Is there something you experienced as a teen that has stayed with you well into adulthood? A moment that you can still feel viscerally, that transports you back in time? Can you still feel the danger? The potential for everything to go sideways? Reading Kevin Wilson’s Now is Not the Time to Panic brings back all those old teenage memories and emotions.

It’s summer and both Frankie and Zeke are bored. Eventually the teens decide to use their talents as a writer and an illustrator to create art together. They want it to be provocative and mysterious. They want to be noticed but anonymous. What Frankie and Zeke quickly learn is that once a piece of art is released into the world, the artist loses the ability to control the message.

The story primarily follows the events during the summer of 1996 in the small town of Coalfield, TN. But we first meet Frankie as an adult. It’s been over 20 years since she and Zeke triggered a panic that overwhelmed their community, and she has obsessed about that summer all that time.

As Wilson says in his note, Now is Not the Time to Panic is “about friendship, about art, about memory, and about what it means to hold on to the person who we were, even as we become someone else. It’s about the ways in which art is the door that lets us walk into a new life, one that never seemed possible.” I would also describe it as an achingly beautiful story about obsession - how it can be both a curse and a comfort.

Be sure to read the Author’s Note in full at the beginning. Kevin Wilson’s vulnerability and personal nostalgia perfectly sets the tone of this book.

Now is Not the Time to Panic is a coming of age story with a dash of weirdness that makes anything Kevin Wilson writes so charming. Even though no children spontaneously combust in this book (see Nothing to See Here for that), sixteen-year-old Frankie (Frances) exudes a similarly quirky view on life.

Frankie is bored to death one summer in her small, suburban town until she meets Zeke at the local pool. The two social misfits band together and come up with a unique quote and corresponding illustration that they post all over town. Panic ensues.

This was a quick, entertaining book that really hones in on what it's like to be a teenager. Frankie wants to fit in but also yearns to stand out and create something memorable. I liked all of the characters and rooted for the two teens, especially when things rapidly got out of hand.

First “Nothing to See Here” now “Now Is Not The Time to Panic”, Kevin Wilson is giving us marching orders like “Keep Calm and Carry On”. I liked this story of mass hysteria over a poster that two teenagers decided to create to leave something impactful or rather meaningful behind. But just like every other misunderstood piece of art, this one only resulted in bunch of broken lives and lifelong fear of being held accountable. Not sure if it was the teenagers’ fault or the narrow mindedness of a flock of a town.

“The edge is shantytown filled with gold seekers. We are the fugitives, and the law is skinny with hunger for us.” I have to say it’s a pretty good line coming from a 16 year old and it can ignite some feelings when you come across it for the first time (not sure if they would be the same feelings for everyone). It sparked madness in some, creativity in some others, but fear in most. Because for most, unknown was equal to fear; only few considered an opportunity. While Coalfield represented the most, Frankie was that spark of creativity.

Sadly as years go by, you get to see how that brave Frankie turned into an average adult. She might have a successful career and a happy little family, but she was from that girl who hopelessly continued to put up posters. While she hanged few here and there like an old habit popping up, the idea of being found out scared her more. And, I couldn’t decide if fortunately or unfortunately for her, someone put the pieces together and bagging on her door to make her speak…

4.5 stars

Frankie doesn’t fit in - not in her family or the small town where she lives. When Zeke and his mom come to stay with his grandmother one summer, he and Frankie become fast friends. Together, they create a poster and post it anonymously all over town and the response is not what they expect.

Told from Frankie’s point of view, NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO PANIC, is compulsively readable and entertaining. It’s obvious Wilson remembers what it’s like to be a teen in this fabulous coming of age story. I loved the characters, the story, and the writing.

Kevin Wilson does it again! I thorough enjoyed this beautifully written coming of age story. One of my favorites of the year!

A fascinating coming of age novel about two teenagers who inadvertently set off a panic in their town in the 1990s. The novel perfectly captures adolescence and that indescribably beautiful feeling of finding someone you connect with. This aspect reminded me of Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. The story also covers 20 years later as Frankie recalls what happened during that fateful summer when she connected with Zeke. I really enjoyed the writing style, characters, and story.

Thank you Ecco Books and NetGalley for providing this ARC. All thoughts are my own.

Kevin Wilson's latest—NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO PANIC, is a beautifully written, engaging coming-of-age story of two hardworking, struggling kids, Frankie and Zeke, who, throughout a summer, make art and turns into so much more.

Based loosely on the author's experience with his author's note and dedication to his special friend.

Frankie and Zeke grew up in Coalfield, Tenn., in 1996 (pre-internet) and turned a summer art project (posters) into a national phenomenon. There is nothing to do in this town, so they get creative with an old copy machine.

Frankie is a young teen, age 16, and on her own during the day, her mom works, and her triplet brothers are off doing other things.

She meets the new nerdy, artsy boy, Zeke, from Memphis moves temporarily to live with his grandmother while his parents are going through a divorce. They are both sort of misfits and outsiders. They bond immediately and become special friends.

It was quite harmless. The slogan, "The edge is a shantytown filled with gold seekers, we are the new fugitives, and the law is skinny with hunger for us."

They even add a few drops of their blood.

However, as they passed out the posters all over town, people made up stories, and it became out of control with conspiracies. Even the police became involved. Some even thought Satan worshippers wrote those words.

As the book progresses to twenty years later, Frankie is married, a successful writer, a wife, and a mother. But its history stays buried and obscured until Frankie receives a call from an art critic writing an article for the New Yorker about the Coalfield Panic of 1996.

She must find Zeke to let him know. She finds him still doing artwork for comic books at his grandmother's house.

A tender, endearing, moving story about friendship, art, and memory—About what it means to hold on to the person we were, even as we become someone else. It's about how art is the door that lets us walk into a new life that never seemed possible.

Wilson has a knack for creating characters with sensitivity and compassion that seem real, despite their oddities. You come to care about Frankie and Zeke and remind us how a specific event or period can play such an essential part in our lives.

Thank you to #Ecco and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC for an honest review.

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My Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: Nov 8, 2022
Nov 2022 Must-Read Books

A coming of age story focused on the events of one summer in Frankie and Zeke's lives that still reverberates in their present. The novel highlights the power of words and art and how one small act can become a movement. Also emphasizes how things can quickly change and become something other than what the creator intended. Part of the story is told during their teenage years and the other part is told when Frankie is an adult and contemplating revealing to everyone that she was the one who had started the panic. An introspective read that runs the gamut of emotions.

This is my first Kevin Wilson book, but will absolutely not be my last. I loved following the coming of age story of Frankie and Zeke. Teenage angst is often portrayed in an irritating way, but Wilson described their journey to figure out how they fit into the world in relatable and realistic detail. The phrase Frankie comes up with is poignant, and it's easy to see how each person who saw it on a poster attached their own meaning to it. I enjoyed watching the phrase spread and take on a life of its own, showing how powerful words can truly be. This is a quiet story that is still hard to put down.

”The edge is a shantytown filled with gold seekers. We are fugitives, and the law is skinny with hunger for us.”

The plot of Kevin Wilson’s latest novel, Now Is Not the Time to Panic, revolves around this phrase in a huge way. Of course, how and why this phrase is important is not going to make sense to anyone who hasn’t read the novel and I actually don’t plan on revealing too much of the plot in this review, as the unique nature of this book is that you need to read it for yourself in order to see where the story takes you. All you need to know is that majority of the story takes place in Coalfield, Tennessee in 1996 and the two main characters are sixteen-year-old misfits Frances “Frankie” Budge and Ben “Zeke” Brown. Frankie and Zeke, two lonely teens from broken families, meet for the first time during the summer of 1996 and, largely left to their own devices, work on a “project” together that ends up changing their lives.

With two teenage protagonists at its core, this is no doubt a coming-of-age story, but it’s one unlike anything I’ve ever read. I will admit that, at first, I worried about whether the story would have too much of a YA feel to it, and while there is definitely some “teenage angst“ with the characters, the way it is written feels very clearly “adult” to me. Kevin Wilson has a unique way with words and with that, is able to tell a compelling, original, and emotionally nuanced story quite effortlessly. Indeed, there were so many different emotions that went though my mind as I read this one — it was heartwarming, yet also heartbreaking; funny at times, but also sad and serious when it needed to be; weird to the point that, at times, I honestly wasn’t too sure what I was reading, but yet some parts were so familiar and relatable, I found myself nodding in recognition; there were moments of sweetness (though not the overly saccharine kind), but also moments that were anger-inducing where I couldn’t help but shake my head at how things got that way.

One of the things I loved most about this story was how realistically-rendered the characters were. Wilson didn’t shy away from writing about the “messiness” of his characters’ lives — which, in doing so, reflected the realities of ordinary life in a universally resonant way that made it easy to connect with the characters despite a reader such as myself having completely different backgrounds and experiences than them.

I definitely recommend this book, but want to also put in a word for the Author’s Note, which I feel is just as much of a “must-read” as the book itself. It was of course interesting to read about the inspiration for this story, but more importantly, the insights it provided enhanced my understanding of the story, which I always appreciate. After finishing this book, I immediately put Wilson’s other works on my TBR — hopefully I’ll be able to get to those soon!

Received ARC from Ecco via NetGalley.

Now Is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson is another quirky and absorbing novel by this author of the ever popular, Nothing to See Here. That book had me believing in exploding children and found it refreshingly believable, so you know you’re in the hands of a phenomenal author.

In this book, Wilson explores the power of misunderstood art and the resounding effect it can make on a community. When Frankie meets Zeke, who is visiting from out of town, she finds a kindred spirit that stems from being lonely and awkward. Together, they make a mission to use their individual skills, Frankie’s writing and Zeke’s art, to create something just for themselves. Something magical and mystifying. They fall in love with the beauty of their concept, even sealed with a blood pact that drips on the page. Soon the art and quote (The edge is a shantytown filled with gold seekers. We are fugitives, and the law is skinny with hunger for us.) is anonymously shared throughout the town.

This grew bigger than they could ever have imagined as people conjectured that the poster, photocopied many times, came from a cult or aliens or radical organizations. Soon the image was put on t-shirts, made the nightly news and became its own beast that the kids had no control over. Ultimately, this novel showed how an innocuous poster could cause riots, police raids and cause many to cite psychological terrorism. The whole story was prompted because a journalist was investigating the “Coalfield Panic” and thinks she’s figured out who is responsible for the original poster. So there’s still a mystery element whispered through the pages.

Honestly, I just love that Wilson creates such unique storylines and has the reader fall easily into his books. Don’t miss the author’s note where he shares that this story could be semi- autobiographical. Well done!

Kevin Wilson is truly one of my favorite authors. You get smart quirky stories that shake you out of your own life and bring into life absurdities. Now is Not the Time to Panic is his latest and it is truly a book for our times. Don't worry it's not about politics. It's about a pair of teenagers who bond wth each other and decide to do an art piece that turns into something neither one of them intended. It was a literal page turner. You wondered how Wilson would handle a storty that happened in their childhood and then skip nto their adulthood without making it seem trite. He delivers a real life ending that made me think about the book days after finishing it. It was a reminder of what we do in our past can come back to haunt us and how it can also haunt others even if it wasn't our intention. Truly one of Wilson's best books. Can't wait to see what he comes up with next! It also a great read for bookclubs. It will be my choice for my next month reading club ;Thank you to #netgalley and #ecco for the read

The story centers around two small town teenagers , one summer, and how one piece of art made such an unforgettable impact and changed their lives in ways they never imaged.

This is a unique, endearing coming of age story about friendship, art, and those angsty teenage years where you are trying to figure out where you fit in. I enjoyed the story of Frankie and Zeke. Wilson has a knack for creating characters that seem real, despite their quirks and his unique storytelling draws you in as you wonder where you are going. This book felt slow but was a fast read.

Thank you to Ecco and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this. Personally I feel like this has similar undertones as Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, but Now is Not the Time to Panic was actually successful.

Wilson executed a developed plot with both coming of age and an adult seeing the possible consequences of actions in a short amount of pages.

My one hang up is that I wanted to know what happened after. Like just a brief glimpse, otherwise - PERFECTION.

Looking forward to diving more into his backlist as I loved Nothing to See Here and I’ve only heard amazing things about his other novels.

One boring summer in the midwest, unlikely friends Frankie and Zeke decide to create a poster with the phrase "The edge is a shantytown filled with gold seekers. We are fugitives, and the law is skinny with hunger for us." As they place their posters around the town of Coalfield, people start to freak out--where are the posters coming from, who made them, what do they mean? And thus ensues the Coalfield Panic of 1996.

It has been a long time since I sped through a book in two days, but that is exactly what happened with this one. A strange and wonderful coming of age story, this book fascinated and amazed me. Wilson created such tension in this story where really, we were stagnant for most of it, hardly leaving the town of Coalfield or that summer. The characters were well-thought out, the plot well-developed. The ending unfortunately fell a little flat for me, I would have loved to see some other avenues explored, but overall, this was still a great read.

The edge is a shantytown filled with gold seekers. We are fugitives, and the law is skinny with hunger for us. Kevin Wilson has done it again! 4.5 stars! With his trademark wit and heart, Wilson has created another poignant novel of friendship and artistry.
Frankie is 16 in 1996, living in Coalfield, TN and just trying to make it through another sad summer. She meets another misfit, Zeke, who is in Coalfield for the summer while his parents are trying to figure out their situation. Romantic and creative sparks fly and the teenagers end up creating a poster that means nothing and everything. When they sneakily hang the posters throughout the town, it creates a panic and national phenomenon. No one ever seems to know who created the poster.
20 years later, Frankie is an author with family of her own and a good life. A journalist finally figures out that it is Frankie who is the creator of this poster, but what of Zeke? Frankie will revisit that summer and hopefully not blow up her carefully crafted life.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Ecco for this e-arc.*

I enjoyed Kevin Wilson’s Nothing to See Here so I was thrilled to receive the arc of Now is Not the Time to Panic.
This is a fantastic book. The angst of the lonely teenage summer,not fitting in until you finally have that special someone who gets you is encapsulated in this lovely book. Who knew hanging posters could cause such havoc? The characters were lovable, The plot had the perfect escalating tension. The ending was bittersweet and just right. Just a great read!

Sixteen years old Frankie is in for another lonely and boring summer. Until she meets fellow loner, Zeke, who just moved to town. Combining their talents of writing and artistry, they create a poster with a unforgettable phrase. The poster begins to take over their community, inciting a panic that changes their lives.

If there’s anything that I love it is a coming of age story with quirky characters, especially characters on the outskirts of their peer society. I love when two find each other and impact each other’s lives… just like this story. Kevin Wilson has quite the imagination and I am here for it. I loved how a simple phrase made such a difference. It made so much sense to me. As a teen, I also had free thought a few oddball phrases that became sentimental. Thankfully they didn’t cause a mass panic!

“We were sixteen. How do you prevent your life from turning into something so boring that no one wanted to know about it. How did you make yourself special?”

Now is Not the Time to Panic comes out 11/8.

3.5. An interesting plot point that actually kind of worked. The whole idea is these two teenagers hang out one boring summer in a slow moving town. They make up an art piece with a weird phrase, make copies and plaster it all around town. Then this art piece gets momentum in the town and country and world.

Maybe there’s some introspection here that I need to think on but overall I didn’t care for the plot. But it also worked. It was slow but also read fast. It was basic life but also unique.

I enjoyed watching and remembering the insecurities these teenagers had about growing up, feeling ostracized, struggles with parents divorcing, wondering who they are and where they fit in, how to fill those long summer hours of boredom (remember those as a kid?).

Thank you to NetGalley and Ecco Books for the advance ecopy of this book.

I have been highly anticipating reading Now Is Not the Time To Panic by Kevin Wilson. Frankie and Zeke are teen outcasts in a small town. Zeke is visiting his grandmother for the summer while his mother figures out her life. Frankie is a permanent resident of the town. Together they create artwork and poster their town with it. This simple act of rebellion for these teens leads to some life-altering events for the residents of the town. This book has a fast-moving plot that keeps you thinking about the book long after you've finished it. Read and enjoy!