is considered one of his victims. It's scary to think about normal appearing people that are sociopathic killers and in our midst.

Olivermagnus wrote: "Another true crime story of the same style is The Stranger Beside Me: Ted Bundy The Shocking Inside Story by Ann Rule...."

I also read this in high school. Vaguely remember it also being very good.

Right with some others here, I read this when it first came out. The murders happened when I was in my early 20s and it rocked the nation. I was shocked by the story behind it. I credit Bugliosi's writing with the fact that I was able to read this an not feel that I had to put it down and walk away from the horror of the story.

Thanks for the suggestion OM and BC, I added it to my TBR list. I'll definitely have to read an e-copy because those eyes on the cover are freaky. I'm looking at In Cold Blood based on its popularity. I've read quite a few memoirs from true crime cases this year (Elizabeth Smart, the Cleveland kidnapper victims) and I always find them interesting. True crime is definitely a different ball game, but I think I'll like it if I can handle the scary!

I have a tendency to be really interested in true crime and horrible stories anyways. Which is awful, but they are truly fascinating. I was super into the Amanda Knox case and read a bunch of books about that. I bingewatched Making a Murderer on Netflix. I'm almost surprised that I haven't read much true crime given how much I like the subject.

As for the Manson Murders- I'm so glad I was not alive during it. This sort of thing would scare the begeezus out of me. For all you who grew up when it happened did it actually spark or ignite a change in the safety you felt? Did you make sure you're doors were locked at night?

Joi, I was too young to be frightened by it happening to me. It was something involving a famous actress. When I read the book later it seemed rather far removed since I was back in Canada. Also, back then I didn't really picture gore and violence well since I'd never seen more than the fake stuff that used to be on TV.

It's interesting to see people reading it now, so long after it happened. I have forgotten most of the details now, and am glad because at the age I am now and not just because TV got more graphic (I have to cover my eyes for that sort of stuff, even in TV 14 fare at times.) Plus, I've lived so much longer and seen more, etc.

Joi wrote: "Thanks for the suggestion OM and BC, I added it to my TBR list. I'll definitely have to read an e-copy because those eyes on the cover are freaky. I'm looking at In Cold Blood based o..."

I remember watching the news of the murders. They showed the house and wall smeared with blood. It made a lasting impression, but I don't recall it changing anything about how we lived at the time. That happened way out in California even though Chicago had and still has a very violent streak.

I liked In Cold Blood quite a lot when I read it in high school. It's always hard for me to figure out the books that I enjoyed as a younger reader and if I'd still like them as much now.

I much preferred Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders to In Cold Blood, so will be curious what you think . . .

I was 16 when I read In Cold Blood, and that book scared me quite a bit for many reasons but most of all that it was an ordinary family from Kansas (where I was born). it made me realize how vulnerable we all are to violence.

One year later when I was 17 years old came the Manson Murders and a realization that anyone, no matter how wealthy can be a victim. That summer was all about the Manson murders and was all anyone talked about. I read Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders when it was published and thought it was one of the best True Crime books I've ever read.

If you do like true crime (and I am fascinated by it, I am a Discovery ID addict) I would also recommend Ann Rule - she has written over 30 true crime books. I recommend The Stranger Beside Me: Ted Bundy The Shocking Inside Story; Small Sacrifices: A True Story of Passion and Murder and Everything She Ever Wanted.

Ladyslott wrote: "I would also recommend Ann Rule ..."

I went through a 'true crime' period and thought Ann Rule did a great job.

Oh, yeah! I read Small Sacrifices, as well (in addition to the Bundy one I mentioned earlier). All (including Helter Skelter) in high school. Tempted to go back and read them all now! Or, maybe I'll at least add Linda's recommendation of Everything She Ever Wanted.

It seems like a trend might be reading true crime when younger-ish. I asked my mom if she had read Helter Skelter, and she said she did in her 20's. Apparently she used to read a ton of true crime- all in her 20's. She hates it now, says it was a phase of interest. Sounds like quite a few people here we're into reading true crime during their 15-30 age range. Which sounds about right for me!

Rina1775 wrote: "Joi wrote: "Thanks for the suggestion OM and BC, I added it to my TBR list. I'll definitely have to read an e-copy because those eyes on the cover are freaky. I'm looking at [book:In Cold Blood|168..."

I was too young to watch the news, thankfullyl!

Joi wrote: "It seems like a trend might be reading true crime when younger-ish. I asked my mom if she had read Helter Skelter, and she said she did in her 20's. Apparently she used to read a ton of true crime-..."

I wasn't reading true crime books at all as a phase, just this one because of the big splash it had made in the news and my parents bought it so it was around the house. However, I think that age sounds about right for a bigger interest in that sort of thing. There were plenty of fiction books I liked back then that I cannot stand reading now (much darker than my current tastes).

I read this so long ago, but it is one of those books that stays with you. This was such an unusual crime for the time it occurred. You can't help but wonder if it would get the same attention if it happened today.

Regina wrote: " This was such an unusual crime for the time it occurred. You can't help but wonder if it would get the same attention if it happened today..."

I think it would get even more attention. We didn't have 24 hour a day news then or the internet. There would be buzz all the time. Look at all the coverage Michael Jackson got when he died. Roman Polanski was a big name back then and Sharon Tate was just coming into her own with Valley of the Dolls. Abigail Folger while not well known her name was . If this happened today the internet would abound with a million conspiracy theories and the news shows would run this all day long every day.

In Cold Blood was basically the same era. I think that and Helter Skelter were the only two crime novels I read. I have never been particularly drawn to that genre.