Men Have Called Her Crazy

by Anna Marie Tendler

'A stunning self-portrait of a woman trying to make sense of the misogyny and sexism she has faced throughout her life.' - TIME Magazine

In early 2021, popular artist Anna Marie Tendler checked herself into a psychiatric hospital following a year of crippling anxiety, depression and self-harm. Over two weeks, she underwent myriad psychological tests, participated in numerous therapy sessions, connected with fellow patients and experienced profound breakthroughs, such as when a doctor noted, "There is a you inside that feels invisible to those looking at you from the outside."

In Men Have Called Her Crazy, Tendler recounts her hospital experience as well as pivotal moments in her life that preceded and followed. This is a memoir that speaks to every woman who has been made to question her own sanity, doubt herself and her worth. Anna Marie Tendler's powerful writing, insight and clarity enabled her to find a way out of the narratives that had been foisted on her since girlhood and create her own, new story. This beautiful and heartfelt book invites us to do the same.

This stunning literary self-portrait examines the unreasonable expectations and pressures women face in the 21st century. Yet overwhelming and despairing as that can feel, Tendler ultimately offers a message of hope. Early in her stay in the hospital, she says, "My wish for myself is that one day I'll reach a place where I can face hardship without trying to destroy myself." By the end of the book, she fulfils that wish.

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 13, 2024

About the author

Anna Marie Tendler is an artist and writer. She holds a master’s degree in costume studies from New York University. She lives in Connecticut with her three cats, Chimney, Moon, and Butter.

Reviews

[Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feeling very fragile after finishing this one. I LOVED it, but it was a tough read, primarily because I saw so much of myself in Anna. And it’s always nice to feel so understood, but it’s also very difficult to see some of these thoughts, feelings, qualities, mental health struggles reflected in yourself. I’ll admit, I initially added this to my TBR list because I’m a fan of Anna’s (in)famous(?) ex-husband, so you’d expect I’d be disappointed at that fact that John was only very, very vaguely mentioned, and not by name, but I was not at all let down! Instead, I feel as though I’ve found a kindred spirit. I liked the flip flop between her past and her stay in the hospital, she’s funny, and she’s creative and interesting. Her saying Petunia was the love of her life was also reflected back to me in the way I feel about my cat, Marv. The ending was semi-neatly wrapped up, which I can respect, and I hope Anna continues to do well enough to this day. ❤️

[Beverly Hollandbeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memoir of a woman who spent some time at the age of 35 getting her mental health in order. Her experience was mostly warm, concerned, and helpful. Other memoirs don't usually paint this kind of picture.

[Megan Osborn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay. I felt like it was a little too “man hating” for me at the end and I wish there was a little more of an ending…I just feel like I’m not the biggest memoir reader…

[Sioned Dafydd · Rating 1 out of 5]

It’s very, very rare that I don’t finish a book, but this one was a struggle.