Squeaky

This is a compelling and very informative portrait of one of the more vocal female members of the Manson family, would-be presidential assassin Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme. In late 1969, when Charles Manson and four others were imprisoned for the brutal murders of nine people, Squeaky Fromme became the leader of the Manson clan in Charlie's absence and took to the streets, holding daily vigils outside the courthouse with the other family members who weren't imprisoned. In 1975, while living in Sacramento and preaching about the destruction of the environment with friend Sandra Good, Squeaky aimed a gun at then-president Gerald Ford. In prison for life, this novel details her early life as a dancer with the Westchester Lariats in Redondo Beach, California, her notable High School days, and finally how and when she met Manson and was seduced by his off-the-wall ideologies. It gives an incredible day-by-day account of her highly-publicized trial in which it was to be decided whether or not she actually meant to kill the president. Although not for everyone, this book is a must for true-crime fans and those who want to know what made this fascinating woman tick.

This book is a very thorough examination of the life of Lynette Fromme. Meticulous detail and research makes the book a fantastic read and a wonderful source of information on Froome and other women of the Manson Family.

I had forgotten just how turbulent those times were. Mr. Bravin brought it all back. This is an excellent account of Ms. Fromme's life before and after Manson on many levels. Bravin maintains a format that is intelligent and literate, unlike the moronic twadlings of Ed Sanders, as well as insightful and interesting. Anyone interested in this period should definately read this book. It will certainly give you a new prospective on Ms. Fromme. I would like to see Mr. Bravin produce a book about Sandra Good.

Jess Bravin has done a great job providing insight to a very complex person. Told without sensationalism, done with sensitivity yet objective as well. I feel great compassion and sadness for the girl Lynette Fromme was, but not for the person she became. My only criticism is that I wish Mr. Bravin had given more information about Squeaky once she was convicted (though I assume that would have been impossible without her cooperation). And also, I would like to have been given as much insight to other family members as well-- it's hard to seperate one from the pack since they are all so intertwined. It would have made an even longer book but so what? Being an animal rights and eco-activist this book effected me deeply. What a waste of a life! Anyone who has visited Sandra and Lynette's website knows that these 2 women are more invested in Charlie Manson and intimidation than saving the earth. In conclusion, I think Jess Bravin did an EXCELLENT job writing this book.