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Book Review of Charles Manson: A Life From Beginning to End

Charles Manson: A Life From Beginning to End
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Charles Manson was a neglected child who spent his formative years in prison and reform schools. When released, he went to live with his very religious aunt and uncle. Charles married, had a son and wound up in jail. While there, his wife divorced him and married another man to take care of her and Charles, Jr. Interestingly, considering Charles' future, he was a virtual illiterate. From age 12 until 26, Manson had spent most of his life in prison.

While in jail, Charles learned from pimps how to choose and manipulate women. From the Carnegie Method (from the book, How to Win Friends and Influence People, a 4-week course offered to inmates), Charles learned how to use sex as a tool and exert control over women. While in prison, another inmate offered to help Manson meet a recording mogul (Manson had started to play the guitar and sing).

When released from prison, Manson was unable to take care of himself. This was the Summer of Love in San Francisco; drugs and free sex were available everywhere. He started a guru-act promising to lead followers to true enlightenment but only if they gave up their possessions and individuality and submitted to his will.

All of Charles Manson's notoriety was more than his son could handle. At the age of 37, Charles Manson, Jr. (who had changed his name to Jay White) killed himself. This book was fascinating because it showed how an illiterate nobody could control others to do his bidding, including killing innocent and random persons. That is truly frightening.