This novel happens to be written by a young southern writer -- so, my review is likely to be biased. However, if you liked 'Bright Lights, Big City', a novel about the wretched excess of the fantastic 80s decade, you'll like this novel too. The title gives you a clue about the plotline; weren't we all in a rush in the 80s? Are we still rushing to nowhere?

Russell develops an excellent plotline with vivid, believable southern characters (believable if you're living in the South, that is!). The protagonist is transplanted to New York City (or exiled there, according to his southern relatives who think NYC is the Big Evil City). At any rate, the main character works in advertising (yuck, huh?)...but he's an aspiring novelist. As his life gets twisted up and mangled, accidental happenstance has him meeting a famous older movie actress and falling in lust, then in love. To say nothing of the humorous irony waiting to pounce on him at every corner!

This is a funny, witty, fast read for anyone who loved the 80s decade; it will have you laughing aloud, and wondering at the strange coincidences that sometimes happen in our own lives.