Wishin’ And Hopin’: A Christmas Story by Wally Lamb

Hi. I’ve wanted to read this book since late 2009. It was a 7 day book and I was busy, then I forgot about it. On a recent trip to Brodie I spotted it on a display shelf. Well – it was sure worth the wait. I read it on a cold winter’s day. It was a pleasure to read.

Set in a small Connecticut town in the 1960’s its the tale of the Funicello family. Yes, Funicello. It’s life through the eyes of 10 year old Felix Funicello, whose Dad is a cousin of Annette Funicello, former Mousketeer and later famed beach bunny. For someone who actually owns a movie featuring Annette & Frankie, this book was right up my alley.

Felix attends Parochial School and the novel centers around plans for the school Christmas pageant. It was a treat to read, very funny and brought back so many memories, incuding this old commercial – “What’s for dinner?” “Mom made Shak’n’Bake and ah hailped”. It also reminded me that it’s been years since I’ve had an orange soda with vanilla ice cream float. Yum.

It also features a t.v. appearance for his Mom in a Pillesbury Bake Off.  A nervous stomach results in her on screen appearance featuring a toilet paper tail. Anyway, if you’re in the need of a good laugh, give the Funicello family a try. Who knows – you might even see Annette. Enjoy. Karen