BOOK REVIEW
Men Have Called Her Crazy
    

Genre: Memoir, Nonfiction, Mental Health
Year Released: 2024
Pages: 304
Writer(s): Anna Marie Tendler
Where To Read: available August 13, 2024; pre-order your copy here www.amazon.com; for more information, check out www.annamarietendler.com

RAVING REVIEW: MEN HAVE CALLED HER CRAZY starts with Anna Marie Tendler's voluntary check-in to a psychiatric facility, marking the start of a memoir that is as much a deep dive into her psyche as it is a reflection on broader societal issues. The opening is both gripping and heartfelt, setting the tone for a story that intertwines Tendler’s struggles with her complex interactions with men throughout her life. This memoir goes beyond the traditional recounting of trials and tribulations; instead, the book offers a sharp critique of the unspoken rules that often govern women's lives.

As a short disclaimer, I’m a male and can only view this story through my own eyes. I’ve found that stories that allow me to grow the most as a person are those that aren’t necessarily for me; it's the stories that enable me to hear others' experiences and share in their world that opens my eyes. With all that said, please look out for the words of others who have shared Anna’s story, as their words carry far more weight; this review is only my thoughts on her story.

Tendler's journey through the halls of the hospital serves as a backdrop to her candid exploration of mental health, not just as a personal challenge but as an issue intersecting with societal expectations. Her story transitions between her past and present, from her younger days dealing with infatuations and heartbreaks to more mature challenges, like her decision to freeze her eggs—a stark contrast to her friends’ life choices, highlighting the societal pressures on women to follow a specific life script.

What makes MEN HAVE CALLED HER CRAZY particularly compelling is Tendler’s refusal to sugarcoat or sensationalize her experiences. The narrative steers clear of diving into the gritty details of her past marriage with John Mulaney, focusing instead on her path to self-acceptance and recovery. This approach lends the memoir a genuine and grounded feel, making it relatable to those interested in lives and anyone grappling with personal or mental health challenges.

The dual timeline of the memoir allows readers to see the evolution of Tendler’s mental health issues alongside her interactions with others around her. Her narrative is a blend of personal memoir and societal critique, enriched by her unique artistic sensibilities—seen in her Victorian lampshade designs and melancholic photography (seriously, check out her website.) These elements add a distinctive visual and emotional depth to her storytelling, enhancing the reader’s engagement.

Throughout the memoir, Tendler delves into creative expression's therapeutic power. Her background as an artist serves not only as a career but as a crucial coping mechanism, allowing her to channel her emotional turmoil into her art. This aspect of her life provides a compelling look at how creativity can serve as a sanctuary from mental strife.

In MEN HAVE CALLED HER CRAZY, Tendler doesn’t aim for a tidy, conclusive ending. Instead, she presents a narrative that is as open and ongoing as real life, where personal growth continues beyond the pages of the memoir. This realistic approach humanizes her story and amplifies its impact, making it a standout work that challenges and inspires.

Through its intimate, honest, and aesthetically infused narrative, MEN HAVE CALLED HER CRAZY does more than just tell a story. It invites readers into the complexities of being a woman in the public eye, dealing with mental health issues, and ultimately finding a path to empowerment and resilience. Tendler’s memoir is a bold declaration of her journey from darkness to a place of strength and understanding, making it a crucial read for anyone interested in the intersection of personal development and societal norms.

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[photo courtesy of SIMON & SCHUSTER]

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