Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Lynette Fromme Memoir Published

The Peasenhall Press proudly announces the publication of Reflexion, by Lynette Fromme. In nearly 500 pages Fromme vividly chronicles her life with Charles Manson from the time she met him in May of 1967 to the final arrest of the so-called “Manson Family” in Death Valley in October of 1969. From Venice Beach, to the redwoods around Mendocino, to San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury, to Topanga Canyon and the Spiral Staircase and Condemned House, to Dennis Wilson’s Sunset Drive mansion, to Spahn’s Movie Ranch in Chatsworth, and finally to the Myers and Barker Ranches in Goler Wash in the Mojave Desert — everything is here in Fromme's reflexion on her extensive travels and experiences with Manson and the like people around him who were “preparing to survive either a revolution, or the static institutions that were systematically trading all of our vital necessities for money."



This book also contains previously unpublished material from Charles Manson, Sandra Good, Mary, Cappy, Brenda, Ruth, Gypsy, Clem, and Katie. 

For more details please visit The Peasenhall Press website at http://www.goodbyehelterskelter.com 

89 comments:

Doug said...

Wow!
Thanks for the heads up George!

Dan S said...

Wow also. BTW who has rights to Hendrickson's stuff? I wonder if we ll see some death to pigs for free? Just watched a video called Danny and Sherri speak on rxstr.com that was mentioned last thread. an episode of a Canadian show called The Fifth Estate. All the facts that I know shows almost all their statements to be lies or at least gross misrepresentions. I was curious how Dan's job pumping gas and manning a cash register align with his "we do whatever we want" philosophy. Afterward, in the studio,the anchor and reporter debate which one is the bigger psychopath. It's clearly the Bug but they don't use him as a candidate although I'm pretty sure he told a bunch of lies in his interview too. But he could keep a straight face.

Dan S said...

And congratulations to Ms. Fromme for the book. I look forward to having enough money to buy one.
Maybe it's one of those stealabooks. There are no possessions; so what's yours is mine. Very useful symbiosis for the poorer party. It seems Decarlo and Sherri Joe Bates felt that way. (i know thats not right but i think that's the zodiac victim in riverside) ok i am rapt devolving right now. Good night!

Dan S said...

Oh it's Cheri Jo

Peter said...

"To show the world the true Hitler, the Hitler you loved, the Hitler you knew, the Hitler with a song in his heart." - Max Bialystock

Matt said...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlSvD_bO10Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTFcKQsNk34


A good drinking game would be to do a shot every time Sherry says "y'no"


G. Greene-Whyte said...

Ordered! Thanks, George.

Matt, Sherry looks like she was playing her own drinking game before the cameras started rolling!

Unknown said...

I just ordered mine..I've been waiting years for this..Thanks Red and George.Im so excited cant wait to get it...

Carlos said...

I just ordered, too. I hope it lives up to some long-held expectations.

StillGrooving said...

Matt said...

A good drinking game would be to do a shot every time Sherry says "y'no"


My, goodness, yes. I'd be smashed after a couple of sentences!

Dan S said...

That's the one. Maybe danny was the criminal mastermind. Is any of their Canada tale true? And why wouldn't they be in trouble for their Canadian shenanigans?

Dan S said...

Those are the words to a Charlie song: "you know". At least that's what one article said. Maybe she had it stuck in her head

Orwhut said...

I hope the Mounties tracked those two idiots down and locked them up.

ColScott said...

I ordered the hardcover, because, you know, research.

Although I seriously do not expect serious reflections. "I threw my life mostly away because of some bullshit I believed when I was twenty" is a novella at best not a 500 page adventure novel.

Admit to your role in the Stockton Murders and coverup Lynette or gtfo

Robert C said...

Couldn't agree more, Col. If I thought there'd be something new and accurate I'd buy but I just don't get the sense that's going to be the case so will await the assessment of other readers.

LastGirlOnTheLeft said...

Ordered and can’t wait to read!! I like the way her hair turns into a motorway. Something tells me this book will be crammed with symbolism!

Peter said...

“I am only what you made me. I am only a refleXion of you.”

There is an interesting recording and transcript of Sovitz and Rolling Stone reporters at Cielo BTW.

jerseydevil said...

Thanks George ordered my hardcover edition glad I logged into the blog was about to order a vintage hardcover edition of Tex's book of Ebay

AustinAnn74 said...

A memoir of her times with a short, violent pimp......

Peter said...

Why don't we- and by we I of course mean you - set it up so we can discuss the book in parts. Give everyone a chance to buy and receive it and then start with a thread in a week or so on section 1 or the first 5 chapters or whatever. And then a week later section 2, etc. I'm sure there will be enough to discuss in it.

sheisalocal said...

Just ordered. Can't wait! I just finished reading the Family by Ed Sanders (the 1971 version pre Process censoring), so I hope this will be a good follow up. Does Ms. Fromme still reside outside of Utica, NY? I'm just curious, being from that neck of the woods.

Mr. Humphrat said...

I will order one, I am just curious whether Ms. Fromme would have been able to or wanted to publish through a big name publisher and have wider distribution.

George Stimson said...

Mr. Humphrat, If Lyn had published the book through a "big name publisher" it would not have been her book. It would have been the publisher's book.

John Seger said...

If I saw a copy in a library, or an on-line, free version, I might read it. But never in a million years would I spend any money on Red's book. I won't help any of these people ca$h in. I never have spent a dime on any Manson related book, video etc.

Unknown said...

What's the deal? Is Cappy still alive or what?

Matthew said...

Cappy is passed. One of her sons was getting condolences on facebook and put her face on his profile.

I am curious whether Lynette writes of regret of her life choices and denounces her past beliefs with Charlie or will she be defending.

AustinAnn74 said...

Exactly, John.

Unknown said...

She lives in Marcy

Unknown said...

She lives in Marcy

Unknown said...

Then Why are you in a Manson Family Group???

Peter said...

To try and find fee access to books.

Peter said...

"She lives in Marcy"

Punishment enough.

Mr. Humphrat said...

George said: " If Lyn had published the book through a "big name publisher" it would not have been her book. It would have been the publisher's book."

that makes sense George and I saw on your site before buying my copy that it will be available on Amazon soon anyway, so probably it will do pretty well. I'm looking forward to it!

beauders said...

I have been waiting for this book for twenty-five years. This is great news and I can’t wait to read it. I am presently reading “Creepy Crawling” by Jeffrey Melnick. It is an interesting approach and very well written.

Peter said...

Article in the New Yorker two days ago.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/keeping-faith-with-the-manson-women/amp

sheisalocal said...

Which is 10 mins from Utica

AstroCreep said...

Thanks for the heads up- I downloaded this am to listen and only got thru the introduction but like where I think it’s headed.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mr. Humphrat said...

Sherry follow this link: http://www.goodbyehelterskelter.com/

beauders said...

Lid Wiehl also has a new book out titled Hunting Charles Manson. I believe Wiehl is a prosecutor and she writes from that point of view. Not much new but I usually find at least five new facts in each book so read this one too. 2018 has turned out to be a great year for Manson books.

John Seger said...

Because I am fascinated by this case. But I don't pay money to read the books, or videos. I read them free. I don't have to be pro-manson, or pay for books and videos I eventually read or watch for free in order to follow this group.

David said...

God, I hope you don’t have to be pro Manson to follow this group. If you do I’ll have to leave.

jerseydevil said...

Beuder's I recently finished
Hunting Charles Manson it's a really good book definitely worthy of adding to the collection & to the person who refuses to buy any Manson related items my
Library of 30 + Manson related book's are not for loan Reading is knowledge
Never heard of anyone interested in this case who doesn't at least own Helter Skelter

DebS said...

I don't consider this blog to be pro Manson nor anti Manson. We strive for truth.

If one does not want to benefit an author by buying a new book you can always buy secondhand. I find that I go back and reread parts of books at times so having the books on hand is helpful.

Maybe some people just don't want to be judged by the books on their shelf.

John Seger said...

I don't consider the blog to be pro-manson either. I just wanted to state I wasn't. And someone else implied I am here to get free links to books? Silly, how would that be? I have been here for many years, and it is not a blog to get free access to anutanyt. It's a discussion group. I get my book on this subject via the library, secondhand books, or online. I posted my OP to state I wouldnt want to put any money in RedsR pocket.

John Seger said...

PS sorry about the type errors 😎

G. Greene-Whyte said...

I've worked as an editor for many years and I'm here to tell you that there aren't many pockets getting fat from writing. It is unfortunately a skill that is considered worthless in this world. I'm down for getting something for free that I can't afford, Hendrickson, for example, but I believe writer's should be paid for their work. Not picking a fight with you, John. I don't disagree with your position on the matter and I've definitely seen you commenting throughout the years. Just adding my two cents.

cielodrivecom said...

Thanks George. Looking forward to reading this. More than happy to put a few dollars in Lyn’s pocket.

Unknown said...

Thank you

Carlos said...

Peter said...


Why don't we- and by we I of course mean you - set it up so we can discuss the book in parts. Give everyone a chance to buy and receive it and then start with a thread in a week or so on section 1 or the first 5 chapters or whatever. And then a week later section 2, etc. I'm sure there will be enough to discuss in it.


My copy arrived this afternoon (thank you, Peasenhall Press, for the quick turn around). I look forward to diving in this evening with an open mind, and I very much welcome the idea of an open-minded, objective, respectful discussion of Ms. Fromme’s book as we each make our way through it. What a great idea.

Matt said...

George Stimson said...

Mr. Humphrat, If Lyn had published the book through a "big name publisher" it would not have been her book.


A ton of truth in that. You sell your book's soul in trade for the possibility of wide distribution and profit with mainstream publishers. In this case I don't believe it would be worth that.


starship said...

Amazon is already out of stock for the hardcovers...

JIM HAYES said...

Hi! i appreciate all the recent scholarly articles, there's been lots of great information and i appreciate reading it. Thanks! second-Mr.Quintron has been in the air recently. I started a letter to him the other day. He and Miss Pussycat are good people. last time i saw them was three years ago, believe it or not we discussed Bruce Davis! Finally, may i humbly suggest a twitter and or Facebook tab on the "reflexion" splash page-it would make it simpler to repost. Just a suggestion. I'll order one Friday. thanks again to all contributors!

Doug said...

Super nice people. I wanted to post a photo of them hanging out with us in Vancouver but...not able to.

brownrice said...

cielodrivecom said...
Thanks George. Looking forward to reading this. More than happy to put a few dollars in Lyn’s pocket.


Ditto

Zelda Formaldehyde said...

There are a few stragglers around who vaguely remember DeCarlo from his time hanging around Langley, B.C. for a couple years in the very early 70's. When DDD "took off before collecting any of the reward money", Langley is where he took off to.

Doug said...

Yep
I grew up in Burnaby. My Uncle lived in Langley (it was rather undeveloped until mid/late 70s too).
I heard that as a kid. Not long after seeing HS and, reading a few books. I must've been 12. Scared the sh*t outta me at the time. At 12, I just assumed ANY member/associate if the MF were deranged killers...

Zelda Formaldehyde said...

As far as I can piece together, Danny lived there for a couple of years ... about 1971-1973 or so, living a come-and-go lifestyle. Because Langley has lots of farms and open spaces, it has always been a dope-growing centre, thereby attracting a lot of bikers. It was an environment that Danny could probably slip very easily into.... especially back then when it really was considered 'the sticks'. But in 1973, or prior to the 1974 release of Helter Skelter, the name Danny DeCarlo meant nothing. I would imagine except for a few Mansonphobes in southern California, Danny's name was unknown. So he kinda lived here without notoriety ... living the guns, booze and broads lifestyle, albeit with much less heat than in L.A. Apparently he kept his Manson ties on the down-low.
That's one of the curious aspects about Bugliosi's book .... it outted so many names who probably would have preferred to quietly escape the Tate-LaBianca story. But after 1974, those people were roped-in permanently.

Peter said...

I'm still looking forward to receiving my copy when I go the mailbox every night.

I was curious as to how much editing went into the book? Did Lynette write it on her own? Was there a lot of revisions from the editor? Is any of it from the book the Family allegedly kept? Was it written over a long period of time or is it something she wrote recently? I don't expect that she is going to go on a book signing tour, but maybe she would make a statement directed to an audience like us, that have more than just a passing interest in her story, as to the genesis of the Book?

George Stimson said...

Hi Peter,

The book was extremely minimally edited (by Sandy and myself — no other outside people were involved, including for the book formatting, which I did). Ninety-nine-point-nine-nine percent of what you read is what she wrote as she wrote it. It was her book and we wanted it to come out as much as possible exactly the way she wanted it. (She even picked the font.) She has been working on it for forty years but she wrote much of it recently and in fact was adding material up to the week before the book went to the printer.
I’ll see if she’d like to make any statement regarding the book’s genesis.

David said...

Thank you, George.

Peter said...

Thanks. I can't wait to read it. But the mailbox was empty again today. At least no bills.

Mr. Humphrat said...

My mailbox wasn't empty yesterday :) and so far I'm finding it very interesting. I like that I can read about someone's take on Manson which doesn't follow up a positive description of him with a disclaimer that she now realizes he was just duping her. So I am looking forward to this point of view and she will be have certain recollections that others weren't there for so it fills in the story some more.

Doug said...

George - is it possible to pay by bank e-transfer directly into your account or, the business account from Vancouver Canada for shipping to Vancouver Canada? Postal Code V5W 1W2.

I can contact via personal email to get into if possible to do so.

No credit cards presently - evil ex fraud victim - ugh

Cheers

Doug said...

"I can contact via personal email to get INFO if possible to do so"

grimtraveller said...

George Stimson said...

She has been working on it for forty years

Are the bits that you included in "Goodbye Helter Skelter" part of the book ?

but she wrote much of it recently

Roughly how much of it would you estimate was recent writing ~ or is that an impossible to answer question ?

Zelda Formaldehyde said...

of the curious aspects about Bugliosi's book .... it outted so many names who probably would have preferred to quietly escape the Tate-LaBianca story

That said, there were a few name changes that were said to be for legal reasons. When I first became aware of the blogs and did some background reading, I had to laugh at the aliases given for the 4 guys that were early 'promising suspects', especially the one that was supposed to be a pseudonym for 'Pic'.

Zelda Formaldehyde said...

Grim .... correct.
Doyle, Harrigan and Dawson essentially became Larry, Moe and Curly. Oh that tricky Bugs.

George Stimson said...

Grim:

"Are the bits that you included in "Goodbye Helter Skelter" part of the book?"

Earlier versions of those bits are. She tweaked them slightly since the publication of GHS.

"Roughly how much of it would you estimate was recent writing ~ or is that an impossible to answer question ?"

It's hard to answer. It depends on what you mean by "recent." The early chapters were pretty much done a few years ago, but the last one about 1969 (which, however, is the longest chapter at almost 250 pages) she worked on extensively recently, up to the week before the book went to the printer.

G. Greene-Whyte said...

George, I received mine yesterday and read past midnight. Thank you. She's an excellent writer.

Joe Col said...

Does the book cover recent time since she has been released, as well?

Peter said...

Received mine yesterday as well and while I'm only about 50 pages into it, I'm really enjoying it. I hope the blog will give us an opportunity to discuss it at greater lengths in later postings because I think there is a lot here on many levels.

Mr. Humphrat said...

Yes she is an excellent writer. Hopefully she will be able to mix in some of her more recent years, since she skips back and forth in time (which I like.) I'm only about 65 pages in and probably will be making slow headway through it.

So, George, your answer to Grim about Goodbye Helter Skelter. Maybe I missed something in this thread. Did Lynnette need to refer to GHS for some facts that she didn't know or how did it work? It would be very hard for her to remember all the details which must be in the book. I wonder how she can remember even what I've read so far, so do you know if she researched various sources or consulted Sandy or others? Thanks

grimtraveller said...

George Stimson said...

which, however, is the longest chapter at almost 250 pages

Wow, that's one long chapter. Only Zamora beats that. His whole book is a chapter !
Well mine only took 5 days to reach England and now sits next to the Jess Bravin one. I trust it'll be the superior athlete. Got to finish the Bob Marley one first though, as I'd started that a week ago.

Carlos said...

Joe Col said...

Does the book cover recent time since she has been released, as well?

Spolier alert...


no

Carlos said...

But don’t let the book’s focused time frame deter you. For the period it covers, it’s an extremely engaging and interesting read.

Joe Col said...

Thanks for the information, Carlos.
Not deterred, plan on buying it soon. Was just curious if it would also cover more recent issues, such as Manson's passing. Just back from vacation, so funds are tight at the moment. But will order soon.

Joe Col said...

Thanks for the info, Carlos. Not deterred at all, just curious if it would also cover more recent ground, such as manson's passing.
Just back from vacation so funds are tight at the moment. But plan to order it soon.

Peter said...

I never imagined Lynette had this in her. Not in a million years. The story is captivating. It has its faults but that only makes it more personal. I thought it was going to be two dimensional and borderline fanatical in its politics, but I find myself agreeing with a lot of her observations. Maybe it's a wisdom that comes with age, but she comes across as thoughtful, sensitive, compassuonate, sometimes with a wry and self deepricating humor. It's a pretty daunting task to get the reader to have empathy for the Manson family, but she pulls it off. This is the best book on the topic I've read. It's not just a historical record, it"s a compelling story.

Doug said...

I thought it might show that from Lynnette due to her deep feelings for CM and, this period of her life with those earliest members of the Family - the GOOD times...aligned with their shared values toward Mother Earth and, children (each celebrating them after themselves experiencing pretty lousy upbringings/parental relationships...and, the clarity of time's passages/passing allowing her the focus to passionately and, eloquently relay her stories and anecdotal remembrances freely without the prejudices being in the moment and, under such an enormous microscope during the period discussed - especially the 1969 lead up to the complete destruction of not only the idyllic dreams of the masses, but those of the earliest Family stalwarts - those who had given the most to THEIR dreams, hopes and shared utopia/vision...only to see it blow up in frot of them.

Remember - Squeaky bawled her eyes out in RH's film. She was completely gutted. She had lost the only family she'd felt ever had her back and, loved her - unconditionally - as the lousy singin, weirdo, emotional freak, tree-huggin idealist she was.

This (I've not read it yet) must come across as genuine, loving, unapologetic and a bit naive...I don't have to agree with her to be moved by her personal journey.

Doug said...

You can delete THIS comment - just wondering why my comment on THIS posted topic needs approval but none of the others I've just commented on needed approval. No big deal - just curious.

Feel free to delete this one...hopefully not my other (main) comment above

Thanks

Matt said...

Doug, we have our blog settings to hold any comment in moderation if the post is 14 days old or more.


Janellski said...

Hi guys! Haven't commented in a long time!
I just ordered Lynette's book, and I am so
Excited! It is supposed to come Sunday, and
I will be ready!! PEACE!!☮👩🏼

Carlos said...

Peter said...

The story is captivating. It has its faults but that only makes it more personal. I thought it was going to be two dimensional and borderline fanatical in its politics, but I find myself agreeing with a lot of her observations.

Based on my read, and to some extent re-read, this is as concise and powerful a review as anyone could ever write.

It's a pretty daunting task to get the reader to have empathy for the Manson family...

I’ve always been careful to note the distinction between empathy and sympathy. I’ve personally often found myself having empathy for many Family members, and that includes some still locked up. But the closest I have ever come to having any genuine sympathy whatsoever for any Family member is while reading Ms. Fromme’s book. She has done an excellent job of telling a deeply personal, deeply human story about some very flawed humans in a manner that maintains integrity and credibility. That’s impressive.

G. Greene-Whyte said...

Thank you, Carlos and Peter. I couldn't say it better myself. Her book is much better than I expected. I feel like I'm going to read it many times.

Doug said...

Thanks Matt
Was just curious - thought it was something routine
Cheers

Matthew said...

I finished the book and found it very interesting and well written. I did find that in the end, she seemed to distance herself from what was going on outside of George’s house. I am not saying that wasn’t true but if you listen to interviews from Pat and Leslie there was much more going on as far as mind control and preaching of the revolution coming. If you watch the 1972 documentary, Lynette was much more militant than portrayed in this book. Once again, I am not saying that it is not true. It would be interesting to know what Pat, Leslie and Tex think of this account of things. I also think that it would have been interesting if the book carried on to the vigils in front of the court house and the fragmenting of the group. Who stays in touch etc. Anyone that has any interest in the family history and the building of the group, this book is a must. So much of it was very intimate and personal. I also found Sandy's personal writings very honest and personal.

Doug said...

Sold out on most Canadian vendor websites and, I had reached out to George about the possibility of an e-transfer into an account of his choice but, he must be a busy publisher at present and,I had not heard from him.

Fortunately, the link posted yesterday or today on Matt's Reflexions review stream was a fully stocked Amazon.com and, I managed to grab one!
The shipping and currency conversion brought it to slightly over $50 Cdn for the hardcover.
Ten Canadian pennies (we don't use 1 cent coppers anymore but...it sounds good eh)/page.

Looking forward to reading.

Cheers

Buzz Wilson said...

She says "you know" every fifth word or so, you know?

My first impression when she started talking is: this woman is an absolute moron. And I was correct.

Bobby D said...

She started to write in Sacramento when her and blue lived in a apartment together