A thoughtful peek into the world of status. More specifically, the VIP club environment. A sociologist and former fashion model spends a couple of years documenting the lives of those involved in the lifestyle. While I enjoyed this throughout, every page reminds you of the desperation, insecurity, and massive inequality within this circle. So overall it's a little depressing. The way Mears breaks down the unique economy is so well done though. Some of my favorite topics: concealed exchanges of service vs public displays of wealth, the illusion of spontaneity, the various forms of power in the circuit, parasexual and exploitative relationships, and how one job can bridge the economies of beauty and global finance.