Finding Wonderful

Finding Wonderful: Hopeful Lessons from Jimmy Stewart and It’s a Wonderful Life by Matt Mikalatos and Aaron Burns offers a heartfelt look at the life of one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors and the lasting impact of his most famous film. While Jimmy Stewart became a celebrated star, his experiences serving as a combat pilot during World War II changed his perspective on life and gave him a renewed appreciation for purpose, faith, and community.

Through stories from Stewart’s life, his own words, and memorable moments from It’s a Wonderful Life, the authors explore the meaningful lessons behind the classic Christmas film. The book also highlights how Stewart embodied many of the same qualities off-screen that made his characters so endearing: kindness, humility, generosity, and decency. Featuring a foreword by Kelly Stewart Harcourt, an endorsement from the Stewart estate, and rarely seen photographs, this is a warm and inspiring tribute to an actor whose legacy extends far beyond the silver screen.

This is a lovely read for Jimmy Stewart admirers and anyone who considers It’s a Wonderful Life an essential part of the holiday season.


The book is available for purchase here.

Unknown's avatar

About Annette Bochenek

Dr. Annette Bochenek of Chicago, Illinois, is an avid scholar of Hollywood’s Golden Age. She manages the Hometowns to Hollywood blog, in which she writes about her trips exploring the legacies and hometowns of Golden Age stars. Annette also hosts the “Hometowns to Hollywood” film series throughout the Chicago area. She has been featured on Turner Classic Movies and is the president of TCM Backlot’s Chicago chapter. In addition to writing for TCM Backlot, she also writes for Classic Movie Hub, Silent Film Quarterly, Nostalgia Digest, and Chicago Art Deco Society Magazine.
This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply