In 1972, Karlene Faith, a professor of criminology, was asked to tutor the Manson girls at the California Institute for Women. Throughout the years, Faith has remained a close friend to the three women, and in The Long Prison Journey of Leslie Van Houten Faith argues why Leslie should be released from prison. However, the book spends too much time portraying Leslie as a victim, and uses Manson as an excuse for Van Houten to avoid personal responsibility.