Men Have Called Her Crazy

A Memoir

De: Anna Marie Tendler

Narrado por: Anna Marie Tendler

A powerful memoir that reckons with mental health as well as the insidious ways men impact the lives of women.

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. As the title suggests, many of these moments are impacted by men: unrequited love in high school; the twenty-eight-year-old she lost her virginity to when she was sixteen; the frustrations and absurdities of dating in her mid-thirties; and her decision to freeze her eggs as all her friends were starting families.

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 fulfills that wish.

©2024 Anna Marie Tendler (P)2024 Simon & Schuster Audio

Honest

an honest story that i think needs to be heard. Not an untypical experience but she made it ok to talk about it.

Food for my soul

This book was like eating an incredibly delicious, comforting meal. I devoured it. It’s honest and vulnerable and sad and funny. I think if you or anyone you know struggles mentally, it’s a must-read. If you are a woman or you have women in your life, it’s a must-read. It’s such a relatable and helpful reminder that life is not linear, cycles are really hard to break, and that things actually can get better.

Beautiful, real, and honest

How the author weaves past experiences into her present day reality and how the two are intrinsically interlinked is beautiful and skillful.
The material resonatated with me on a deep level, as a woman with mental illness living in a deeply patriarchal society. Quite literally ended the book crying on an airplane in public. No shame.
10/10 will be recommending to all my female friends and a few select male friends.

Not what I expected

I started the book thinking it would be something it wasn’t- which is not the author’s fault. She wrote about mental illness in a very relatable way.

Vivid and honest

The descriptions in the book both of the events and the author’s mental state are so vivid. Great performance as well! If you read books to better understand and have empathy for other people, or if you have struggled with mental health, or if you are a woman who has had to face misogyny throughout her life or are someone of another gender who wants to better understand that experience, check this one out.

A must read for all women

The brutal honestly of such horrific events and circumstances accompanied by Tendler's tactful humor left me hanging on every word. I found myself tearful in one moment and erupting with laughter the next. Anna's experiences often mirrored my own--leaving me feeling seen and validated. Her writing is a true gift and I hope that this isn't the last we will hear from her.

From insecure vulnerability to strength, awareness and truth!

One of the best memoirs I’ve ever read. Giving voice to women, everywhere. Saying what we’re afraid to say out loud and even to ourselves. But, for all of her thoughtful, depressing and searing insights into men, her dog, Petunia, was the main character for me. Sort of an analogy of the unattainable unconditional love we seek from our partners, that only dogs/pets can provide. The end will break you, but well worth the read.

Crazy and Men

Great story. I enjoyed hearing what she had to share. Anna Marie’s use of language is beautiful and constructive, making me want to work on my own vocabulary.

I have never related to a story so much

just beautifully written. it's not a tell all about the authors marriage or divorce. in fact, it tells nothing. Instead it's a story of how she found herself when she felt completely lost and I relate to that sooo much!

No mention of John Mulaney, and I love that

If you enjoyed “The Bell Jar” by Silvia Plath or “Girl Interrupted”, then you likely will enjoy this book as well. I found it relatable and really loved it.