Dr. Pilar Alvarez seems to have it all: She’s intelligent, compassionate and beautiful, and she has just opened her own psychology practice in sunny South Beach. The problem is that her neurotic patients, self-absorbed ex boyfriend, and crazy Cuban-American family members (who have just as many neuroses as her patients) are taking advantage of her good nature and driving her to the brink of personal and professional ruin. In a moment of weakness, Pilar ends up in the arms of a dashing doctor of psychiatry who has recently moved into her office building. But the sexy shrink has a past—one that sends Pilar into a spiral of self-doubt. She has to learn to trust herself again or she will lose everything.Like Pilar, In Need of Therapy has it all. For one thing, Miami and South Beach make for a flashy and splashy setting. And Pilar’s Cuban heritage adds even more color to the story. Her family members are perfectly portrayed: the patient papá, the beauty-queen-turned-drama-queen mamá, and the pierced party-girl sister, just to name a few. And I love the way that Tracie Banister works in little details specific to Pilar’s ethnicity; for example, when Pilar is trying keep from smiling even though she "felt happy enough to burst open like a piñata filled with too much candy.”Pilar’s swimsuit designer friend Sara, her patients, and her ex also add a lot of fun and flair to the plot, not to mention the two surprising twists near the end. Speaking of the end, one of my absolute favorite parts of this book was the epilogue, in which Banister follows up on what’s been going on with Pilar, her family, and her patients months later (you know, the same plot device you see in hilarious movies like “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” and more recently “The Hangover.”) And on the subject of movies, In Need of Therapy would make a terrific romantic comedy. Simply put: I am in awe, Tracie Banister. Sequel, please! Miami’s South Beach is famous for its star studded clubs and lavish beaches. Guys and girls with the perfect tan and even more perfect bodies. People with endless supplies of money driving around in the newest “It” car. But not everyone’s life is perfect. And for those people there is Pilar Alvarez. Pilar is a psychologist who recently opened up her own practice in South Beach. Hoping to help others with her professional advice and sympathetic ear, while dealing with her own issues isn’t going to be easy. Although Pilar comes from a wealthy Cuban family, she’s determined to make it on her own and without the financial assistance from her father. But when her monthly rent gets increased by $1000 can she do it on her own or will she be forced to ask for help?While dealing with the everyday struggles of being a new business owner, Pilar also has to put up with her family’s constant demands. Her younger sister Izzy is currently unemployed, getting herself in all sorts of trouble and leaving Pilar to bail her out … literally! Then there’s Pilar’s mother who is convinced that Pilar let the perfect man walk out of her life when she broke up with her two timing boyfriend, Victor. But that doesn’t stop her from trying to fix Pilar up with other men and attempt to get her married off before she turns the old age of 30! Although Pilar is use to giving out the advice, she’s having to get some as well. With the help of her best friend, Sara, to help her along the way and her new found friendship with Dr. Fordham, the psychiatrist who moved into the office next door, Pilar’s future is looking bright. But will she find the love that she so desires and the man that her mom will be happy for her to marry? Or will Pilar be the one In Need Of Therapy? Come join Pilar, her family and friends on a hilarious adventure in love and life.In Need of Therapy is author Tracie Banister’s sophomore novel. It is everything that I think chick lit should be. It’s a fun read about a smart, successful woman dealing with everyday struggles of juggling work, family and personal relationships while still trying to keep her sanity. It has humor thrown in and is just the perfect book to read. I really enjoyed this book and how the heroine was portrayed as a smart, strong woman. I felt I could relate to how her family was and the close bond she shared with her best friend. I would definitely recommend this book to others. With summer just around the corner, it’s the perfect book to toss into your beach bag and read by the water.
What do You think about In Need Of Therapy (2000)?
Loved this book. I didn't want it to end! I see a sitcom out of this!
—Rachel
