Wishin' and Hopin': A Christmas Story
Wally Lamb’s wonderful, lighthearted novella is set in the 1960s, where Felix Funicello—distant cousin of Annette!—is a fifth grader at St. Aloysious Gonzaga parochial school. Felix is the second smartest kid in his class, the first being Miss Know-it-all, Rosalie Twerski. Naturally, when Felix’s French teacher, Madame Frechette, decides to have her class perform what she calls a “tableaux vivants” for the Christmas pageant, Rosalie demands to play Mary, and what follows is as endearing as Felix’s turn in the spotlight on the Ranger Andy show or his mother’s embarrassing-but-funny appearance at the Pillsbury Bake-off. Wishin’ and Hopin’ is pure magic right up to the surprise end that will leave you smiling long after you turn the page.
Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers ( November 10, 2009 )
Item #: 96-8292
ISBN: 9780061941009
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.25 x 0.56 inches
Product Weight: 14.0 ounces
NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS
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".
Funny and heartwarming trip back to a simpler time.
Reviewer: Red R
Giggled the entire book!
April 06, 2010
this book is a quick read and perfectly enjoyable. you come to love the characters and appreciate how naive childhood is - and how quickly it is lost. This book had me nearly in tears from laughter in a few spots...a book that all must read.
Reviewer: jodiw
Lamb's Christmas Gift!
February 27, 2010
Oh, Wally Lamb can sure tell a story. And after having gone to parochial school for 12 years, I related to sooo much in this one. What a nice, and humorous trip back to a simpler time in our lives! Gave this as Christmas gifts to my siblings!
Reviewer: denise818
Loved it!
January 30, 2010
After reading some of the reviews, I was a little skeptical abour purchasing this book, but since I love Wally Lambs other books, I opted to try it out. I am glad that I did! It was an enjoyable, light read, and as with his other books, you feel as if you know the characters personally. I also thought the epilogue was a wonderful finishing touch!
Reviewer: Wendy T
laugh out loud
January 21, 2010
Maybe I can relate because My 10th grade nun Had a breakdown,like that one. I just kept laughing out loud reading this book. Maybe because I could relate,to the characters in the story. What an innocent time it was.
Reviewer: Joann S
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