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Now Is Not the Time to Panic

By: Kevin Wilson
Narrated by: Ginnifer Goodwin, Kevin Wilson
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Publisher's summary

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
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Interview: Kevin Wilson Brings Wit and Perspective to This Coming of Age Story

'When I'm trying to write, oftentimes I have a character who feels slightly outside, like a loner.'
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  • Now Is Not the Time to Panic
  • 'When I'm trying to write, oftentimes I have a character who feels slightly outside, like a loner.'

Featured Article: Best of the Year—The 15 Best Fiction Listens of 2022


To say it’s a challenge to select the top fiction listens of the year (and this year especially!) is an understatement. But as hard as it is, it’s an even greater honor for our team to be able to listen deeply to so many amazing stories and then highlight the best of the best to you. Fiction is a big category—one that includes everything from epic family sagas to clever short stories, from historical fiction to near-future speculative works.

What listeners say about Now Is Not the Time to Panic

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  • Overall
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Creative and entertaining

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

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4 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Just not for

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

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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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.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

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.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Love Love Love!

I loved “Nothing to See Here “ and this book did not disappoint!
I highly recommend it!

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great coming of age story

Took me right back to my awkward teenage years. Great storyline and the reading was excellent!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent narration and story!

I’ve never read/listened to Kevin Wilson’s books before now. I’m an immediate fan. The story and the pitch perfect narration pulled me into this unusual but familiar world of being a teenager and then an adult working through the aftermath of a memorable summer. Loved this book!

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