First read thoughts, bullet-pointed

• It reminds me a lot of Danton Remoto's Riverrun (with the vignettes being the main force of the non-linear narrative, depending on how you read it)
• I see that this was part of an NYC VN book club. I this made me wonder if there are also PH-based VN book clubs instead (I feel like I have to make my own! It's a hard life promoting one's country's literature, but we press on)
• As I don't speak in dollars, I'm separated from this story's historicity. It's very cool to see it all play out, though; I learnt more.  There are overlaps between the themes presented here & PH's body of literature that aren't Manila-based
• I enjoyed Alba/Jinny (or Ms Tolmie)'s story more. The parallel of that One scene w/ the two of them & the one w/ Alba & Nicole. Chef's kiss

3.5