Read This: Kevin Wilson Is Wonderfully Weird

Now Is Not the Time to Panic follows the intertwined lives of two teenagers, Frankie and Zeke, in a small Kentucky town during the summer of 1996. They create a mysterious piece of art together featuring an enigmatic phrase, which sparks both fascination and panic among the townspeople. As their creation gains notoriety, Frankie and Zeke grapple with the unexpected consequences of their artistic expression. The novel explores themes of creativity, friendship, and the impact of art on a community. It delves into the anxieties and uncertainties of adolescence, capturing the intensity of youthful emotions. Ultimately, it celebrates the power of art to challenge perceptions and forge connections, while also highlighting the potential for misinterpretation and fear.

The Family Fang tells the story of Annie and Buster Fang, the children of performance artists Caleb and Camille Fang, who involve their kids in their public performances from a young age. These performances often blur the line between reality and art, leaving Annie and Buster with a complex and unconventional upbringing. As adults, Annie and Buster struggle to find their own identities outside of their parents' influence. When their parents disappear, Annie and Buster are forced to confront their past and question the truth behind their family's artistic endeavors. The novel explores themes of family, identity, and the blurred boundaries between art and life. It delves into the challenges of growing up in an eccentric environment, capturing the complexities of familial relationships. Ultimately, it is a story about searching for authenticity and finding one's place in the world, while also grappling with the legacy of one's upbringing.

Now Is Not the Time to Panic follows the intertwined lives of two teenagers, Frankie and Zeke, in a small Kentucky town during the summer of 1996. They create a mysterious piece of art together featuring an enigmatic phrase, which sparks both fascination and panic among the townspeople. As their creation gains notoriety, Frankie and Zeke grapple with the unexpected consequences of their artistic expression. The novel explores themes of creativity, friendship, and the impact of art on a community. It delves into the anxieties and uncertainties of adolescence, capturing the intensity of youthful emotions. Ultimately, it celebrates the power of art to challenge perceptions and forge connections, while also highlighting the potential for misinterpretation and fear.

The novel is narrated by Mary Katherine 'Merricat' Blackwood, who lives with her older sister Constance and their ailing Uncle Julian. The family is ostracized by the local community due to a tragic event in their past. When their cousin Charles arrives, he disrupts their isolated life, leading to a series of ominous and destructive events. The novel explores themes of isolation, family secrets, and the sinister undercurrents of small-town life. It culminates in a dramatic fire and the subsequent rebuilding of the sisters' lives, highlighting their resilience and love for each other.

Set in the Old West of 1870s Arkansas and the Indian Territory, 'True Grit' tells the story of Mattie Ross, a determined and independent 14-year-old girl who seeks to avenge her father's murder. With the help of Marshal Reuben J. 'Rooster' Cogburn and a Texas Ranger named LaBoeuf, Mattie embarks on a perilous journey to capture the killer, Tom Chaney. The novel explores themes of justice, vengeance, sacrifice, perseverance, and redemption, and is known for its vivid characters and its blend of humor, adventure, and historical context.

In 'Nothing to See Here', Kevin Wilson crafts a story around Lillian Breaker, who takes on the unusual task of caring for twin children with a unique condition: they burst into flames when upset. The novel explores themes of family, love, and acceptance, using humor and satire to critique societal norms. Through Lillian's journey, Wilson delves into the complexities of human relationships and the power of love to transform lives.

The Yearling is a poignant coming-of-age story set in the late 19th century in rural Florida. It follows Jody Baxter as he navigates the challenges of growing up, forming a deep bond with a fawn named Flag, and ultimately facing the harsh realities of adulthood. The novel explores themes of family, loyalty, and the complexities of human-animal relationships.