Wishin' and Hopin

Wishin' and Hopin' follows Felix Funicello, a fifth-grade Catholic school student in 1960s Connecticut, as he navigates the challenges of school, family, and growing up. As a cousin of the famous Mouseketeer Annette Funicello, Felix deals with the constant attention this connection brings while trying to establish his own identity. The story takes place during the months leading up to Christmas, centered around St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parochial School. When a new substitute teacher arrives and a Russian student joins the class, the familiar routines of Felix's Catholic school life begin to change in unexpected ways. The book captures the atmosphere of 1964 America through references to cultural touchstones, television shows, and historical events. Through Felix's experiences with his classmates, teachers, and family, the narrative presents a snapshot of Catholic school education and family life in a New England town. This coming-of-age tale explores themes of identity, tradition, and change against the backdrop of a pivotal time in American history. The story combines humor with nostalgia while examining how children understand and adapt to the adult world around them.

Readers describe this as a light, nostalgic Christmas story that captures 1960s Catholic school life. Many found it humorous but not as deep or impactful as Lamb's other works. Readers liked: - Authentic period details and cultural references - Relatable childhood memories and family dynamics - Felix's narrative voice and perspective - The humor and holiday atmosphere Readers disliked: - Plot feels slight compared to Lamb's other novels - Too many pop culture references - Some found the humor juvenile or forced - Story takes too long to get moving "Like A Christmas Story but set in Connecticut," noted one Amazon reviewer. "Captures Catholic school perfectly but needed more substance," wrote another. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (14,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (500+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (300+ ratings) Most readers consider it an enjoyable holiday read but not a standout in Lamb's body of work.

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🎄 Though set during Christmas 1964, this nostalgic comedy was actually written as a departure from Wally Lamb's typically darker, more serious novels like "She's Come Undone" and "I Know This Much Is True." 📺 The book was adapted into a Lifetime television movie in 2014, starring Molly Ringwald as the strict substitute teacher Sister Dymphna. 🎭 The character of Felix Funicello is a distant cousin of former Mickey Mouse Club star Annette Funicello, connecting the fictional story to real 1960s pop culture. 🏫 Many of the scenes set at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parochial School were inspired by Lamb's own experiences at Norwich's St. Patrick's Cathedral School in Connecticut. 🎬 The classroom production of "The Nativity" that serves as the book's climax was based on an actual disastrous Christmas pageant that Lamb witnessed as a child.