Wishin' and Hopin'

A Christmas Story

By: Wally Lamb

Narrated by: Wally Lamb

It's 1964 and 10-year-old Felix is sure of a few things: the birds and the bees are puzzling, television is magical, and this is one Christmas he'll never forget. LBJ and Lady Bird are in the White House, Meet the Beatles is on everyone's turntable, and Felix Funicello (distant cousin of the iconic Annette!) is doing his best to navigate fifth grade - easier said than done when scary movies still give you nightmares and you bear a striking resemblance to a certain adorable cartoon boy.

Back in his beloved fictional town of Three Rivers, Connecticut, with a new cast of endearing characters, Wally Lamb takes his listeners straight into the halls of St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parochial School - where Mother Filomina's word is law and goody-two-shoes Rosalie Twerski is sure to be minding everyone's business.

But grammar and arithmetic move to the back burner this holiday season with the sudden arrivals of substitute teacher Madame Frechette, straight from Québec, and feisty Russian student Zhenya Kapakova. While Felix learns the meaning of French kissing, cultural misunderstanding, and tableaux vivants, Wishin' and Hopin' barrels toward one outrageous Christmas.

From the Funicello family's bus-station lunch counter to the elementary school playground (with an uproarious stop at the Pillsbury Bake-Off), Wishin' and Hopin' is a vivid slice of 1960s life, a wise and witty holiday tale that celebrates where we've been - and how far we've come.

©2009 Wally Lamb (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"Charming....Full of pop-culture references of the day. This will have broad appeal." ( Library Journal)

Quaint, friendly

Who didn't feel like Felix at some point? Wally Lamb has the uncanny ability to get inside his central character's head. This is the story of a few months in the life of a fifth-grader and somehow, a story worth hearing again is created. I love that this book is also narrated by the author as I don't have to question whether the implied tone is correct. Voice is a big deal for me and the fact that his is not annoying has contributed to my rating. Irritating and "smacking" voices have spoiled more than one audible book for me. Sometimes it's nice to hear something lighthearted and uncomplicated. It finishes up with all ends tied.

Just what I needed!

I had a smile on my face for practically all of this wonderful book. With everything going on that’s negative in the world it was a hilarious escape that is perfectly executed by Wally Lamb.

I was “Wishin’ and Hopin’ it went on twice as long.

Love you professor Lamb!!!

Earnest, touching, funny, smart and simply charmi.g. I've listened to Wally Lamb narrate this book at LEAST a dozen times. I love everything else he's written. This one is truly special.

Loved it!!

This story was light and fun. Its too great not to read. Having the author narrate was the cherry on top. He is great.

Fun for Baby Boomers

Some readers have pointed out that this isn't really a Christmas story, as only the last couple of chapters are about that. However, if you remember the 50's and 60's, especially if you went to Catholic school, you're bound to enjoy it. Some people also pointed out that this isn't totally a family-friendly story. The hero is on the cusp of puberty and has a friend well into that stage, so there is some humor that could be better enjoyed by teens or adults. Wally Lamb is very good as a narrator, which is always surprising in an author. He sounds a lot like John Hodgman.

Laugh out loud funny

There are some scenes in this book that had my son and I crying they were so funny. A really fun read enjoy.

Wishin there were more of this

What did you love best about Wishin' and Hopin'?

This book made me smile, and laugh and reminisce and imagine life in a simpler time. Excellent story, characters, narration. Just fabulous holiday fun!

What other book might you compare Wishin' and Hopin' to and why?

I want more books like this! Reminds me of A Christmas Story. The only book I am reminded of is Littlle Blog on the Prairie. It too was family friendly and a good escape.

Any additional comments?

I loved this. Am sending it to friends in place of a Christmas card! Isn't that a great idea!

Nostalgia for Baby Boomers

Wishin’ and Hopin’ is a heart-warming and frequently hilarious story of 10-year-old Felix Funicello’s Christmas of 1964. Wally Lamb’s narration is flawless and having grown up in Connecticut, I appreciated his natural accent which any actor would most likely have turned into a less subtle Rhode Island or Boston accent. This is a nostalgic tale falling somewhere between Jean Shepherd’s 1930 Christmas memories and David Sedaris’ Holidays on Ice. It is a perfect story to share with a loved one on a long car ride – guaranteed for good laughs and even some tears! It would be the perfect Christmas gift for any Baby Boomer on your shopping list!

Laugh-out-loud funny!

I have listened to this twice and bought a copy for my mom and aunt to read because found it so funny. I can't listen to it in public-- people look at me like I'm crazy because I laugh out loud. I love Felix and this great Christmas story!

A Christmas Tradition

Any additional comments?

I've listened to this several years at Christmas. It is just so funny, realistic and nostalgic all at the same time. I've gotten way more than my credit's worth on this one!