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** spoiler alert ** Saw the positive ratings for this book after reading it and was a little shocked. Of all the Yalom books I’ve read, this one is the one I found most� okay.

[SPOILERS]

Pros:
- quick pacing, strong plot, rich cast of characters
- catchy writing as always
- wise messages weaved naturally into the storyline
- deeper issues about the ethics and boundaries of therapy explored
- the downfall of the arrogant was satisfying, as well as his eventual recovery

Cons:
- what was the point?! So many characters were so redundant (unless I’m missing a glaringly important message that brings them together), or served just as a stepping stone for events to come (eg: the cowardly husband, the two disbarred therapists). Which is understandable, but does not justify the length and depth at which the story went on and on about them!! Also, what function did the poker player even play?? Literally nothing except to appear to tie the stories of these two groups of people tighter together.
- some plots were just too damn convenient (eg: Carolyn giving Marshall good therapy? Please!)
- this story felt like a vehicle for a thought experiment about what would happen if the different boundaries of therapy (eg: sexual, financial, relationships with ex patients, self disclosure, confidentiality, biased/ subjective interpretations, the “most correct� approach etc) were violated. And while those are interesting questions, nobody wants to read a fable or a lecture disguised as a story. I would’ve preferred if Yalom focused on one or two ethical dilemmas and saw them to a satisfying conclusion (no matter ethical or unethical) instead of touching lightly on little pieces of everything.