Hysterical: A Memoir is part memoir and part history book, much in the style of Why Fish Don’t Exist. Elissa Bassist weaves her personal stories of unsolved medical issues and sexual trauma into a detailed factual account of how our patriarchal society has created and perpetuated the issues she has experienced. 

Read by the author, this audiobook captures something very special. Her emotions are as clear as her strong writing. I anticipated reading this book gradually due to the subject matter, but I devoured it in a little over one day. 

The points about the history of hysteria and women’s role in society are well executed and expected. What surprised me, pleasantly and with outrage, was Bassist’s dive into the discrimination against women in media- specifically in what media is presented to us. 

My main critique is that at times in the first half, the messaging felt repetitive. As the topics broadened, I didn’t feel that way. I also felt the time addressing the unique BIWOC experience was short, but this isn’t Bassist’s life or place to write extensively on. I really think this is a must read.