In Coalfield, Tennessee, sixteen-year-old Frankie Budge, an aspiring writer and offbeat loner, faces another dull summer until she encounters Zeke, a talented artist seeking refuge in his grandmother’s troubled home. Their romantic and creative connection flourishes as they collaborate on an impactful unsigned poster. Featuring an enigmatic phrase, the poster sparks rumors as it appears throughout town, bringing dangerous repercussions that extend beyond Coalfield. Two decades later, Frances Eleanor Budge, now a renowned author, faces upheaval when a journalist explores the Coalfield Panic of 1996. The past threatens her carefully crafted life, raising questions about the mysteries that bound Frankie and Zeke, and the impact of truth on one’s existence. Kevin Wilson’s “Now Is Not The Time to Panic” is a compelling coming-of-age tale, blending wit, blazing prose, and a nuanced exploration of young love, identity, and the enduring power of art.