Helter Skelter - Buddy Read Non-Completest - August 2018

[Matthew, Assistant List Master]

Greetings - Ginger and I will be buddy reading Helter Skelter in August 2018. Feel free to join in!

I have not seen Helter Skelter on any of our lists, but I don't tend to see non-fiction on the lists. But, I think it is agreed by the majority that this book and In Cold Blood are the granddaddies of True Crime books.

[Matthew, Assistant List Master]

Reminder, this Helter Skelter Buddy Read begins tomorrow. Feel free to join in!

[Ginger]

I'm here for the Skelter and the Helter! :D

[Ev]

I'm right in the middle of it, and I read the first part looking over my shoulder, it was so creepy. Kind of makes me glad Manson isn't a threat anymore, but who knows how many followers are still out there?

[Ginger]

Ev wrote: "I'm right in the middle of it, and I read the first part looking over my shoulder, it was so creepy. Kind of makes me glad Manson isn't a threat anymore, but who knows how many followers are still ..."

I just watched Dark Tourist on Netflix and there still are Ev. The host went to Hollywood and there's still people that are all about Manson. It's crazy.

[Matthew, Assistant List Master]

August is the anniversary month of the Tate murders - so, appropriate read for this month.

[Ginger]

Matthew wrote: "August is the anniversary month of the Tate murders - so, appropriate read for this month."

Woah! I had no idea so it's totally appropriate that we're finally reading this.

[Matthew, Assistant List Master]

Matthew wrote: "August is the anniversary month of the Tate murders - so, appropriate read for this month."

August 8–9, 1969

[Ev]

Ginger wrote: "Ev wrote: "I'm right in the middle of it, and I read the first part looking over my shoulder, it was so creepy. Kind of makes me glad Manson isn't a threat anymore, but who knows how many followers..."

Yikes! I better read this only in the daytime with my back against the wall then. Creepy.

[Matthew, Assistant List Master]

I will be doing both this and the other group selection (The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks) on audio (just trying to finish up my last audiobook!)

Since I am buddy reading this one with you guys, I am planning to focus most of my audio time on the Henrietta book so that I don't get too far ahead on the Manson book (audiobooks definitely go much faster for me - I finished what was a 900 page book on audiobook in less than a week earlier this year!)

[Scarlett]

The Helter Skelter audiobook is only a bit over 5hrs 🤩 Will try to join in if time permits.

[Ev]

That means I'll probably still be chugging along on Helter Skelter while you guys leave me in the dust. :)

[Matthew, Assistant List Master]

Scarlett wrote: "The Helter Skelter audiobook is only a bit over 5hrs 🤩 Will try to join in if time permits."

Woah - you must have found an abridged copy! Mine is 26 hours and 29 minutes!

[Scarlett]

Hmm...well before I start, let me check :)

[Ginger]

Ev, I'll be reading this as well so you've got one of us who won't be leaving you in the dust. :D

Matthew, I'll likely take longer at this BR then normal since you're doing audio. Plus, I've got a library book that I've got to read this month, overtime at work and more then likely, Two Graves with Terry!!
So, don't give up on me on this BR but I'll try to read as much as I can this month.

[Ev]

Ginger wrote: "Ev, I'll be reading this as well so you've got one of us who won't be leaving you in the dust. :D

Matthew, I'll likely take longer at this BR then normal since you're doing audio. Plus, I've got a..."

Awesome!

[Matthew, Assistant List Master]

Per my discussion with Scarlett - and to avoid the confusion of the many covers that are out there.

If you want to read the full version:
The paperback and hardcover are 650 to 775 pages (First edition hardcover appears to be 520 pages - must have been small print!)
Audiobook is between 26 and 27 hours
Kindle/eBook - 700 to 770 pages

I hope this info helps! :)

[Ginger]

Matthew wrote: "The paperback and hardcover are 650 to 775 pages"

This is what I have Matthew so I've got the big daddy of them all. hahaha

[Scarlett]

👍

[Ev]

Matthew wrote: "Per my discussion with Scarlett - and to avoid the confusion of the many covers that are out there.

If you want to read the full version:
The paperback and hardcover are 650 to 775 pages (First ed..."

I have the first edition, and not counting the index pages in the back, it comes out to a neat 490 pages.

[Matthew, Assistant List Master]

After spending an hour last night finding a better audiobook player for the MP3 I bought of the book, I think I am finally ready to go!

[Ginger]

Matthew wrote: "After spending an hour last night finding a better audiobook player for the MP3 I bought of the book, I think I am finally ready to go!"

Great!! I started the book last night and it's already intense and captivating. Holy smokes.

[Matthew, Assistant List Master]

At the beginning (view spoiler)[jumps right in to the aftermath of the Tate murders. Seems to be a common thing in non-fiction to jump into the details from the middle of the story and then go back to get the relevant build up information. I can only imagine that we are going to learn a whole lot more about before (hide spoiler)]

[Ev]

In the middle...Manson’s philosophy is bringing my IQ down. :)

[Ginger]

Matthew wrote: "At the beginning [spoilers removed]"

Oh yeah, that was my thought as well!

[Ginger]

Ev wrote: "In the middle...Manson’s philosophy is bringing my IQ down. :)"

Don't drink the Kool-Aid Ev! hahaha

[Ev]

Not me...I stick with Coke. :)

[Ginger]

I finished up day August 9th, 1969.
(view spoiler)[I know it was 1969 but the LAPD really goofed up a lot on this murder scene. The blood splatter, the way they notified the Parent's that their son was dead, accidentally moving stuff around (pieces of gun stock) and adding more bloody footprints to the scene. WTF?!!! (hide spoiler)]

[Ev]

Trust me, that's only the beginning. What astounded me was the forensics guy who didn't thoroughly take blood samples, omitting the sub types that could further narrow down possible suspects. I know in 1969 they didn't have sophisticated technology, but this is just absurd.

[Ginger]

Ev wrote: "Trust me, that's only the beginning. What astounded me was the forensics guy who didn't thoroughly take blood samples, omitting the sub types that could further narrow down possible suspects. I kno..."

I totally agree. This blew my mind as well.

[Ev]

I also plan to read this soon. It's the family account of Sharon Tate's murder. If anyone wants, we can buddy read it. :)

[Matthew, Assistant List Master]

Ginger wrote: "I finished up day August 9th, 1969.
[spoilers removed]"

And (view spoiler)[The gate button! (hide spoiler)]

[Ev]

Matthew wrote: "Ginger wrote: "I finished up day August 9th, 1969.
[spoilers removed]"

And [spoilers removed]"

Yes! Talk about moronic. I wonder where those policemen got their degrees from: mail-in cereal box tops? lol

[Matthew, Assistant List Master]

Learning about locations and the people involved. Google Maps, Wikipedia, and IMDb look to be my contact companions throughout this one!

[Ginger]

Matthew wrote: "Learning about locations and the people involved. Google Maps, Wikipedia, and IMDb look to be my contact companions throughout this one!"

Yeah, I agree. I've been going back to the cast of characters in the beginning of my book.
By the way, I'm loving this book! It's easy to read and fascinating.
I got to Ch August 16-30, 1969 last night. (view spoiler)[I didn't realize they killed more then Sharon Tate's group!! They are up to 8 people that they've murdered. (hide spoiler)]
Holy hell!

[Ev]

Matthew wrote: "Learning about locations and the people involved. Google Maps, Wikipedia, and IMDb look to be my contact companions throughout this one!"

Well, at least you'll know your way around Benedict Canyon if you're ever in the area. :)

[Ev]

Ginger wrote: "Matthew wrote: "Learning about locations and the people involved. Google Maps, Wikipedia, and IMDb look to be my contact companions throughout this one!"

Yeah, I agree. I've been going back to the..."

A knife in throat and a fork in the stomach...that's so unspeakably evil, no one can be that brainwashed not to know they are committing murder.

[Matthew, Assistant List Master]

It's amazing how arrogant the Manson family was (view spoiler)[ if they had kept their mouths shut, they probably would have gotten away with it. But, they had to brag. (hide spoiler)]

[Ev]

Very smug and arrogant, especially Sadie. Very proud of what they've done. Not insane but plain evil.

[Ev]

Also, given the fear Manson instills in people, I'm surprised Sadie turned snitch without hesitation.

[Matthew, Assistant List Master]

Here I am thinking they will never figure it out and (view spoiler)[ Sadie offers it all up on a platter! (hide spoiler)]

[Ginger]

Matthew wrote: "Here I am thinking they will never figure it out and [spoilers removed]"

Yeah, isn't that crazy!! (view spoiler)[It's their arrogance that did them in. I couldn't believe Sadie told her prison mates everything!
First rule in prison, don't say anything. hahaha (hide spoiler)]

[Matthew, Assistant List Master]

So, these Manson family people (view spoiler)[as we mentioned before - arrogant. But now, as I see all the crimes they were committing, they were also very, very reckless. It was just a tidal wave of crime throughout the Los Angeles area, and they were just leaving evidence of every kind all over the place. Did they think they were invincible? They might as well have bought a billboard saying - hey, it's us! (hide spoiler)]

[Ev]

Matthew wrote: "So, these Manson family people [spoilers removed]"

For a while they were invincible as evidenced by the incompetence in the LAPD and LASO. They got away with it for longer than they should have.

Also, today is the 49th anniversary of the LaBianca murders.

[Matthew, Assistant List Master]

Ev wrote: "Matthew wrote: "So, these Manson family people [spoilers removed]"

For a while they were invincible as evidenced by the incompetence in the LAPD and LASO. They got away with it for longer than the..."

Indeed! You would have thought they had it together by the time they got to the Simpson trial!

Yes - 49 years! Might add a bit more to the book when reading it today.

[Ginger]

Matthew wrote: "So, these Manson family people [spoilers removed]"

I agree! (view spoiler)[I think the arrogance was because they felt invincible. They had some crazy thoughts and beliefs! (hide spoiler)]

[Matthew, Assistant List Master]

I will say this, too, Los Angeles in the late 60s sounded pretty bad overall!

Also, I was curious and looked this up, the murders took place about a week before Woodstock.

[Ginger]

Matthew wrote: "Also, I was curious and looked this up, the murders took place about a week before Woodstock."

Huh! They were definitely not practicing "Free Love"!
Well, I guess with each other they were. ;) haha

[Ev]

Listening to the Beatles' The White Album will never be the same again. lol

[Matthew, Assistant List Master]

When he tells the story of Manson (view spoiler)[I got worn out - I feel lazy compared to him! He went to every town, commited every crime, married/bedded every woman, had at least one kid, and then Bugliosi is all like "then the next year when he turned 19 . . ." Holy crap! (hide spoiler)]