Now Is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson

Now Is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson is a coming-of-age novel of literary fiction. The book description from the publisher describes it best: “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. 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.”

Frankie and Zeke are two weirdos who gravitate to each other one summer in 1996. And once they realize they both have a creative fire inside themselves that needs kindling and tending, their lives are forever changed. Wilson excels at finding the emotional core of his characters, excavating it for the reader, and showing just how special it is. Although there is also a “romantic” connection between these two, their friendship is more than that. It’s their mutual validation of their true selves—their creative desires and their mutual appreciation for each other—that bonds them together. Frankie can’t get over that initial spark, just how special it was, just how something so random changed her forever, and created this writer who is putting great work out into the world as an adult.

Wilson excels at characterization and dialogue between his characters. When Zeke introduces himself to Frankie and explains that Zeke comes from Ezekiel, he says, “It’s biblical. But it’s my middle name. I’m trying it out this summer. Just to see how it sounds.” Wilson seems to remember in great detail what it was like to be a teenager and the magic that comes from trying anything, being open to friends trying anything, and the willingness to let others in their lives simply because they liked the same things. Many adults lose this ability to make friends easily, but Wilson posits that this is what makes being a teenager so extraordinary.

The town’s reaction to their weird posters being hung everywhere is an empathetic reminder to all creative people that the world may not react to their work the way the want or expect or intend. And in the case of Frankie and Zeke, there are deadly consequences to their weird art project. It seems to drive the town crazy. Being creative is inherent to all of us, but nurturing it in each other is special. Ultimately, Wilson shows us that being weird and awkward is just part of who we all are, and when you connect with someone that validates you, then you should embrace it.

The phrase that Frankie writes for the poster becomes her mantra: "The edge is a shantytown filled with gold seekers. We are fugitives, and the law is skinny with hunger for us." She repeats it in her head over and over and over, all the way into adulthood. What does it mean? She doesn’t know exactly, but it is the impetus to who she eventually becomes: herself.

I really enjoyed this novel and I highly recommend it. I would give this book 6 stars if I could, but five will have to do.

Buy the hardcover on Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/152/9780062913500