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Wishin' and Hopin'

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"Wishin' and Hopin'" by Wally Lamb is a heartwarming and humorous coming-of-age story set in the 1960s, following the experiences of Felix Funicello, a 5th-grade student at a Catholic school. The book delves into Felix's interactions with his classmates, his family, and the challenges he faces as he navigates adolescence, all while providing a nostalgic and vivid portrayal of the New England setting during the Christmas season.

The plot of "Wishin' and Hopin'" unfolds through a series of comedic and relatable events in Felix's life, including his interactions with his eccentric classmates, humorous misunderstandings about the birds and the bees, and the uproarious Christmas play staged by his substitute teacher. Wally Lamb's writing style captures the essence of the era and the Catholic school atmosphere, blending humor, nostalgia, and heartwarming moments to create an entertaining and memorable story.

Characters:

The characters are vivid and varied, embodying the struggles and humor of childhood and school life.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is rich and nostalgic, effectively evoking an era while maintaining a humorous and relatable tone.

Plot/Storyline:

The story revolves around a fifth grader's light-hearted experiences navigating school life, friendships, and family dynamics during a memorable holiday season.

Setting:

The setting beautifully encapsulates the 1960s, creating a nostalgic backdrop for the character's experiences.

Pacing:

The pacing is quick and engaging, filled with humorous encounters that drive the story forward.
The year I was a fifth-grade student at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parochial School, our teacher, Sister Dymphna, had a nervous breakdown in front of our class. To this day I can hear Sister’s screams and s...

Notes:

The book is set in the year 1965, focusing on a fifth grader named Felix Funicello.
Felix is a distant cousin of the famous Annette Funicello.
The story takes place at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parochial School.
The main character deals with a variety of humorous and relatable school experiences.
A major event in the book involves Felix's teacher having a nervous breakdown.
The narrative includes cultural misunderstandings and the influence of a new teacher from Quebec, Madame Frechette.
There are references to notable pop culture elements, like Meet the Beatles.
The story culminates in a Christmas play at school, which is a significant event for the characters.
Lamb's writing style captures the essence of the 1960s and its cultural atmosphere.
Readers found the book relatable, especially those who grew up in the same era.

From The Publisher:

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!

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