August 8, 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the Manson Family Murders. The crimes defined a generation and remain an incredible source of public fascination. How could a no-account drifter and ex-con become a charismatic leader of what prosecutors called a diabolical murder cult? Some have proposed that the prosecution made-up their race war theory, called Helter Skelter, in order to more easily convict Manson through a sensational conspiracy narrative. If the prosecution did construct the Helter Skelter theory, is convicting a man like Charles Manson so essential that any means of achieving it is acceptable? 
I’ve been fascinated with the Manson family murders since I was 13. I started by reading Helter Skelter and then watched various documentaries as they aired. I couldn’t figure out how an unassuming man could control the people that he did. So when I saw this, I decided I had to read it. It was well written and well researched and helped to cover the “last interviews” of Charles Manson that aired a while ago. While I don’t necessarily agree with the author’s theory, he definitely gives a good argument to consider it. 
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

James Buddy Day the author of ” Hippie Cult Leader: The Last Words of Charles Manson” has earned a reputation for being a “true crime documentarian”. His book is one more in the list of many books written about Charles Manson (1934-2017), variously described as a musician, poet, cult leader, drug dealer, pimp, and mass murderer. As a teenager in 1969, I remember how shocked we were to read about the gruesome murders of the beautiful film actress Sharon Tate and others, in “Life” and “Time”, the popular magazines of those days.

Over many years Day had conversations with Charles Manson who called collect to speak to him from prison. This book, the author tells us, has been put together taking advantage of the wealth of new material that he obtained through these conversations.

Like many stories of mass murderers and psychopath killers, Manson’s can be traced back to his childhood. Born in 1934 -an illegitimate child of a run away 16 year old girl, who was a drug addict and a prostitute- he had to survive as best he could in a hard world. Not surprisingly, he took to crime at a young age. He was in and out of juvenile homes all though his childhood years.

Later he moved from Ohio to California in the 1950s. Soon he was behind bars again, often for drug dealing , pimping, and fraud. Here he was influenced by the infamous Chicago gangster Alvin Karpis with whom he spent time in jail. Out of prison in the early 60s, he was identified as a “groovy hippie” who lived in Haight Ashbury in San Francisco and Topanga Canyon in Los Angeles.  Those were the days when sex, drugs and music were in ” overwhelming supply.” At one time, one of Manson’s songs was played by The Beach Boys, then an immensely popular rock group in the United States. In the mid 60s a group of people, mostly young women running away from their homes and lives,  gathered around Manson and became the first members of his commune. They were the most devoted of them all and a few stayed with him till the very end.

It was the murder of actress Sharon Tate and her friends at her mansion in Hollywood that captured the attention of the entire nation. It is a fact that Manson himself was not present when the gruesome murders took place. However, the prosecution were able to produce enough evidence to suggest that he had been influential in making his Family Members ( the actual killers) do what he wanted. Many were horrified to find out later that the most cruel and inhuman cts were committed by young women amongst the killers like Susan Atkins, Linda Kasabian and Patricia Krenwinkel. Of course, all of them were high on drugs at the time.

James Buddy Day gives you another slant to the Manson story. To what extent could Manson be held responsible for many acts of violence and lawlessness done by his Family Members? Was being a part of the commune enough to punish you for acts done by a few? Was there much that remained hidden during the trials decades ago?

Manson died in 2017 having spent most of his 83 years in jail. To some extent he was a product of his times. To some, he could do no wrong. To others, he was a clever criminal who took advantage of the weaknesses of those around him. Was he crazy?  He once said, “You know, a long time ago being crazy meant something. Nowadays everybody’s crazy.”! 

If, like me, you have an interest in crime stories, this book should be in your reading list!

I received a copy of this in exchange for my honest review.   Thank you NetGalley.

I'm a huge fan of true crime and books about serial killers in general.     This book was interesting, written well, and a great addition to the books about charles Manson

I'm a true crime documentary enthusiast. I watch more than my share of DiscoveryID and True Crime YouTube Channels. I listen to true crime podcasts all the time. And, I read many, many related books and websites. Not to mention that my fiction library is mostly mystery novels. Given all of that -- of course I'm going to read a book about Charlie Manson's last interviews before he died in 2017!

Description
EXPLOSIVE FIRST-HAND ACCOUNT FROM CHARLES MANSON’S FINAL INTERVIEWS THAT WILL CHANGE THE NARRATIVE OF THE MANSON FAMILY MURDERS

You have a prepaid call from…Charles Manson.”

 August 8, 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the Manson Family Murders. The crimes defined a generation and remain an incredible source of public fascination. How could a no-account drifter and ex-con become a charismatic leader of what prosecutors called a diabolical murder cult? Some have proposed that the prosecution made-up their race war theory, called Helter Skelter, in order to more easily convict Manson through a sensational conspiracy narrative. If the prosecution did construct the Helter Skelter theory, is convicting a man like Charles Manson so essential that any means of achieving it is acceptable?

Now, award-winning documentarian and author James Buddy Day will debunk the Helter Skelter narrative with the release of Hippie Cult Leader, The Last Words of Charles Manson [August 8, 2019, Optimum Publishing]. This is Day’s firsthand account of Charles Manson’s final interviews leading up to his death on November 19, 2017.

The most riveting elements in Hippie Cult Leader come from Manson himself. With eerie conversations about modern society, justice and his decades behind bars, these insights will help you get to know the man they call, “Charlie.” Hippie Cult Leader includes shocking new details, never before seen material from the original investigation to reconstruct a path of events that led to the brutal murders of movie star Sharon Tate and eight others during the summer of 1969.

Exclusive interviews include alleged “Manson Family” killer Bobby Beausoleil, and “Family” members Barbara Hoyt and Catherine “Cappi” Gillies, prosecutor Stephen Kay, defense attorney Gary Fleischman, and music producer Phil Kaufman.

Day began talking to Charles Manson for a documentary project. Manson’s story started with his insistence that the truth about him remained untold and that the system was—and had always been—out to get him. “When they lose control, they don’t admit that they lost control, they just lost face and they make another movie like you’re doing,” he told Day. The documentary The Final Words premiered on the REELZ Channel in November 2018.

“I want readers to come into the book wanting to read about the Manson story they’ve heard, but come away with a completely different understanding of what really happened,” says Day.

My Review:
I remember the case and especially the interview of Charles Manson during the late 1980s and this book provides an alternative theory on the crimes. Unfortunately this book to me is too disorganized and does not provide enough evidence to make me see these crimes in another light. Charles Manson was crazy from the onset and nothing can be provided to change that fact. 

I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion. So, I have to say this book does nothing for me, sorry.

Thank you to Netgalley for giving me the chance to read and review, "Hippie Cult Leader" by James Buddy Day. I wished for this book on Netgalley and was lucky enough to be selected, Thank you! Overall, this book was pretty average for me. I have read previous titles about Charles Manson in the past and learned a lot of things I didn't previously know. In conclusion, this book left me wanting to not read any more titles about Charles Manson. This book filled in any gaps of information for me. that I didn't learn from other books.

I'm a true crime documentary enthusiast. I watch more than my share of DiscoveryID and True Crime YouTube Channels. I listen to true crime podcasts all the time. And, I read many, many related books and websites. Not to mention that my fiction library is mostly mystery novels. Given all of that -- of course I'm going to read a book about Charlie Manson's last interviews before he died in 2017! 

Before I even opened this book, I was well aware that most of the interviews/quotes would be in Charlie-speak.  I remember watching the 1988 interview with Geraldo Rivera where Charlie went into some of the strangest rants and bizarre behavior I have ever seen. The man was crazy....totally Bat-S crazy. So, I went into this book with the knowledge that nothing this man said would make any sense.

And I was right. 

I'm glad I read this book. I can see the benefit/interest in writing about Manson's last thoughts about his past, the trial, his incarceration, and the murders.....even if everything that popped out of that man's mouth was pure crazy. Kudos to James Buddy Day for managing to write an interesting, coherent book about Manson, despite the man himself making very little sense. Manson's main point: He wasn't present during the murders, stated he didn't directly order the murders, so he wasn't guilty of any crime. Whatever you say, Charlie. 

Very informative. This book doesn't pull any punches -- the murders are outlined in detail. Portions of this book are not for the faint of heart. If you can't handle descriptions of what his groupies did, Charlie's truth and strange rants....then pass this one by. It gets down to the dirt....or maybe blood is a better word in this case. 

I enjoyed this book. I would definitely read more by this author. But I think I will pass on more Charlie rants.....this book outlines his last interviews. So....it's a good place to stop giving the man any space in my head. Bye, Charlie. Can't say I'm glad you are gone. 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Optimum Publishing via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

Never got to this book, therefore I am unable to submit any review for it at this time...……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

I think for first-time  readers of the Manson family murders, this would be nice interestingly read. But for someone who lived though  it, it was just pretty mucheap the same. Somewhat rambling.

Documentary maker James is shocked when he receives a phone call from Charles Manson.  Through phone calls with Manson, and interviews with those involved in the crimes and subsequent trial, James presents an alternate theory of the crimes.  He claims that the concept of Helter Skelter was made up by the prosecution and used to convict a man who took no actual part in the crimes.  He also claims that those involved in the crimes, should have been let out of prison long ago, and that they are victim's themselves.   

This book was a jumbled mess of the author's experiences, Manson's ramblings, and conversations that James had with other people.  As far as his alternate theory, I had the reaction of "so what."  The criminals were using psychedelic drugs - there is no telling what kind of crazy stories and rants they were telling at the time.  The prosecution didn't come up with the phrase "Helter Skelter," they took it from the crime scene.  Of course the prosecution embellished the cohesiveness of the group, and exaggerated the negative aspects of Manson and the Family.  That's what a good prosecutor does.  The alternate theory doesn't make the prosecutor's theory wrong.   Overall, this book was a bust.

I found It to be fascinating read. 

If your a true Charles Manson fanatic or just a serial killer fanatic, I highly recommend this book. Your skin will literally crawl.

I found this book really interesting. 

I know a little about Manson and the Tate killing, but nothing too in depth. The author is essentially writing about the research than went into the making of a documentary about Manson in 2016. 

He analyses the evidence presented in court and speaks to as many of the original 'players' as possible, including Manson himself. 

He presents a different, but quite plausible chain of events, which differs some of the evidence presented in court. 

The only thing I had problems with was keeping track of everyone - he used real names and their nick names interchangeably which at times was a confusing but not enough to cause too much concern. 

It is written in a casual style, meaning it was an easy read  - even if the subject matter was not so easy reading.

Oh Charlie Manson! For all his crazy antics and self righteous mumbo jumbo you still got life in prison and died in there like you deserved. With that being said, after reading this book and all the speculation on this case it just makes you wonder if this happened in this day and age if Charlie would have been sentenced to life in prison or the death penalty. I for one feel that it was a no brainer from the beginning but this author kind of makes you question our judicial system. This is a must read if you are any way a follower of the Manson murders!

Did I like this book? Ummm, am I breathing? 

James Day just stole my true crime loving heart with this book. I've read about the Manson Family Murders, watched TV shows, listened to podcasts, but Day really challenged what I thought I knew. The question was never raised, were they guilty or not, let's not pretend like they were innocent. However, he questions the true motive. 

From the beginning what seemed like the ramblings of a mad man, began to make sense in the context of who Manson really was and how his mind worked. Day presents an alternate theory as to why these murders happened as they did, truly remembering the victims without capitalizing on them, and breaking down the dynamic of the family, brought together seamlessly. 

I found myself needing to turn the pages faster, to connect the dots of this interesting theory, researching it on my own as well. Not so much fact checking, but really thinking about what these murders meant if you removed the Helter Skelter argument. Day is a wonderful story teller who manages cliff hangers with such a well known story, which I can only imagine is way more difficult than he makes it seem.

As soon as I saw the title I knew I had to read this book. Thankfully the publisher granted my wish. I’ve always been intrigued by Charles Manson. Anytime I can get my hands on anything to do with them I do. This wasn’t my first Manson book but it was different then the rest. I really enjoyed it and it’s a must read for anyone interested in Charles Manson or any lover of true crime.

This was the most comprehensive, eye opening book on the truth behind the events that occurred in the late 60’s, most commonly referred to as The Manson Family or Helter Skelter, that I’ve ever read; and considering how history is written and believed as gospel even when compelling evidence exists that contradicts it, the most sensational ‘history’ prevails. In this case, Helter Skelter by Vincent Bugliosi became that ‘gospel” of history. But now, James Buddy Day has brought clarity and truth to the story.

During the Manson trials, Bugliosi's co-counsel learned prior to and during the trial, that Bugliosi had hired an author to write a book about it, before the case was even tried!
In the book, Mr. Day says:
"Knowing that Vince was writing his now infamous book (Helter Skelter) prior to and during the trial is unsettling, because it changes his motivation from seeking justice to establishing a sensational narrative to further his own fame. Though he couldn't know it at the time, Helter Skelter would go on to become the bestselling true crime book of all time, defining who Charles Manson was to the general public. How can a prosecutor be seeking truth or considering justice if his underlying motive is celebrity and personal fortune? As a district attorney, the lawyer's clients are the people in the district he represents. Vincent Bugliosi was tasked with representing the people who make up the state of California. His personal interest in furthering the success of his book is a clear conflict of interest and brings into question the true reason he adamantly promoted his Helter Skelter theory."

So, basically he (Vincent Bugliosi) created his own theory as to the why and how of the murders and the public believed and bought it all because it was so shocking, it had to be true and of course the behavior of those girls at trial simply fed into his theory, making it so much easier to sell. The end result would have been the same, but the actual truth was buried by Bugliosi's own ego. The LAPD was not only negligent in working the case but had fumbled so much information that it’s surprising anyone went to trial at all. For example, when a 6th grader found the gun used in one of the killings, he carefully handled it, having watched crime shows, but when the police picked it up, said it had nothing to do with anything and handled the gun with no concept of forensic evidence, he then put it in a locker & forgot about it. 

They also didn't think Gary Hinman, the Tate's & friends, the LaBianca's, et al were connected, even though all three had words in blood on the walls. When it all broke due to one of the girls blabbing in jail about it (in jail unrelated to the murders) the police chief went on TV & took credit for breaking it all open due to their diligence, when in fact, they fumbled everything.

The words Helter Skelter and The Family had nothing to do with the crimes or the motive; the Beatles, The White Album, Race Wars ... and all the details promulgated were all fiction for the book and for the prosecuting of the trial. The only part that's true is who was killed, where they were killed and who the actual killers were, through no help of the LAPD.

It’s amazing to me how so much information and detail can be fed to the public by a city and its court and because it comes from there, it’s digested as fact because one salivating attorney was slick enough to foresee his fame & fortune.

On another thought, at the Spahn Ranch, Michael Channels was bothered by the fact that a rock that had Charles Manson’s initials on it had been destroyed by a church group who were “seeking to destroy any remnants of the devil incarnate” whereas Channels said, “Those fu**ing people are more evil than Manson, this was history! You can’t change it; you can’t ignore what happened here just because you don’t effing like it!”
 I couldn’t agree more with those sentiments and can’t help but compare that way of thinking to the recent arguments in Charlottesville, VA over Confederate statues and that kind of thing is happening in several Southern states. So, if war memorial statues are removed because they offend, does that mean the Civil War didn’t happen? Again, you can’t ignore the Civil War simply because you didn’t like it and taking war memorial statues down doesn’t change history, nor should it. “Sometimes the worst parts of history are the ones that need to be responsibly preserved the most.” And I’m not arguing for or against statue removal, that’s not the point. I’m also not arguing for Manson, that’s also not the point. The point is, as a whole, we as a nation of people cannot simply buy into the most popular view of history, because it suits our agenda.

On a lighter note, I have to thank the author for noting that the movie Sharon Tate was in “The Fearless Vampire Killers” was originally named “Pardon Me, But Your Teeth Are In My Neck”, I saw that movie at a drive-in when I was 8 or 9 years old and loved the title of it - “Pardon Me….” Each time I’ve heard that movie referenced in other media, they’ve never gotten it right, but Mr. Day did; as well as the important details of this entire book. I’ve always wondered about the truth of that time, because the book Mr. Bugliosi sold, made very little sense to me.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing this book to me for an honest review.

This books opened a lot of questions about the Manson trial I never had before. I would definitely recommend to anyone who is interested in the Manson Family.

I have read a lot of books about Charles Manson, the Manson family and the crimes they ended up committing. This book was much different from books I have previously read, such as Helter Skelter and Member of the Family. This book is composed of a year's worth of conversations between the author, James Buddy Day and Charles Manson, while he was in prison. This book is of course coming from Charles Manson's point of view, where most others I have previously read are coming from the perspective of lawyers or previous member's of the family. The book is basically Manson's perspective on all of the events that occurred and how his "family" was involved. Although it was an interesting perspective on everything surrounding Manson and the Manson family, I didn't enjoy it as much as previous books I have read about the Manson Family. Although it was of course interesting to hear things from his perspective, which was about what I expected it to be.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for sending me an ARC of this book.

Having recently saw Quentin Tarantino's movie, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, I was eager to learn more about the Manson murders, which occurred as I was starting my senior year in college fifty years ago. I appreciated the way James Day explains how the Manson Family came to be, a fact that's always been puzzling. Although many of the family members came from seemingly normal families, their family histories suggest that they could be viewed as what today we call throw-away kids. 

Day also describes the crimes and the most plausible reasons these particular victims were chosen without offering moral judgement. Day also explains how the Helter Skelter theory made for a successful prosecution although it actually had no bearing on the case. 

As a master manipulator born to an unstable 15-year old, Manson learned early on to how to survive while others cared for him. I was surprised that although according to Day Manson was barely 5'2" tall, Day doesn't mention how this might have affected his influence on others or his deep contempt for others who may have slighted him.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, and I'm fortunate to have gotten to read this book early at a time when the new documentary on the Manson Women is being aired.

This was an excellent book. I learned so many things I didn't know before. If you are a lover of true crime this is a book for you.