Wishin’ and Hopin’
by Wally Lamb
Wishin' and Hopin' by Wally Lamb holds a well received rating of 3.52 out of 5, based on 11K reader ratings. First published in 2009. The book spans 268 pages.
About Wishin' and Hopin'
It's 1964 and ten-year-old Felix is sure of a few things: the birds and the bees are puzzling, television is magical, and this is one Christmas he'll never forget. LBJ and Lady Bird are in the White House, Meet the Beatles is on everyone's turntable, and 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. Back in his beloved fictional town of Three Rivers, Connecticut, with a new cast of endearing characters, Wally Lamb takes his readers straight into the halls of St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parochial School—where Mother Filomina's word is law and goody-two-shoes Rosalie Twerski is sure to be minding everyone's business. But grammar and arithmetic move to the back burner this holiday season with the sudden arrivals of substitute teacher Madame Frechette, straight from QuÉbec, and feisty Russian student Zhenya Kabakova. While Felix learns the meaning of French kissing, cultural misunderstanding, and tableaux vivants, Wishin' and Hopin' barrels toward one outrageous Christmas. From the Funicello family's bus-station lunch counter to the elementary school playground (with an uproarious stop at the Pillsbury Bake-Off), Wishin' and Hopin' is a vivid slice of 1960s life, a wise and witty holiday tale that celebrates where we've been—and how far we've come.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Wally Lamb |
| Published | 2009 |
| Pages | 268 |
| Genres | Fiction, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Fiction |
| Average Rating | 3.52 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 10,966 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is Wishin' and Hopin'?
Wishin' and Hopin' is categorized as Fiction, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Fiction. Its primary genre classification is Historical Fiction.
Is Wishin' and Hopin' worth reading?
Based on 11K reader ratings, Wishin' and Hopin' has an average score of 3.52 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received."
How many pages is Wishin' and Hopin'?
Wishin' and Hopin' has 268 pages.
Who wrote Wishin' and Hopin'?
Wishin' and Hopin' was written by Wally Lamb. It was first published in 2009.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
