Men Have Called Her Crazy: A Memoir BY Anna Marie Tendler

Men Have Called Her Crazy is a poignant and powerful memoir by artist Anna Marie Tendler, delving into the complexities of mental health and the pervasive impact of men on women’s lives. The book chronicles Tendler’s harrowing journey through a psychiatric hospital in early 2021, where she sought help for severe anxiety, depression, and self-harm. During her two-week stay, she faced extensive psychological testing, engaged in intensive therapy, and connected with fellow patients, leading to profound personal insights, including a poignant moment when a doctor acknowledged the invisible self within her.

Tendler’s memoir intertwines her hospital experience with significant life events that illuminate the ways men have influenced her life. These experiences range from unrequited love in high school and a troubling early sexual encounter to the challenges of dating in her thirties and her choice to freeze her eggs amid her friends’ family-building milestones. The book examines how these moments, marked by societal and personal expectations, have shaped her sense of self and mental well-being.

Through her candid reflections, Tendler addresses the unreasonable pressures and expectations faced by women in the 21st century. Despite the overwhelming nature of these challenges, her memoir ultimately conveys a message of hope and resilience. She shares her journey towards self-acceptance and the goal of confronting hardship without self-destruction. By the end of the book, Tendler achieves this aspiration, offering readers a moving narrative of recovery and empowerment.