Now Is Not the Time to Panic

A Novel

De: Kevin Wilson

Narrado por: Ginnifer Goodwin, Kevin Wilson

An exuberant, bighearted novel about two teenage misfits who spectacularly collide one fateful summer, and the art they make that changes their lives forever

Sixteen-year-old Frankie Budge—aspiring writer, indifferent student, offbeat loner—is determined to make it through yet another summer in Coalfield, Tennessee, when she meets Zeke, a talented artist who has just moved into his grandmother’s house and who is as awkward as Frankie is. Romantic and creative sparks begin to fly, and when the two jointly make an unsigned poster, shot through with an enigmatic phrase, it becomes unforgettable to anyone who sees it. The edge is a shantytown filled with gold seekers. We are fugitives, and the law is skinny with hunger for us.

The posters begin appearing everywhere, and people wonder who is behind them and start to panic. Satanists, kidnappers—the rumors won’t stop, and soon the mystery has dangerous repercussions that spread far beyond the town.

Twenty years later, Frances Eleanor Budge gets a call that threatens to upend her carefully built life: a journalist named Mazzy Brower is writing a story about the Coalfield Panic of 1996. Might Frances know something about that?

A bold coming-of-age story, written with Kevin Wilson’s trademark wit and blazing prose, Now Is Not the Time to Panic is a nuanced exploration of young love, identity, and the power of art. It’s also about the secrets that haunt us—and, ultimately, what the truth will set free.

©2022 Kevin Wilson (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers

Creative and entertaining

Second Kevin Wilson book. Very creative idea and great writing. Narration is very good. Really enjoyed this book!

Just not for

May be good for some. Just not my liking. More of a young teen or young adult

Let down

I think I’d given the book a higher rating if I’d have heard the authors ending notes first. Recommend listening to that portion first, to help pull the story together. Lots of build up with a less than equal ending.

Interesting and unique!!!

I was totally captivated! I became invested in the two main characters. I won’t deny it, I cried at one point.

I don't understand the bad reviews.

I had never heard of the author but I'll definitely find more. I can't think of one thing I didn't like about it and it isn't the type of thing I would typically listen to.
It kept me entertained throughout and the narrator did an excellent job.

A Timely and Thought-Provoking Read

"A Timely and Thought-Provoking Read: 'Now Is Not the Time to Panic' Deserves Four Stars"

"Now Is Not the Time to Panic" is a thought-provoking book that provides valuable insights into navigating challenging times. The author's perspective on resilience and adaptability resonates, offering practical advice and a reassuring voice in uncertain times. The book addresses various aspects of crisis management and personal growth, making it a comprehensive resource. However, some sections could benefit from more in-depth exploration, and the tone occasionally veers into the overly optimistic. Despite these minor drawbacks, "Now Is Not the Time to Panic" is a timely read that encourages reflection and action during moments of adversity, making it a valuable addition to self-help literature.

The writing made the central character seem so connected to her voice and her thoughts.

I believed all of the characters, even the ones who were less developed, like the triplet brothers. I loved the topic, and how it connected the character’s younger self to who she became.

Underdeveloped

I loved the premise of the book and enjoyed the first few chapters. But the theme then just seemed to hang out there for the rest of the book and never really get developed any deeper. I felt like I was just getting hit over and over by the same message when I wanted it to become more nuanced, more complex, and to mature as Frankie matured.

I can understand why readers might really like this book, but it just seemed like a great idea that ran out of gas to me.

Fell a little flat

The story fell a little flat to me. I think it was my inability to relate to the main character, her obsession with the poster so late into her life and the repeating of the of The Lines made me cringe at points. I kept thinking it was so unrealistic that anyone would be this obsessed with something that happened when they were a child. Towards the end I found myself not really caring what happened.

Loved This Story

A happy, sad ,earnest, sweet story about how our teenage struggles shape who we are. I could see this book being added to high school curriculums.