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Wishin' and Hopin'
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. 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!
274 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2009
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About the author
Wally Lamb
23 books10.7k followersWally Lamb is the author of six New York Times bestselling novels: I’ll Take You There, We Are Water, Wishin’ and Hopin’, The Hour I First Believed, I Know This Much Is True, and She’s Come Undone. His latest novel, The River is Waiting, will be released in May of 2025 through Marysue Rucci Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.
Lamb also edited Couldn’t Keep It to Myself and I’ll Fly Away, two volumes of essays from students in his writing workshop at York Correctional Institution, a women’s prison in Connecticut, where he was a volunteer facilitator for twenty years.
Lamb lives in Connecticut with his wife, Christine, and they have three sons.
Lamb also edited Couldn’t Keep It to Myself and I’ll Fly Away, two volumes of essays from students in his writing workshop at York Correctional Institution, a women’s prison in Connecticut, where he was a volunteer facilitator for twenty years.
Lamb lives in Connecticut with his wife, Christine, and they have three sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,627 reviews
July 18, 2010
It must be an age thing but the older I get the more nostalgic I become and the more books like Wally Lamb's Wishin' and Hopin': A Christmas Story appeal to me.
This little saga takes the reader back to the 60's when kids were really kids (and not little zombies tied by the "electronic umbilical cord" to either, their cell phone, computer, or i-pod). They went to school, were fearful of their teachers (instead of visa-versa), had no "rights" (except to learn the assigned classroom material) and actually came away from the experience with some knowledge of the "3 R's".
We follow Felix Funicello, a wide-eyed 10 year old boy and cousin of Annette, as he experiences the trepidation and wonder of a Catholic school education, the competitive harassment of a "tattle-tale" teachers pet, the deliciously terrifying ordeal of sitting through Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte (the Bette Davis follow up to "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane) and trying not to show his fright, his mom competing in the Pillsbury Bake off hosted by non other than Ronald Reagan, the annual school pageant and a plethora of other every day happenings that most of us of "a certain age" can fondly recall.
I notice that a few reviewers felt the story was a bore. Perhaps this delightful trip down memory lane had to be experienced first hand in order to be appreciated. What we felt were mortifying situations in our youth suddenly become amusing anecdotes as we grow older. Although a complete departure from the tone and subject matter of his other works, Wally Lambs recounting of Felix's life lessons is nevertheless a heartwarming and amusing diversion and well worth the few hours of your time it takes to read.
This little saga takes the reader back to the 60's when kids were really kids (and not little zombies tied by the "electronic umbilical cord" to either, their cell phone, computer, or i-pod). They went to school, were fearful of their teachers (instead of visa-versa), had no "rights" (except to learn the assigned classroom material) and actually came away from the experience with some knowledge of the "3 R's".
We follow Felix Funicello, a wide-eyed 10 year old boy and cousin of Annette, as he experiences the trepidation and wonder of a Catholic school education, the competitive harassment of a "tattle-tale" teachers pet, the deliciously terrifying ordeal of sitting through Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte (the Bette Davis follow up to "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane) and trying not to show his fright, his mom competing in the Pillsbury Bake off hosted by non other than Ronald Reagan, the annual school pageant and a plethora of other every day happenings that most of us of "a certain age" can fondly recall.
I notice that a few reviewers felt the story was a bore. Perhaps this delightful trip down memory lane had to be experienced first hand in order to be appreciated. What we felt were mortifying situations in our youth suddenly become amusing anecdotes as we grow older. Although a complete departure from the tone and subject matter of his other works, Wally Lambs recounting of Felix's life lessons is nevertheless a heartwarming and amusing diversion and well worth the few hours of your time it takes to read.
December 26, 2021
1960s Three Rivers, Connecticut. My first Wally Lamb book. I'm not sure what I just read (listened) and didn't find this to be entertaining at the slightest. Maybe I don't click with the sixties culture. Looks like this book is one of those you either love or you don't. 🎶🔔🔔
December 17, 2017
Omg one of the funniest and most endearing stories. Truly a Christmas classic! My full review will be up on my booktube channel at http://Youtube.com/peterlikesbooks
November 18, 2018
I received this story as part of a Christmas gift last year and I decided to save it for this Christmas season. Our fifth grader protagonist, Felix Funicello, tells tales of his Catholic school life while also supplying readers with funny outtakes from his neighborhood. It reminded me a bit of the 1983 film A Christmas Story as it balances childhood innocence with the very adult world.
January 2, 2016
This was absolutely delightful!
If you ever went to Catholic school (as I did for 13 years!), enjoyed the movie "A Christmas Story", or laughed til you cried while reading the Christmas pageant scene in "A Prayer for Owen Meany", then this book is for you.
This wonderfully nostalgic book was the perfect way to close out my year. Surprisingly, this was only my 2nd book read in 2015 that I deemed worthy of 5***** stars! I knew I was stingy with my 5 stars, but that's just sad.
If you ever went to Catholic school (as I did for 13 years!), enjoyed the movie "A Christmas Story", or laughed til you cried while reading the Christmas pageant scene in "A Prayer for Owen Meany", then this book is for you.
This wonderfully nostalgic book was the perfect way to close out my year. Surprisingly, this was only my 2nd book read in 2015 that I deemed worthy of 5***** stars! I knew I was stingy with my 5 stars, but that's just sad.
December 13, 2011
This is a most wonderful book...he nailed the Catholic School experience in the 60's but then it could be any school as my husband asked, half way through the audio book: "Who are these people? I don't recognize the names but I feel like I went to school with them!" Everything is wrapped up neatly and completely but no sappiness, just life, funny and touching and real! Read by the author too, and very well done.
November 19, 2017
A fun, quick read that was absolutely perfect for my reading capabilities during these last few nights before Christmas. Also a good read for anyone who grew up in the early 60s, especially if they went to a Catholic school back then. Thanks, Cathrine!
November 7, 2014
Nostalgic and sweet visitation of an early 60's childhood from the perspective of 10-year Felix Funicello over one Fall at a parochial school in a small Connecticut town. Your heart goes out to this underdog nerd of a kid as he negotiates the moral certitude of the nuns and priests with the Beatles as a chorus. After a customary birds and bees lesson he just doesn't quite have the story straight. His father leaves the sex education up to chance and his only sources are what he can gather from the lunch counter crowd at the place run by his family and an older friend.
Starting from innocent purity, he progresses toward Eros under the influences of more Beatles, posters of his famous third cousin Annette (of Musketeer/Beach Blanket Bingo fame), an earthy new French-Canadian teacher, and a feisty new Russian girl admitted to their 5th grade class. But his rich-girl nemesis and his confession to impure thoughts is touching, but he is heroic enough not to suffer too much from the punishment meted out. There are bullies about, but Felix is learning to outsmart them, enlisting a shield in the form of the Russian girl, who excels in sports to overcome being an outcast due to Cold War prejudices.
The biggest challenges to our young hero arise from his contribution to a teacher's nervous breakdown and from a humiliating mistake in distinguishing a dirty joke from a tame one, both occasions promoting some belly laughs on my part. All these forces and characters tat contribute to Felix's coming of age seem universal while lovingly portraying a particular time and place. The convergence of the narrative threads upon the school Christmas pageant makes for delightful final comic bonanza. We all know Felix is going to thrive somehow, and one can't help wondering how much of Wally Lamb's history aligns with this resilient kid.
Starting from innocent purity, he progresses toward Eros under the influences of more Beatles, posters of his famous third cousin Annette (of Musketeer/Beach Blanket Bingo fame), an earthy new French-Canadian teacher, and a feisty new Russian girl admitted to their 5th grade class. But his rich-girl nemesis and his confession to impure thoughts is touching, but he is heroic enough not to suffer too much from the punishment meted out. There are bullies about, but Felix is learning to outsmart them, enlisting a shield in the form of the Russian girl, who excels in sports to overcome being an outcast due to Cold War prejudices.
The biggest challenges to our young hero arise from his contribution to a teacher's nervous breakdown and from a humiliating mistake in distinguishing a dirty joke from a tame one, both occasions promoting some belly laughs on my part. All these forces and characters tat contribute to Felix's coming of age seem universal while lovingly portraying a particular time and place. The convergence of the narrative threads upon the school Christmas pageant makes for delightful final comic bonanza. We all know Felix is going to thrive somehow, and one can't help wondering how much of Wally Lamb's history aligns with this resilient kid.
December 2, 2009
I wasn't sure what to expect of this book when I started, but certainly not the story I got. The title describes this as a Christmas story but there was hardly anything 'Christmasy' about it till the last third of the book. I didn't really think it was funny, just one part towards the end. I was given alot of 1960s references - songs, personalities, slang, etc. - almost too much. And the dialogue with the Russian student was just too complicated and time-consuming to read through at times.
I thought more of the action would have taken place outside the parochial school but aside from a few short stories, it didn't.
In a way this book was too much of too little for me. Kept me reading but after all was said and done I wasn't that impressed with it.
I thought more of the action would have taken place outside the parochial school but aside from a few short stories, it didn't.
In a way this book was too much of too little for me. Kept me reading but after all was said and done I wasn't that impressed with it.
December 30, 2017
I liked this little book because it reminded me about a simpler time in America. I never went to catholic school, but my oldest son did and he laughed when I told him several occurrences in the book.
The book is an easy read. Just what I needed for the busy holidays.
The book is an easy read. Just what I needed for the busy holidays.
December 5, 2020
If you are a Wally Lamb fan - and I don't understand how you could not be - then you know his books are long, intense and kind of dark.
Wishin' and Hopin' is a different kind of story, focused on the very likable 10 year old Felix Funicello and his family. They are distantly related to film star Annette Funicello, a fact that they advertise prominently at the lunch counter they run.
The main action centers around a Christmas show put on by the Catholic school Felix attends, with much affectionate humor involving the nuns and the other students. Wishin' and Hopin' doesn't stand with his best work, but it was a quick, lighthearted and funny read and I enjoyed seeing this other side of Lamb's amazing talent.
Wishin' and Hopin' is a different kind of story, focused on the very likable 10 year old Felix Funicello and his family. They are distantly related to film star Annette Funicello, a fact that they advertise prominently at the lunch counter they run.
The main action centers around a Christmas show put on by the Catholic school Felix attends, with much affectionate humor involving the nuns and the other students. Wishin' and Hopin' doesn't stand with his best work, but it was a quick, lighthearted and funny read and I enjoyed seeing this other side of Lamb's amazing talent.
July 4, 2021
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.
August 31, 2010
This book was a grave disappointment to me. I have enjoyed every Wally Lamb novel and have a certain expectation of depth, mystery and wonderful character development. This book failed in all three categories. I have nothing against a short, quick read, but I still want to be entranced by the story. I not only do not give this book a thumbs up, I give it a giant raspberry as a waste of precious reading time.
January 19, 2021
RATING: 2.5 STARS
Wishin’ and Hopin’ is more of a novella so it is a quick read. This quirky story is about a fifth grader, Felix Funicello and his family, in the 1960s.
First of all, I do not understand why this novella is a “Christmas” story. The only part of the book that deals with Christmas is the towards the end. And, even then I didn’t really get a sense of the “holiday feeling”. There is some humour in this novel which is what really kept me reading the book. I also liked the historical aspects of this novel, but at times it became too cliched. I rated this novella so low because it felt more like a holiday promotional story than with real heart.
Blog post has more on this book and series
My Novelesque Blog
Wishin’ and Hopin’ is more of a novella so it is a quick read. This quirky story is about a fifth grader, Felix Funicello and his family, in the 1960s.
First of all, I do not understand why this novella is a “Christmas” story. The only part of the book that deals with Christmas is the towards the end. And, even then I didn’t really get a sense of the “holiday feeling”. There is some humour in this novel which is what really kept me reading the book. I also liked the historical aspects of this novel, but at times it became too cliched. I rated this novella so low because it felt more like a holiday promotional story than with real heart.
Blog post has more on this book and series
My Novelesque Blog
December 4, 2016
Wally Lamb proves he can be damn funny. This short novel is filled with event after event that will leave you laughing out loud. It is 1964 and Felix Funicello, the distant cousin of Annette, is a Fifth Grader in catholic school. Lamb tells the story through Felix's eyes and if you have ever been a fifth-grade boy you know Lamb just nails this. For you fans of A Christmas Story, there are scenes where Felix out Ralphies Ralphie.
December 26, 2014
A few funny moments but overall very forgettable.
October 31, 2013
Where do I begin? Let's start with: THIS ISN'T A CHRISTMAS BOOK. It's just a fictionalized nostalgic look at a boy's life during the 60's, and a small part of it happens to involve a school Christmas pageant. So if you're expecting some kind of feel-good (or feel-bad, this IS Wally Lamb we're talking about here...) holiday plot (which the COVER OF THE BOOK LEADS YOU TO BELIEVE!) you might be disappointed. But even for a book about a boy's life it falls flat. There are a few smiles along the way (emphasis on "few"), but it's not charming or believable enough to be adored. It's also not hard or revealing enough to make readers reflect or learn about themselves. It's just... a forgettable story. A ridiculous and unnecessary "Epilogue" gives you updates on what happened to every single character, no matter how small their appearance. All I could think while glancing over these final pages was, "I really don't care what 'happened' to these fake characters."
December 6, 2016
I can see what the author was striving for with this story: a wry look at the complex life of a family, as seen through the eyes of a naive boy on the cusp of adolescence, with a hearty dose of 1960’s nostalgia via endless pop culture references. Unfortunately, it was predictable and dull, and didn’t have anything new or fresh to offer. Also, while I think some authors can do an outstanding job of reading their own work on audio (hello, Mr. Gaiman!), someone should have prevented Wally Lamb from doing so. His narrative stylings made this only mildly interesting book into a deadly dull audio.
DNF at 46%.
DNF at 46%.
February 7, 2017
What a wonderful, poignant, story of life in the early sixties for the Funnicello family and the Catholic school they attended. I'm still laughing about Joseph Cotton's head rolling down the stairs and the "too afraid to go to sleep" Felix. My kids did the same thing to me after watching a half hour of "The Shining". Couldn't go to sleep by themselves for a month! Great book!
January 7, 2022
This is a book that I think only those who lived through the era of the 60s as a child can relate to. I loved this book as many of the events and people Felix mentioned I remember...Annette Funnicello was and still is one of my favorite movie people and was a great role model for those of us growing up during that time and in recent years when she announced she had MS! What a brave, strong lady! I remember going to the St. Brieux theatre to see her movie "Beach Blanket Bingo" with my cousins Joan and Dianne when I was staying with them. I remember the Betty Davis movie "Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte" and the bouncing head of Joseph Cotton (I, like Felix, had nightmares about it!). I remember attending Elementary School where we had nuns as teachers and all the experiences that he described I could relate to! I especially remember in Grade 5 doing a play about the Saints...in particular St. Ursula...with teacher Sr. Mercedes. This book was a wonderful nostalgic trip back in time for me. I laughed and giggled throughout this book! Thank you Wally Lamb!!! Loved it! And I would read it again!
Dec 26/2020 In this year of many changes and covid restrictions this was a great escape back to when times were simpler. Very nostalgic and fun to read again!
Jan 5, 2022 Reading this book during the holidays is becoming a tradition. Each time I read it, I find something else to love and appreciate about it. The importance of family and tradition are definitely at the heart of this story...and of course humor! Loved this book as much this time as before. I'm excited to share my thoughts with book club!
Dec 26/2020 In this year of many changes and covid restrictions this was a great escape back to when times were simpler. Very nostalgic and fun to read again!
Jan 5, 2022 Reading this book during the holidays is becoming a tradition. Each time I read it, I find something else to love and appreciate about it. The importance of family and tradition are definitely at the heart of this story...and of course humor! Loved this book as much this time as before. I'm excited to share my thoughts with book club!
December 13, 2014
Please don't be fooled by this book's jolly cover and its sub-title, "A Christmas Story." Much like Jean Shepherd's A Christmas Story, Lamb's novel is disappointingly unchristmasy. The final one-third of the book involves a christmas play, but it lacks the nostalgic holiday feel that I was hoping for.
The cover and sub-title of Wishin' and Hopin': A Christmas Story make me wonder if christmas is just used as a selling point. People are more apt to buy anything that has a red bow on it, right?
The cover and sub-title of Wishin' and Hopin': A Christmas Story make me wonder if christmas is just used as a selling point. People are more apt to buy anything that has a red bow on it, right?
November 22, 2009
Well we all know how much I love Wally Lamb. I really, really wanted to love this book. If it is meant to be a Christmas book, it should have some major holiday feel good at the end and it did not. It reminded me of a male Judy Blume book since it is told from the perspective of a 5th grade boy. It was easy to read and the characters were lovable even with their quirkiness and flaws. (but it is my favorite author and it took me almost 2 weeks to read 225 pages..).
He has lots of characters and clearly thinks that they are so well developed that the 225 page book requires an epilogue to tell us what they are all doing current day. Characters were pretty good, but not sure all that info was needed and the dates seem way out of whack all the way through the book.
He also includes a large acknowledgement section at the end (ok, I admit, I didn't read all of it). He admits that he only started writing this book in January. This might explain some things.
He has lots of characters and clearly thinks that they are so well developed that the 225 page book requires an epilogue to tell us what they are all doing current day. Characters were pretty good, but not sure all that info was needed and the dates seem way out of whack all the way through the book.
He also includes a large acknowledgement section at the end (ok, I admit, I didn't read all of it). He admits that he only started writing this book in January. This might explain some things.
January 2, 2010
First, I must admit, I'm not a Lamb fan. But I was told this book was not his normal fare, so I thought I might like it. I slogged through it, hoping the series of slapped together 1960s vignettes (can you say Pillsbury Bake off and Mickey Mouse Club?) and bits of fifth grade boy humor would pick up, but no such luck. Unlike A Christmas Story, to which I've seen this compared, Lamb's book never captures the feel of the decade. Felix, our young Catholic school hero, reminds me of those kids on the TV sitcoms--they sound like miniature adults, always playing to the camera. There's not much plot to speak of and, unless you really like puke jokes, you might want to pass on this one.
January 30, 2011
If you're ever looking for a good book to read after you've just finished something really long or intense, this is the book to choose! It's the perfect antidote. I literally laughed out loud, making myself look like a crazy lady giggling to myself on the subway. I highly recommend it!
July 14, 2022
Told from the perspective of 10-year-old Felix, Wishin' and Hopin' is a fun and nostalgic visit to the 1960s for those of us who grew up during those years: the Beatles, Beach Blanket Bingo, LBJ vs. Goldwater, the Ed Sullivan Show, Locker Loops, Communist spies, trying to figure out the words to "Louie Louie." The Christmas pageant is laugh-out-loud hilarious and the Epilogue was very imaginative, giving this fictional tale the feeling that everything described here really happened! Wishin' and Hopin' evokes memories of a simpler time and place. (It may help to have been there to fully appreciate this book.) Very enjoyable.
Time it was
and what a
time it was
it was
A time of innocence
a time of confidences.
January 1, 2020
A Christmas romp with nuns and rowdy 5th graders all fighting to present or get out of presenting the Nativity tableaux for holiday appreciations. . . .funny, and I liked it better than A Christmas Story, but is certainly in the same camp. Also like The Best (Worst) Christmas Pageant Ever. . . .funny, and enjoyable.
A satisfying holiday read.
A satisfying holiday read.
December 8, 2025
A light hearted, quirky tale of a 5th grade boyrefelcting on his family and school life.
January 9, 2020
Αυτό το βιβλίο σε κάνει νοσταλγικό για μια εποχή που δεν έζησες σε μια χώρα που δεν ξέρεις.
November 29, 2009
Felix Funicello’s family owns the lunch counter at the local bus station and their claim to fame is that Annette Funicello is their cousin. Felix is in the fifth grade at St. Aloysius Gonzago Parochial School. At the beginning of the school year Sister Dymphna, his teacher, has a breakdown of sorts and is replaced by a lay teacher, the glamorous Madame Marguerite. The classroom is full of characters typical of an elementary school and the school year progresses much like a normal year – mostly smooth but with a few bumps along the way.
That is until Madame suggests her class perform tableaux vivants for their part of the school’s Christmas pageant. It seems that everything that can go wrong does that night for the fifth grade class, but something magical does happen for Felix and his family.
I really enjoyed WISHIN' AND HOPIN’ by Wally Lamb. It’s not your traditional, inspirational Christmas story, but boy, is it a lot of fun! For me, it’s in the spirit of A Christmas Story by Jean Shepherd. The characters in the book are so real and Felix is the perfect narrator. He’s sweet and innocent, but sure does hate to admit it, which gets him in trouble a time or two. I laughed out loud quite a few times while I was reading this book.
WISHIN' AND HOPIN’ is set during the 1960’s and, even though Felix would have been a few years older than me, I think Wally Lamb did a great job capturing the spirit of the era. Lamb included an epilogue in the back to let readers know how the fictional characters turned out and I thought that added another fun element to the book. Reading WISHIN' AND HOPIN’ would make a great holiday tradition.
That is until Madame suggests her class perform tableaux vivants for their part of the school’s Christmas pageant. It seems that everything that can go wrong does that night for the fifth grade class, but something magical does happen for Felix and his family.
I really enjoyed WISHIN' AND HOPIN’ by Wally Lamb. It’s not your traditional, inspirational Christmas story, but boy, is it a lot of fun! For me, it’s in the spirit of A Christmas Story by Jean Shepherd. The characters in the book are so real and Felix is the perfect narrator. He’s sweet and innocent, but sure does hate to admit it, which gets him in trouble a time or two. I laughed out loud quite a few times while I was reading this book.
WISHIN' AND HOPIN’ is set during the 1960’s and, even though Felix would have been a few years older than me, I think Wally Lamb did a great job capturing the spirit of the era. Lamb included an epilogue in the back to let readers know how the fictional characters turned out and I thought that added another fun element to the book. Reading WISHIN' AND HOPIN’ would make a great holiday tradition.
December 2, 2010
This was like a combination of "A Christmas Story" (you know--the one with the leg lamp) and a book I read in about the third grade called "The Worst Christmas Pageant Ever." It's meant to make you feel nostalgic for a different era, and see how much more quirky and loveable people used to be--like nuns, and people who worked at lunch counters or participated in bake-offs. This didn't work for me, but in it's defense, I can say most holiday pieces don't. I did enjoy the ending--it was sweet, unexpected, and packed a message. It wasn't terrible, I just couldn't love it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,627 reviews