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.

Audible Audio

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

[Jenn Gentry · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone that suffers with chronic depression, I could relate to 80% of this memoir and admire the authors, truth telling and sharing. I have many takeaways, all of which lead me to consider inpatient therapy for my own tool kit. For anyone battling depression, anxiety, this is a great book to understand a perspective. We all struggle differently yet having a solid support system, toolkit and the desire to live on remains.

[Krissy (books_and_biceps9155) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look at me reading Non Fiction-its rare I know. This one sounded very good and I was curious. Thank you @simonbuddyreads for my copy!

I don’t rate memoirs. If you are brave enough to put it out there on paper, you have my respect. I am not here to judge someone’s personal thoughts with a rating. Sooo…I will say this one was intriguing. Parts of it felt very real, raw and personal to me. Tendler is very unapologetic and open about her life. It touched me and gave me all the feels.

Other parts of it annoyed the shit out of me. She seemed privileged and some of her actions were upsetting. Also-WHY THE LAST CHAPTER?! We did not need that to be included, and I wish it had not been added. It was depressing and felt unnecessary except maybe to show her healing?! I don’t know. I think Tendler is brave and I always think mental health needs more rep.

[Lola Morgan :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can say that this book is not for everyone but I relate to it on a deep level. The way Anna talks about mental health and the issues women face in such a male centered society is incredible. Her experiences with misogyny and the men in her life are simultaneously maddening and so deeply relatable for every woman. In my opinion this is one of the best books i’ve ever read and it now has a special place in my shelf and in my heart. Man Have Called Her Crazy is a book I would recommend everyone to read but especially women who struggle with mental health, misogyny, and finding a place in society.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her writing is fire; her experiences at the psych hospital are highly relatable; her analysis: spot on.

Her feminine rage - holy and justifiable - has kind of a creeper effect... it peeks out, and you know it's there, but it's not central to her story - she is. Her experience is. And, the whole time, you're kind of wondering where these men are who "call her crazy."

But that last chapter.... damn. She throws misogyny to the cross and pounds those nails in with eloquent rage.

[Emma Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. I related to some of it, and learned a lot about the author. I don't feel like there was much plot beyond that.

[Mia Pierson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so grateful to read something like this at this time in my life. Relatable & extremely honest!