“Manning's 'Everything Happens' truly sets the old trope 'a trip down memory lane' on its ear - maybe even sets it on fire - because those were the '80's in Manhattan and New Haven (so I'm told). Achievers, strivers, and trust-fund babies live the work hard/play hard mantra and appreciate (suffer?) the spoils and consequences. Through his finely drawn characters, we live their youthful assuredness and adventures - and then he turns up the plot twists. I happily cranked up Talking Heads and the New York Dolls when I put the book down - a delightful and clever binge.”