Each of the first three chapters of the novel exist west includes a brief scene from somewhere else in the world, first from Australia, then Tokyo, then San Diego. (Later in the novel it will become clear what's going on.) BUT for now, I'd like to see your thoughts about and reactions to these 3 scenes. Observe your responses to these carefully. What do all three have in common? How is the first one different than the second and third? Do you see any kind of 'progression' from the first to the third?