Now Is Not the Time to Panic

Now Is Not the Time to Panic was published in 2022 by HarperCollins as the fourth novel from author Kevin Wilson. The story centers on a teenage friendship in the 1990s forged through the creation of a mysterious, subversive poster that inadvertently sparks a moral panic in a small Tennessee town. Drawing on Wilson's own background in the DIY art and zine scenes of his youth, the narrative explores the transformative power of art and the unintended consequences of viral fame before the ubiquity of the modern internet.

The book's design reflects its themes of underground creativity and nostalgic artifacts. Wilson sought to capture the feeling of secret collaboration and the tension between public perception and private meaning. Upon its release, the novel was generally well-received by critics, who praised Wilson’s ability to balance a sense of whimsy with a sincere examination of how childhood secrets shape adult identities.