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    Wishin' and Hopin'
    Wishin' and Hopin'
    Wishin' and Hopin'
    Audiobook4 hours

    Wishin' and Hopin'

    Written by Wally Lamb

    Narrated by Wally Lamb

    3.5/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    “This book is a bonbon for any baby boomer. . . . Lamb gets Felix’s voice just right, and he does a spot-on job of evoking the special joys and trials of parochial school in the ‘60’s…Put a bow on this book and warm somebody’s heart.” — St. Petersburg Times

    Wally Lamb, the beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Hour I First Believed, I Know This Much Is True, and She’s Come Undone, delivers a holiday treat with Wishin’ and Hopin’—an unforgettable novella that captures the warmth and joy of the holiday season.

    It's 1964. LBJ and Lady Bird are in the White House, Meet the Beatles is on everyone’s turntable, and ten-year-old 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. But there are several things young Felix can depend on: the birds and bees are puzzling, television is magical, and this is one Christmas he’s never going to forget.

    Poignant and hilarious, in a vein similar to Jean Shepherd’s A Christmas Story and David Sedaris’s The Santaland Diaries, Lamb’s Christmas tale focuses on a feisty parochial school fifth grader named Felix Funicello—a distant cousin of the iconic Annette!

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHarperAudio
    Release dateNov 10, 2009
    ISBN9780061967429
    Wishin' and Hopin'
    Author

    Wally Lamb

    Wally Lamb is the author of five New York Times bestselling novels: She’s Come Undone, I Know This Much Is True, The Hour I First Believed, Wishin’ and Hopin’, and We Are Water. His first two works of fiction, She’s Come Undone and I Know This Much Is True, were both #1 New York Times bestsellers and selections of Oprah’s Book Club. Lamb edited Couldn’t Keep It to Myself, I’ll Fly Away, and You Don’t Know Me, three volumes of essays from students in his writing workshop at York Correctional Institution, a women’s prison in Connecticut, where he has been a volunteer facilitator for two decades. He lives in Connecticut and New York.

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    Reviews for Wishin' and Hopin'

    3.5/5

    427 ratings63 reviews

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    • 4/5
      This is a sweet and funny story. The narrator is a fifth grade boy and the voice is perfect. It's just how one would imagine a boy this age would tell a story, and allows you to enter right into the world, while at the same time allowing the reader to see the story from an adult perspective, without losing any of the charm.
    • 4/5
      Reason for Reading: Every December I drop whatever reading I'm supposed to be doing and read a Christmas book. The paperback of this came out just recently and the advertising made me choose to read it.I quite enjoyed this nostalgic look back at a year in the 1960's life of a 10 year-old Catholic school boy. The narrator takes us back to that fifth grade year and reminisces about his family and especially his friends and days at the parochial school. Obviously, I'm always attracted to a book with a Catholic theme (I'm Catholic) and I enjoyed the portrayal which allows Catholics to laugh at themselves and also to see the differences in communication between the religious and the lay from then to now. Felix Funicello, the narrator, is a third cousin to the famous Annette and he regales us with the shenanigans that he and his friend got up to at school and out of school, the various personalities in the classroom especially the stuck-up smartest girl in the class, the new Russian girl who arrives after classes have started (is she a Communist spy?) and the stories of his family including his mother's TV appearance on the Pillsbury Dough Bake-Off Competition. I found the stories nostalgic, amusing and fun, though not funny. I didn't laugh out loud.I was quite shocked by the vulgarity of the language that starts very soon into the book. It is not ever present but is quite frequent and not what I had expected to find. Once the shock of 10 year olds being so vulgar was over, it actually didn't bother me that much. But if swearing, dirty jokes and crude references to s*xual acts offends thee, this is not the book for you. The other thing I did not like at all was the Epilogue! It kind of ruined the whole good feelings I had about the book after I read it. It's one of those summaries that tells you where each character is now, or what happened to them. It was quite depressing to read the future lives of these characters, especially the children. I didn't see the point of it. But on a positive note the book ended with Annette Funicello's current situation and how you can make donations to MS Society.Overall, an enjoyable book. I'm glad I read it but not quite what I thought it would be. I certainly enjoyed the writing style and never having read Lamb before am interested in reading another of his works.
    • 3/5
      Thanks Amy! [Wishin' and Hopin'] was indeed a fun, light read. For those of you who haven't read Amy's review, it's the story of Felix Funicello, a 5th grader at St. Alysius Gonzaga Parochial School in Connecticut in the mid-1960's. He's a good student and rather naive but nevertheless he sometimes is a bit mischievous. The mix of characters in the class and at his parents' cafe in the local bus station create a good basis for some funny situations. I didn't laugh out loud but I did have a quiet giggle from time to time.
    • 5/5
      From my book review blog Rundpinne...Wishin’ and Hopin’ by Wally Lamb is an absolutely hysterical look at life as a 5th grade student in 1964. Adult Felix narrates the story and begins it as a confession taking the reader back in time with him to his 1964-65 school year at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parochial School, the year Sister Daymphna went “crazy” and culminating with the Pauline, the great Sno Balls question, the pageant and an unusual, entertaining and rather brilliant epilogue. Lamb takes his readers back to a much less complex time in life, and for those of us old enough, a rather nostalgic look back at the innocence of youth. Lamb has cleverly put together a delightful ensemble of classmates, family members, and customers at the family diner as well as teachers to create a story one will not forget. Wishin’ and Hopin’ is a delightful Christmas read and one I will read again and again. Wishin’ and Hopin’ reminded me a lot of the movie A Christmas Story, not in the actual storyline, but rather in the narration. Lamb is well known for his deep and complex novels, and Wishin’ and Hopin’ allows this creative author to show an entirely new side in creating this light hearted, hilarious, and nostalgic Christmas story. I cannot think of anyone I would not recommend Wishin’ and Hopin’ to for a fun, fast, and hilarious Christmas book.
    • 4/5
      This is the story of a kid and the run up to Christmas. Felix has a lot going on in his life. The annual Christmas pageant at school holds great potential, but when their teacher suffers a nervous break down, things are up in the air. The new teacher isn't a nun, but a French Canadian and her secular ideas will revolutionize the grade school theater. Not just that, but his mother is going to be representing Connecticut in the Pillsbury baking competition which will be aired live on TV. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Felix himself will be making his television debut with his junior seaman's club. This book will have you laughing out loud while you get into the holiday spirit. Charming.
    • 3/5
      This story takes place from October to December, 1964 in New London, Connecticut. Felix Funicello is a distant cousin of famous Mouseketeer Annette Funicello. Her posters are prominently displayed in his family’s lunch counter at the bus station. Felix is in 5th grade at St Aloysius Gonzaga parochial school, where he vies for #1 student status with Rosalie Twerski, and is best friends with Lonny Flood, who, having been “kept back” twice is the oldest student in the class at age 12.The novel is written as a sort of memoir, including an epilogue that brings us “up to date” on the lives of the characters. (Of course, Annette Funicello is a real person, but the others are fictional.) There are a few laugh-out-loud moments, especially if you, like I, attended a Catholic school in the 1950s or 1960s. Seems to me that Lamb was pressured to write a “Christmas” book – like so many authors these days – and this is the result. The story moves quickly, and is entertaining, but it's not up to his usual standard. My F2F book club chose this for our December read, and frankly I can’t see what there is to discuss here. Lamb is a very talented writer, but this is not his best work, so do not judge the author on this book alone; read [She’s Come Undone] before you make up your mind about Lamb.
    • 2/5
      I read this book for “Christmas in July.” It is set in the mid-1960s in Connecticut. It is touted as a Christmas story, but the holiday portion does kick in until the half-way point. Up until then, it is a juvenile tale of a ten-year-old boy, the book’s narrator, attending parochial school. He plays practical jokes and interacts with friends and classmates. I think it is supposed to be funny, but the humor is crude and did not appeal to me. The primary set-piece is a fifth grade Christmas pageant. The ending is cute. Call me the Grinch, but this book is just OK.
    • 5/5
      Love this author, always have, always will.
    • 4/5
      This is a sweet story of a CT family in 1964 -- so much innocence and simplicity. The narrator, 5th grade Felix Funicello, cousin of the famous Annette! shares the first half of his school year at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parochial School, which culminates in a Christmas pageant to end all others. Through the 4 months, we learn of Felix's family (they run a diner in the bus station); his struggles with growing up -- a little vague on the birds and the bees and confused by his own thoughts and feelings and knowledge he gleans from other kids; and his rivalry for best student with Rosalie Twerski (Twerpski/Turdski); and finally how it all comes together in the school pageant, which are really "tableaux vivants, " thanks to the creative vision of their long-term substitute teacher Madame Frechette, who commandeers the class for French in honor of her Quebecoise origin. A little "Best Christmas Pageant Ever" a little "Christmas Story" but a heartwarming holiday read.
    • 5/5
      This is just a wonderful story to read at any time of the year. Fifth-grader Felix Funicello (third cousin to Annette) attends a Catholic parochial school in the late 1960s, and this is the story of his fall leading up to the Christmas pageant. Wally Lamb is a terrific author. This book is just laugh-out-loud funny! Felix, his family, and his schoolmates are rich characters (I love the little appendix at the end that tells how they end up). If you're looking for a fun story, well-written and with a great setting, this is the book for you.
    • 4/5
      Felix Funicello (Annette Funicello's distant cousin) is 10 years old and attending St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parochial School in Connecticut. He resembles Dondi, the cartoon character. He is rather small for his age, but is smart, usually the second ranked in his class. Felix is a little naïve about life. His friend Lonny usually gives him some insight into life, but Felix doesn't really understand too much of the life information that Lonny provides. Felix is in constant competition with Rosalie Twerski for best in class (grade-wise). Rosalie is always bringing in posters and trying to be the best at everything. The rest of the novel focuses on new teachers, new students that bring some variety to the school and the Christmas pageant that takes much planning.
    • 1/5
      I finally finished this one last night. I was not too impressed. It was slightly humorous throughout the entire book. I smiled a couple of times until I got to the end when he was wrapping up the story and the characters when, it seemed to me, that Lamb was taking the opportunity to solicit for a well known charity.

      The whole story is centered around a parochial elementary school in 1964/65 school year. I believe that our main character is in the 5th grade. So, there is a lot of elementary school humor and humor at the expense of a couple of the nuns.

      If Lamb was just wanting to do a lite hearted Christmas book, it did not work for me and I think that he missed the mark. I would not recommend this one. Save your money or make a donation to 'your' favorite charity.
    • 3/5
      Wally Lamb's publisher asked if he could write a children's book and this is what he produced.It's the story of a fifth grader named Felix Funicello in the 1960's; his anticipation of Christmas and the production of a Christmas pageant. It has its funny moments. And it has its original moments – Felix's cousin is Annette Funicello, America's Sweetheart, and Felix's mother is in a cringe-worthy national cook-off.The writing is good; I've read several others by Mr. Lamb that I've enjoyed. This one however, lacks a spark, a vision. He's proven that given a request he can write a commercially successful book about the subject. I have a shelf of Christmas books I reread almost every year. While this was an OK read, it won't be added to it.
    • 4/5
      A charming and funny nostalgic holiday story wonderfully read on audio by the author.
    • 4/5
      What a delightful book this is! Baby Boomers should enjoy the many memories of their childhood years in these pages. A charming tale told by a charming kid. Humor throughout. I recommend this if you need a lighthearted break from heavier reading. The author did a great job with the varied characters.
    • 4/5
      I always like to read good Christmas stories around this time of year. This was a cute story about Felix Funnicello (yes he's Annette's cousin). It's fiction and about Felix's 1964 schoolyear around Christmas time. I loved the characters especially Madam Frechette. The school play was hilarious and could see this book being made into a movie and becoming an instant classic.
    • 4/5
      Very funny book. Italian Catholic school version of Ralphie and Christmas story!


      A fun Christmas read! The Funicello family of Conn., y(es,Annette's cousins.) Mom in Pillsbury bakeoff contest,Nuns,school Christmas play,new russian student in the 1960's.Even some Annette sightings.
    • 4/5
      Felix Funicello, a fifth grader who attends parochial school at St. Aloysius Gonzaga, is the narrator of Wishin' and Hopin'. Set in 1964, the story is filled with humor, mischief, classroom and playground antics, and culminates with the highly anticipated Christmas pageant. It was a lot of fun to read!
    • 5/5
      This was my first Christmas themed read for the year, and Wishin’ and Hopin’ by Wally Lamb was a delight. Starting in the fall of 1964 and closing out on the night of the school’s Christmas concert, the book tells the hilarious and heart-warming story through Felix Funicello, a 10 year old Grade 5 school boy.This book was a vivid trip down memory lane for me, and I enjoyed the story for each of it’s priceless moments. But it’s also more than a nostalgic look-back, the characters are complete and endearing, and the story makes me smile just to think about it. This book could have so easily have been too sugary and precious, but the author kept it real with humor and straight forward, simple writing. From beehive hairdo’s, American Bandstand and Annette Funicello, the author captures the essence of the early 1960’s effortlessly.If you are looking for a light, enjoyable story I would suggest that Wishin’ And Hopin’ makes a very good Christmas read.
    • 3/5
      Wally Lamb is one of my favorite authors and almost all said that it was amazing that he wrote She's Come Undone with such feeling, since he was a man. That being said, Wishin and Hopin was written about young boys and I'm sure that men loved the book. As a female, I did not have too much to identify with. While I liked the book, it certainly didn't touch me. I'm sure there are many women who wouldn't agree with that. The humor seemed to be "boy" humor, not surprisingly. Looking forward to another Wally Lamb novel - and while I did like this one, it wasn't one of my favorites.
    • 1/5
      Dull and disappointingThis book was hard to get into. I think I missed the plot. Wait, was there a plot? It dragged and just didn't do it for me. I managed to finish it without throwing it across the room. I literally felt like that child who threw their toy because he or she had not gotten the one they wanted. So disappointed. I wouldn't recommend this book.
    • 3/5
      Even tho I have a few books by Wally Lamb, this is the first of his I read. It was a fun read. As we are about the same age, it was fun to reminisce about that time in life. Wally did a good job speaking from a childs point of view. Even though the book didnt really grab me and draw me in as many good books do, it was still a fun read. Character development was weaker than I would prefer and thats what making a connection is all about. This was lacking in the book, but who doesnt love to reminisce about childhood Christmas from time to time.
      To be honest, were it not for the Christmas theme, I probably would not have pushed through to the end, which was very touching and satisfying.
      So, overall, 3 is the best I can do. Then again, I dont really think the author was shooting for much more than that.
    • 3/5
      This is the story of Felix, a boy growing up in the 60's who is just going through his life, mostly focusing on a Christmas pageant at school. I thought this was a cute, enjoyable Christmas story with a lot of charm. It reminded me of Dave Barry's The Shepherd, the Angel and Walter the Miracle Christmas Dog, except it was longer and not as funny--which might be why I only gave it three stars. But definitely worth the read for a nice Christmas story.
    • 3/5
      Wally Lamb tried to write a Christmas story a la Gene Shepherd, and while he didn't succeed, he still has written a heart-warming stoy set in the pre-Vatican II days of 1964 with a cast of characters replete with sadistic nuns, a United Nations school of kids, dipsomaniac priests and salt of the earth working class parents, and a "permanent" substitute teacher of every young boy's dreams.Everyone needs a nice Christmas story this time of the year and as this one can be polished off in a single afternoon, it seems to foot the bill.
    • 4/5
      I enjoy Wally Lamb's writing and I really enjoy Christmas stories...put that together and what do you get?

      Cute story about Annette Funnicello's fictional 3rd cousins...and nuns...and lay teachers...and living pictures. It's a cute story, I recommend it.
    • 4/5
      Wally Lamb is not an author whose works I would ordinarily seek out. Having struggled through part of his big hit, She's Come Undone (my book club may have beaten Oprah to the punch on that one, more's the pity), I haven't been interested in pursuing what I saw as his blend of misery and 50s/60s pop culture references. But, looking for some Christmas reading on the cheap for my Kindle, I picked this up and was pleasantly surprised. No dysfunctional family here, although the people in it certainly have their quirks and flaws. They love and support each other and take pride in their work (running a small diner in a blue-collar Connecticut town). The young son of the family is the narrator -- he's concerned about his part in the school Christmas pageant and his mother's upcoming appearance in the Pillsbury Bake-Off. And did I mention that the family's claim to fame is that Annette Funicello is their cousin? All's well that ends well in this humorous and charming Christmas tale. Recommended -- if you're flying to see family next Christmas, it will take you away from the crowded airport and the cramped airplane seating to a simpler, and perhaps happier, place and time.
    • 4/5
      I enjoyed the story, the characters and the wit laced through out the prose.
    • 3/5
      A fun, light book. I'm guessing being catholic, and especially having attended catholic school (neither of which apply to me) would make it even more fun to read.
    • 4/5
      A 1950's coming of age story about a boy in a Catholic school Christmas pageant. A humorous story that will have you laughing out loud.
    • 4/5
      This book is being touted as a Christmas story but it’s more than just that. It’s about life for kids in a parochial school in the 1960s. There are tons of cultural references – if you grew up in the 60s, I think you’ll enjoy the trip down memory lane.The characters are familiar archetypes . Felix is a sweet, naive boy who is trying (and failing) to be as worldly as his best friend Lonny. Lonny is a tough kid, from a poor family. There’s also Rosalie, a snotty teacher’s pet who Felix despises. Then there are characters who are new and funny, like girl whose family has just moved to the small town from Russia. And the French Canadian replacement teacher who is just trying to put on a fancy Christmas show with the best of intentions.Wishin’ and Hopin’ is a cute and funny story. It’s great if you’re in the mood for a quick little holiday read.