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Charles Manson Now
Charles Manson Now is a critical dissection of what happened forty-one years ago when Manson family members stormed the Polanski estate near Los Angeles and murdered five people, including one of America's most beautiful, beloved actresses, Sharon Tate.This book is also a collage of Charles Manson's own writing, a poetic, ironic, and disturbing account of his universe, from his childhood to his time in the 8x12 prison cell where he is condemned to stay forever. It is Charles Manson, uncensored, unedited, in his own words.When author Marlin Marynick was eight years old, he discovered a beat up copy of Helter Skelter - the bestselling true crime book of all time written by Vincent Bugliosi, the lead prosecutor at Charles Manson's trial. Bugliosi's portrait of Charles Manson as an icon of unbridled evil haunted Marynick for years, well into his career as a psychiatric nurse and ultimately culminated when he met Manson behind the tightly locked doors of California's Corcoran State Prison. In Charles Manson Now, Marynick challenges the official version of events.
416 pages, Paperback
First published November 16, 2010
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October 25, 2016I'm not going to give this book a star rating because I wasn't able to finish it.
I really wanted to enjoy it, because the author, Marlin Marynick, is such a nice guy. Even if I hadn't met him, that kindness shines through his writing. This is exactly the kind of person we want working with our mentally ill - he has a huge heart. (Marynick is a psychiatric nurse.)
It's sad the way traditional publishing works, because Marynick has a story worthy of a memoir on his own, but because he's an "ordinary guy," it would never sell. He needed an angle like Manson, but--as much as I love true crime--I quickly tired of Manson's ravings, especially since he's upheld as some sort of great philosopher throughout the book. IMO, he's a nutbar.
I was also saddened by how Manson and his prison buddies took advantage of Marynick, calling him at all hours and otherwise harassing him. I get that this was the author's choice, but I also think he's too kind and generous to tell them to take a leap. So this was painful reading--I made it to the middle, but it was so dark that I had to retreat into much-loved cozy mysteries, and that's saying a lot for a horror writer.
I recommend this for hardcore Manson fans. Of which I most definitely am not. I am, however, a fan of Marynick after meeting him, and wish him well. I hope this isn't the only book he publishes.
I really wanted to enjoy it, because the author, Marlin Marynick, is such a nice guy. Even if I hadn't met him, that kindness shines through his writing. This is exactly the kind of person we want working with our mentally ill - he has a huge heart. (Marynick is a psychiatric nurse.)
It's sad the way traditional publishing works, because Marynick has a story worthy of a memoir on his own, but because he's an "ordinary guy," it would never sell. He needed an angle like Manson, but--as much as I love true crime--I quickly tired of Manson's ravings, especially since he's upheld as some sort of great philosopher throughout the book. IMO, he's a nutbar.
I was also saddened by how Manson and his prison buddies took advantage of Marynick, calling him at all hours and otherwise harassing him. I get that this was the author's choice, but I also think he's too kind and generous to tell them to take a leap. So this was painful reading--I made it to the middle, but it was so dark that I had to retreat into much-loved cozy mysteries, and that's saying a lot for a horror writer.
I recommend this for hardcore Manson fans. Of which I most definitely am not. I am, however, a fan of Marynick after meeting him, and wish him well. I hope this isn't the only book he publishes.
March 28, 2021
Manson history makes strange bedfellows. After years of reading everything I can get my hands on about the Manson Family and the Tate/LaBianca murders, I find there are roughly two camps: those who recognize Manson as a small-time criminal who lucked into a release from jail that coincided with the social revolution upending the country; and those who fetishize him as a misunderstood madman genius guru. Marynick falls in the latter, where I am in the former.
Marlin Marynick, long-haired, Canadian, metal head, psychiatric nurse, through a series of encounters with random oddballs, befriends an inmate at Corcoran prison, which leads him to a written and telephone friendship with Manson, and an eventual in-person meeting. Charles Manson Now is a misleading title (not only because this book when read by me ten years later would be more accurately titled Charles Manson Dead), as it leads one to think it will be about, well, Charles Manson now: his life in prison, his environmental schtick, that weird chick who wanted to marry him (she does make an appearance), and so on. Really, it’s more of a memoir of the author, including a few chapters about his job, hobbies, and interests, then it narrows down to the tale of his journey to California. He meets Matthew Roberts, who has decided he’s Manson’s son (doubtful); Stanton LaVey (grandson of Anton), who is exactly like you’d expect him to be; some unpleasant dude who it sounds has a large and enviable collection of memorabilia on the murders and the case; and for some reason, Hank Williams III. When he finally meets Manson, he fanboys over him, selling the reader on Charlie’s personality and wisdom. It’s hilarious to me when people like this dismiss Charlie’s control of his followers, ascribing their acts to free will, when without even trying or wanting them to, he manages to influence them to go out and evangelize for him.
If you think Charlie is cool, I suppose you’ll like this book and be mad at me. Whatever.
Marlin Marynick, long-haired, Canadian, metal head, psychiatric nurse, through a series of encounters with random oddballs, befriends an inmate at Corcoran prison, which leads him to a written and telephone friendship with Manson, and an eventual in-person meeting. Charles Manson Now is a misleading title (not only because this book when read by me ten years later would be more accurately titled Charles Manson Dead), as it leads one to think it will be about, well, Charles Manson now: his life in prison, his environmental schtick, that weird chick who wanted to marry him (she does make an appearance), and so on. Really, it’s more of a memoir of the author, including a few chapters about his job, hobbies, and interests, then it narrows down to the tale of his journey to California. He meets Matthew Roberts, who has decided he’s Manson’s son (doubtful); Stanton LaVey (grandson of Anton), who is exactly like you’d expect him to be; some unpleasant dude who it sounds has a large and enviable collection of memorabilia on the murders and the case; and for some reason, Hank Williams III. When he finally meets Manson, he fanboys over him, selling the reader on Charlie’s personality and wisdom. It’s hilarious to me when people like this dismiss Charlie’s control of his followers, ascribing their acts to free will, when without even trying or wanting them to, he manages to influence them to go out and evangelize for him.
If you think Charlie is cool, I suppose you’ll like this book and be mad at me. Whatever.
February 9, 2024
Not for the easily manipulated. Reading this book makes you start to wonder if the church of Satan is actually that bad lol Well written and relates to how some of us may wonder about the depths of narcissism and manipulation one individual can possess.
May 30, 2011
It's no secret that I have an interest in Charles Manson. I have always felt there was so much more to him than what the media makes him out to be. CHARLES MANSON NOW gives us a different look at the man who is the poster child for murderers.
What I enjoyed about this book was the way it was written. It told about the author, Marlin Marynick, his background and how he came to know Manson and do this book. It was not an overnight thing, he worked for years for this. He gives us details that maybe you didn't know, introduces us to people that are close to Manson. Mr. Marynick takes us on the road with him in his travels to the people and places that all lead to Charlie. At times I thought there was too much info about the author and not enough about Charlie but that did not take away from the reading.
Read the full review and see pics on my blog, Reading,Reading & Life
What I enjoyed about this book was the way it was written. It told about the author, Marlin Marynick, his background and how he came to know Manson and do this book. It was not an overnight thing, he worked for years for this. He gives us details that maybe you didn't know, introduces us to people that are close to Manson. Mr. Marynick takes us on the road with him in his travels to the people and places that all lead to Charlie. At times I thought there was too much info about the author and not enough about Charlie but that did not take away from the reading.
Read the full review and see pics on my blog, Reading,Reading & Life
March 3, 2019
This is an interesting account of the current personal life of Charles Manson. There isn't necessarily a lot of new information but it does show Manson's day-to-day life and the way chooses to live it. It is especially interesting to see how many people try to contact him and the methods he uses to filter out those he feels are simply trying to take advantage of him.
The author gains unprecedented access to Manson and that access allows insight into Manson's wary, defensive, someone would say paranoid personality
The author gains unprecedented access to Manson and that access allows insight into Manson's wary, defensive, someone would say paranoid personality
September 24, 2018
3.5/5
"I said, 'I'm no fuckin' leader, you're out of your fuckin' mind. If I gotta be a leader, I gotta be responsible for that. I'm not responsible for nothing, fuck you!' You dig? If I tell someone to do something, it's worse than if I do it myself." - Charles Manson
"I said, 'I'm no fuckin' leader, you're out of your fuckin' mind. If I gotta be a leader, I gotta be responsible for that. I'm not responsible for nothing, fuck you!' You dig? If I tell someone to do something, it's worse than if I do it myself." - Charles Manson
October 10, 2018
Gibberish.
May 20, 2019
3.5 out of 5 stars.
April 12, 2020
I really loved this book!
September 10, 2020
Way too apologetic towards Manson and he spends more time on other subjects than him. I know he was a person but it doesn't mean that he should be treated like he didn't do anything. Too biased.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Currently reading
April 25, 2011listening to this as an audio book. Hated the writer's slowness and myopia at first, but 50 minutes in its getting good as the writer details his professional leap from "heavy metal dishwasher" to a working psychotherapist. His work with psychiatric patients is a flowing well written thoughtful section of the book. Stay tuned.
Now its three weeks later and I am still "listening" to this book. some parts of it are incredibly authentic. the author meets an elderly delusional autograph collector who has written an "autobiography "detailing his supposed sexual encounters with Elvis and many other celebrities. It is through this strange entry point, via the world of marginalized celebrity obsessed stalkers that M.M. finally makes contact with Manson.
The tone of the book veers wildly into becoming a platform for Manson's AWTA ( Air Water Trees and something else i forget.) rhetoric. Im stuck trying to get through this section in which the writer is clearly shilling for Manson's anti- pollution" life's mission." because, you know, Manson is so heroic, not a seasoned convict who manipulates writers into devoting a third of their book to his Earth Day nonsense . This part of the book reminds me of that painting of hitler where he is wearing the armor of a knight, its an attempt by Manson to rewrite himself as a noble, visionary heroic Knight and its a bit perverse.
There's a story to be told between where this writer,( whose own biographical background has the makings of a good story) and his subject interconnect. But whgats mostly here is terribly contrived and artistically DOA I don't know if i'll be able to finish it, so stay tuned.
Now its three weeks later and I am still "listening" to this book. some parts of it are incredibly authentic. the author meets an elderly delusional autograph collector who has written an "autobiography "detailing his supposed sexual encounters with Elvis and many other celebrities. It is through this strange entry point, via the world of marginalized celebrity obsessed stalkers that M.M. finally makes contact with Manson.
The tone of the book veers wildly into becoming a platform for Manson's AWTA ( Air Water Trees and something else i forget.) rhetoric. Im stuck trying to get through this section in which the writer is clearly shilling for Manson's anti- pollution" life's mission." because, you know, Manson is so heroic, not a seasoned convict who manipulates writers into devoting a third of their book to his Earth Day nonsense . This part of the book reminds me of that painting of hitler where he is wearing the armor of a knight, its an attempt by Manson to rewrite himself as a noble, visionary heroic Knight and its a bit perverse.
There's a story to be told between where this writer,( whose own biographical background has the makings of a good story) and his subject interconnect. But whgats mostly here is terribly contrived and artistically DOA I don't know if i'll be able to finish it, so stay tuned.
July 20, 2012
I am very much torn over how to rate this book.
On one hand the author tried and most times succeeded in keeping the book completely unbiased. Part of the book was written by Manson himself via letters sent to and phone calls recorded by Marlin.
On the other hand I felt there were many dead-ends and half finished thoughts in the writing process of the book. For example, when the author explains his childhood and early life, he makes a few parallels to Manson but quickly abandons any further look into the contrast of Manson's life and that of himself or the common reader.
I feel perhaps my review may be biased because, with the author being a certified psychiatric nurse, I expected a little more in-depth and insightful psychiatric evaluation and a little less name dropping.
In the end I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the topic of Charles Manson, if only for a broadened understanding of the subject.
On one hand the author tried and most times succeeded in keeping the book completely unbiased. Part of the book was written by Manson himself via letters sent to and phone calls recorded by Marlin.
On the other hand I felt there were many dead-ends and half finished thoughts in the writing process of the book. For example, when the author explains his childhood and early life, he makes a few parallels to Manson but quickly abandons any further look into the contrast of Manson's life and that of himself or the common reader.
I feel perhaps my review may be biased because, with the author being a certified psychiatric nurse, I expected a little more in-depth and insightful psychiatric evaluation and a little less name dropping.
In the end I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the topic of Charles Manson, if only for a broadened understanding of the subject.
May 7, 2014
This book is so much more than just a book about what Charlie is up to these days. It is Marynick's personal odyssey with a subject (Manson) that has intrigued him since childhood, and in that, he & I are very much alike. Concerning Marynick's feelings & thoughts, this book is honest and open. How he goes about learning about Manson, then befriending him & finally meeting him face to face is amazing. He meets & hooks up with many characters along the way & then meets many, many more as the circle of those still involved with Manson or his story spreads out to include a possible son of Manson's, Stanton LeVey, John Aes-Nihil as well as several others. Marynick searches for the truth about Manson & also the truth about himself. Filled with Manson's own words & many great color photographs, this is truly one of the best books ever to come out on Charles Manson & I've read nearly every one out there.
June 7, 2012
Very good book but some errors. See 'Star's review on manson direct dot com. Other than tbis, the only other book worth getting (and a definite ourchase for anyone wanting to know the facts as opposed to the pulp fiction) should get Schrecks new 2011 900 page Manson File which I believe the massively updated 2011 version is only available through his website.
This book, alongside Schrecks new 2011 book 'The Manson File: Myth and Reality of an Outlaw Shaman' are the ONLY two books worth getting on the case and the man.
Their are only two decent unbiased books on Manson, this being one and the other (which is a DEFINITE get, really a MUST purchase) is 'The Manson File: Myth and Reality of an Outlaw Shaman' by Nikolas Schreck. As with the other reviewers, this is currently only available from Schrecks own website is but the BEST book on the case, a MUST read.
This book, alongside Schrecks new 2011 book 'The Manson File: Myth and Reality of an Outlaw Shaman' are the ONLY two books worth getting on the case and the man.
Their are only two decent unbiased books on Manson, this being one and the other (which is a DEFINITE get, really a MUST purchase) is 'The Manson File: Myth and Reality of an Outlaw Shaman' by Nikolas Schreck. As with the other reviewers, this is currently only available from Schrecks own website is but the BEST book on the case, a MUST read.
July 19, 2012
Manson is a key figure, of course, in this book which tells the story of psychiatric nurse Marynick's drifting into the Manson orbit from awareness to phone to live meeeting. Along the way are lots of Manson quotes, including from letters and calls to the author. Marynick tells of patients that committed unspeakable crims and goes into some details on non-race war theories of the Tate-LaBianca crimes: (1) an early Church of Satan project (Stanton LaVey, elicted from his self-absorbed musing), and (2) a drug deal gone bad through a Tex-Wojciech Frykowski connection with the following LaBianca crimes as an organized crime favor meant to insure Tex and company's protection (Stanton, "Vicki", and others.
Certainly there is much in detail on these theories in other sources, but this entertaining certainly stepping back and considering just in the general true crime cannon.
Certainly there is much in detail on these theories in other sources, but this entertaining certainly stepping back and considering just in the general true crime cannon.
June 28, 2013
Wasn't sure how I was going to take this when I first picked it up ,but being as I cannot miss a new title that concerns Manson ..... I jumped in with both feet.
The book takes a very different approach from what you might expect, I would highly recommend this title to the Manson Case junkie inside a lot of us. Mr Marynick is a terrific writer and a really great guy if you get to talk with him . The book is written as much as an exploration into his own life and fascination with this case ,as well as his career in the mental health field . Check it out if you are exploring the case or if like exploring the human mind.
The book takes a very different approach from what you might expect, I would highly recommend this title to the Manson Case junkie inside a lot of us. Mr Marynick is a terrific writer and a really great guy if you get to talk with him . The book is written as much as an exploration into his own life and fascination with this case ,as well as his career in the mental health field . Check it out if you are exploring the case or if like exploring the human mind.
April 6, 2011
I listened to this book on Audible. The narration was acceptable. Many aspects of this book were disturbing, though. The author often seemed fanboy-ish and naive. I won't give away his theories, but suffice it to say that I don't agree with his conclusions about Manson's involvement or level of psychological disorder. If you're going to read/listen to this book I suggest reading up on the Manson Family murders, first. I'd also read up on various conspiracy theories surrounding the killings. That will allow you some amount of objectivity when listening to this story.
July 12, 2013
Even though this wasn't completely about Charles Manson it was still very interesting. The author is a psychiatric nurse and talks about different mental diseases as long with touching upon other serial killers and friends of Manson who he interviewed.
Between every chapter Charlie wrote stuff on different topics, and let me tell you, it was very difficult for me to follow!
I learned some interesting things about his life now and before and just knowing how he thinks...wow!
I would definitely recommend this book...
Between every chapter Charlie wrote stuff on different topics, and let me tell you, it was very difficult for me to follow!
I learned some interesting things about his life now and before and just knowing how he thinks...wow!
I would definitely recommend this book...
May 26, 2015
The haunting true story of friendship and a notorious killer who used popular music, Helter Skelter, to dictate the lives of many young individuals during the 1970s. One of the few to actually gain Manson's trust and an interview of a life time, he met up with Star, Manson's to-be wife and Graystar, a fellow friend of the Manson family. As the years of their phone conversations continue, he receives one of the most sought after Manson collectible, a string woven spider, made from his underwear and jumpsuit in prison from Graystar after a meeting one afternoon.
July 29, 2012
I would describe this book the same way I do Rob Zombie's Halloween two "remake". great concept, very interesting, could have been better without the main character.... sure it's about Manson, but in a "six degrees of Kevin Bacon" way. I honestly couldn't stand all of the spelling errors, the chapter that ends in the middle of a sentence, and the fact that said page is then cohesively reinserted a few chapters later. other than that, I was pretty into it.
October 12, 2012
I'm 19% (Kindle) into this book and am wondering when it stops being Marlin Marynick's autobiography and starts tackling the subject of Manson. And when he does touch on Manson it's pure sycophancy. Struggling with this as you can see and the bloody awful grammar does not help.
Still recommended by someone whose opinion counts, so will plod on ..... or is this her revenge for the Elegance of Hedgehog. :)
Nope can't do it - my time too precious.
Still recommended by someone whose opinion counts, so will plod on ..... or is this her revenge for the Elegance of Hedgehog. :)
Nope can't do it - my time too precious.
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October 27, 2012In the middle of reading it, and yeah i do want to meet him, always have. His mind seems so free and so insightful, i just cant get enough. Ask me one person who I want to meet before I die, It is Charles Manson, This book is great so far, as long as its true, i love the true-ness. Manson is my favorite and has always been my fav. If you love and want to know more about Charlie and his "real self" read this, it tells his anwsers and reactions and his friends, "best of friends"
August 26, 2011
In my opinion, the best book when it comes to actual unbiased insight on Manson, because well, it really is in his own words. Author did an excellent job with interviews. Interesting to read about author's life and the connection he makes with Manson. Definitely recommend to anyone who thinks Manson is a crazy mass murderer. This might sway you a little bit, you may even feel a little empathy.
August 22, 2012
I gave this book 3 stars just because of the interest factor of reading Charlie's own words.....He is so out there, but so interested in saving the planet with his ATWA (Air, Trees, Water, Animals and All The Way Alive. His writings are infectious and the story of his life, mainly spent behind bars, is remarkable. Anyone that has an interest in Charles Manson should check this one out.
February 2, 2012
I only give this book 3 stars because the author's story was very interesting. However, Manson's rambling speeches drove me crazy! I don't know why this idiot can't or won't have an intelligent conversion, just once. Good book, but Charlie's a pain as usual.
January 13, 2014
Very easy read. I learned a few new things about Charles Manson. There are two pages missing and some typos in this book, so it's not the best publishing. Overall, if you're curious about what he's like now and how he was back in '69, you may learn something from this.
January 25, 2016
Am I the only one who got a copy of this book riddled with grammar and spelling errors? There were so many that I started highlighting them and was going to email the publisher. As for the story, it was good.
Want to read
January 12, 2011Currently Reading
May 3, 2011
I thought this book was wonderful. Very well written. I also loved Manson's imput. Best Manson book I have ever read.
June 7, 2012
this is the authors attempts at reaching Charles Manson. Interesting how the meeting lined. interesting experiences.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews