I really wasn't sure how this book would go, as I had two completely different expectations from it. I thought either it would be sappy and sweet, or it would be a book that had me laughing my butt off. Wishin' and Hopin' definitely fulfilled the latter expectation and then some.

Think.. A Christmas Story mixed with the Frank's story of growing up in Catholic Ireland. While Felix, the ten-year-old who is telling his own story, doesn't live in Ireland, he does live in the fantastic world of 1964 US of A - a world where Beetles, Beehive hair-do's, Bandstand, Catholic Schools and Annette Funicello reign.

There are so many priceless moments in this book, and I don't want to ruin them all for you, but I have to say that one of my favorite moments was an appearance made on television (which, according to the epilogue, was based on a real-life moment). I seriously laughed until I cried and everything was written so well I could visualize it happening as I read about it.

I wasn't alive during the 1960's, so this story wasn't a trip down memory lane for me. But I've seen enough movies, read enough stories and talked to my folks about the 60's enough to feel a connection with Felix's story and to appreciate it for what it was - a funny, insightful, nostalgic look at the world through the eyes of a 10 year old. And while things have changed today and classrooms have become completely different, there are still ten year olds out there experiencing the same wonder and living in the same innocence that Felix lived and experienced. That's what made this book such a beautiful start to the Christmas season, reading-wise for me. An innocent, heart-warming story filled with charm, family and life.