The Long Prison Journey of Leslie Van Houten: Life Beyond the Cult

Rating:
Summary: The Long Diatribe of Karlene Faith
Review: Two themes not touched on in the book: justice and individual responsibility.
"The parole board has shown a clear unwillingness to move beyond the crimes (Van Houten stabbed Mrs. La Bianca 14 times--feeling like a 'shark with it prey')" of Ms. Van Houten is the typical, absurd refrain throughout the book. The author, Ms. Faith, wonders if Van Houten "had actually been involved in the murders at all." She asserts that Van Houten is a "friend" (at one point Ms. Faith brings banana splits to the "charming" convicted murderers.) She goes on to state that the Manson girls were "generous gift givers: 'I was the recipient of the complete collection of Charles Manson's song lyrics.'" According to this book, what happened to Leslie Van Houten "could have happened to any trusting young woman." I could go on, but you get the idea.
A further absurdity in the book is the author's typical refrain that the real causes of crime are "poverty, racism and low wages"; while (unwittingly?) stressing the nurturing, supportive, middle class background of all the killers involved.

Rating:
Summary: What constitutes "rehabilitation"?
Review: When Leslie Van Houten was 19 years old, she got mixed up with drugs and Charles Manson and took part in something that was awful. Now Ms. Van Houten is in her 50s. She has spent almost twice as much time in prison than out of prison. While she has been in prison, she has been the ideal prisoner. She has received both a BA and Masters degree. She has helped younger inmates try to get their lives together. If there ever was a person that has attempted to redeem themselves behind bars, it is her. However, all of this seems meaningless to most. Because Van Houten will always be grouped with Manson and the horrific murders of 1969. What people fail to realize, is that under California law, prisoners that do what Van Houten has done in prison, are due parole. It is state law. However, she continues to be ignored along with the law. This book might be bias, but I also have some other knowledge about this case and I feel it is a shame. Leslie Van Houten made a mistake a long time ago and she has gone about making up for that. Forgiveness and contrition are due here. I am not saying release the whole family, but this particular member is different and better than the others.