Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

Anna Marie Tendler's "Men Have Called Her Crazy" is a candid, raw exploration of mental health, gender dynamics, and personal trauma. Tendler's stream-of-consciousness style is fresh, witty, and darkly humorous, offering a poignant reflection on her struggles with anxiety and depression. Her narrative seamlessly jumps between past and present, providing a layered insight into her deep mistrust of the world around her.

From the very first page, Tendler hooks readers with her evocative prose and brutally honest introspection. She addresses the "good girl complex" and its manifestation in her life, even in places like psych wards. This exploration is represented by standout passages about her time in the psych ward: “Most of my life, my outward presentation has not matched my inward reality, but with my body gaunt, my face droopy and puffy at the same time, I'm forcing the outside world to confront a more honest - and probably scary - version of my mental state.”

One of the book's strongest elements is its portrayal of feminine solidarity. Tendler’s experiences with the other women in her treatment facility highlight the complexities of female relationships, marred by her initial anxieties but eventually offering a form of solace and understanding. This camaraderie is beautifully illustrated, yet the lingering effects of her anxieties persist, capturing a very real struggle many readers can relate to.

However, while the book shines in many areas, it has its shortcomings. Tendler’s aversion to men and the subsequent exploration of her past relationships with them are compelling but become repetitive towards the end. The narrative's focus on her relationships post-hospital feels like a shift from insightful mental illness analysis to a more straightforward "I hate men and my life sucks" sentiment. This pivot diminishes the earlier depth of her reflections.

Moreover, Tendler's acknowledgment of her privilege, or lack thereof, is a glaring omission. Her ability to renovate a home to a "haunting Victorian mansion" post-divorce highlights a class privilege that goes unacknowledged, leaving a gap in the narrative. A simple acknowledgment of this privilege could have added a layer of depth and awareness to her story.

Despite these critiques, Tendler’s exploration of trauma, especially regarding her "good girl complex" and control issues, is both enlightening and relatable. Her poignant reflections on how these issues have shaped her life and relationships are some of the book's most compelling aspects. For instance, her reflection, “I cemented my role in relationships as a pleaser, a convincer, a girl who, well into adulthood, would contort and conform to the desires of a man, overlooking his easy dismissal, and dampening her self-worth, all to be loved,” is a powerful commentary on the internalized struggles many women face.

In conclusion, "Men Have Called Her Crazy" is a mixed bag. Tendler's writing is undeniably powerful and evocative, particularly when discussing her time in the hospital and her struggles with mental health. However, the narrative's latter sections and overall lack of class consciousness make it fall short of its potential. This book will likely resonate with readers who appreciate raw, introspective narratives and those who relate to Tendler’s experiences. Compelling and beautifully written in parts, “Men Have Called Her Crazy” ultimately lacked the cohesion and depth needed to make it a standout memoir in my mind. 

📖 Recommended For: Readers who appreciate raw, introspective narratives, Admirers of Stream-of-Consciousness Writing Styles, Those Interested in Exploring Gender Dynamics and Trauma, Fans of Jennette McCurdy’s “I’m Glad My Mom Died.”

🔑 Key Themes: Mental Health and Recovery, Feminine Solidarity, Good Girl Complex and Control Issues, Gender Dynamics and Trauma, Self-Discovery and Personal Growth.