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  • Member of the Family

  • By: Dianne Lake
  • Narrated by: Dianne Lake
  • Length: 12 hrs and 31 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (47 ratings)

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Member of the Family

By: Dianne Lake
Narrated by: Dianne Lake
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Summary

Following the recent death of Charles Manson – the leader of the sinister 60s cult – Dianne Lake reveals the true story of life with Manson and his ‘family’, who became notorious for a series of shocking murders during the summer of 1969.

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 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.

©2017 Dianne Lake (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers
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What listeners say about Member of the Family

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the best

I thought this would be the least interesting story around the family. Yet I've listened to it twice. Amazing life. A real survivor of youth. strong child to strong adult.

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Outstanding insight

With all the myth and legend that surround the family this reminds you that at the heart of it all was a man controlling and abusing young vulnerable teenagers

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Very difficult to hear at times.

Anyone who has been raped or SA and child abused could be triggered so this needs a warning of graphic abuse of a minor. I can’t say the story is good. It’s horrific so be ready to hear awful things. Nice to hear Diane was redeemed in Christ and became a Christian. The happier ending. This poor girl was failed by her parents and the authorities. Hard to fathom.

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A must read

Never before have a read a book that has mad me cry, been angry and has made me laugh.
This is the story of a incredibly brave lady. who should be proud of herself. xx

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fantastic book

I was so impressed with this book and the author/narrator. Dianne clearly experienced a great deal by the time she was fourteen years old. She has a fascinating story to tell which she does in a very captivating way, she doesn't hold back. She come across as a very thoughtful and grounded person.

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Fascinating and a great listening experience

I can truly say that i didn’t want this book to come to an end, beautifully read by the author. A real treat.

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Excellent book, very insightful

Really interesting listen and very shocking at what a young girl went through during that time and was able to overcome. I appreciate the authors honesty & the narrator was excellent.

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