In this poignant and disturbing memoir of lost innocence, coercion, survival, and healing, Dianne Lake chronicles her years with Charles Manson, revealing for the first time how she became the youngest member of his Family and offering new insights into one of the twentieth century’s most notorious criminals and life as one of his “girls.”At age fourteen Dianne Lake—with little more than a note … Lake—with little more than a note in her pocket from her hippie parents granting her permission to leave them—became one of “Charlie’s girls,” a devoted acolyte of cult leader Charles Manson. Over the course of two years, the impressionable teenager endured manipulation, psychological control, and physical abuse as the harsh realities and looming darkness of Charles Manson’s true nature revealed itself. From Spahn ranch and the group acid trips, to the Beatles’ White Album and Manson’s dangerous messiah-complex, Dianne tells the riveting story of the group’s descent into madness as she lived it.
Though she never participated in any of the group’s gruesome crimes and was purposely insulated from them, Dianne was arrested with the rest of the Manson Family, and eventually learned enough to join the prosecution’s case against them. With the help of good Samaritans, including the cop who first arrested her and later adopted her, the courageous young woman eventually found redemption and grew up to lead an ordinary life.
While much has been written about Charles Manson, this riveting account from an actual Family member is a chilling portrait that recreates in vivid detail one of the most horrifying and fascinating chapters in modern American history.
Member of the Family includes 16 pages of photographs.
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Good read if you’re interested in true crime.
This is an accurate description of life during the 60s-70s as well as an interesting history of the Manson family. It took me right back to my hippie teenage years! I was always interested in the Dennis Wilson connection to Charley Manson and this was great information. I recommend it.
If you wondered what it was like to be a member of the Manson family you should read this book. Even though Manson was a monster it’s fascinating how one individual could influence so many.
One of the best books I’ve ever read as an inside look at the Family. Really compelling — I could not put it down. Quite an inspiration that someone can go through what she did and come out ok (eventually). Highly recommend to all interested in this time in history and in the psychology of cults.
daily life of Manson family
Loved this book..
This was a very informative book and it showed how important a young person’s early years are. Also, being from KY, I could relate to the whereabouts of the Manson gang. If the reader wants history, a page turner and to be entered they don’t want to pass this read up!!!
I an the same age as Dianne, I grew up in a small ND town, There were three Ca. families that sent their kids to live with their ND grandparents. Makes me wonder if most all Ca. parents farmed their kids out so they could have more freedom.
Excellent follow-up to “Helter Skelter.”