Customer Reviews

Wishin' and Hopin': A Christmas Story (Hardcover)

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Last year, I bought this book on CD. Since then, I've listened to it at least ten times. It brings back so many memories of my childhood in Connecticut. I use audio books to go to sleep, and it works every time. BUT...not with "Wishin' and Hopin'"! Many nights I have listened on my MP3 player wishin' that I could go to sleep. It does not work! This book is so very honestly funny that sleep is impossible! I grew up in "Three Rivers". I recognize names. My Dad told me about Mush Moriarty. WOW! How good it was to hear that name again. Our family was very poor and Christmases were sparse but so much fun. The New London bus station was special to me, because I departed from there to go to college in 1958. Father Hanrohan was a good friend of my Mom's, Mr. Popinchalk was one of my teachers at Norwich Free Academy. I spent my formative years on Grove Street. I had many Catholic friends who told me stories that captured Wally Lamb's description of the Catholic school experience.

Even if you, the reader, did not grow up in Connecticut, you must read it or listen to it. Actually, it is better if you listen, because Wally Lamb is an incredible reader! He grabs the essence of all of his characters, and his accents are excellent. As I was listening, I got so involved that I honestly believed that there were a number of people reading it. The Russian girl is hilarious to the point that I am imitating her during my day. I am saying, "Fillix Funijello" and laughing. Anything that gives you a laugh is worth listening to!

This book, to me, is the audio equivalent of the movie, "The Christmas Story" with Darren McGavin and Melinda Dillon. It must be made into a movie! The show that the fifth grade teacher directs and produces is hysterical!

For those of you who are over 50, I know that you will be able to relate to all of Wally Lamb's characters. It personifies what it was like in our time. We all felt so much guilt. We were all terrified of scary movies. We all hated the kid who tattled. We were all scared of the bully. And...our parents told us that our teachers were always right!

This is a MUST READ OR LISTEN TO! It is absolutely hilarious!!!

Wally always brings me home. Even though I now live in the Pacific NW, I was born in New England and Wally takes me there with his stories and wit, I just loved this book.

Wally Lamb is my daughter's favorite author. This book will be one of her Christmas gifts. I haven't read the book