Book Rec: What Happened to the McCrays?
- jlentz24
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
"Sometimes you’ve taken all the shots you can,” he said. “And then it’s time to let someone else carry the puck for a while."
From New York Times bestselling author Tracey Lange come a beautiful story about family, community and the magic of small-town hockey. I don't want to give too much away, but this poignant story was so well written and captures your heart from the first chapter.
Book Jacket from What Happened to the McCrays?
When Kyle McCray gets word his father has suffered a debilitating stroke, he returns to his hometown of Potsdam, New York, where he doesn’t expect a warm welcome. Kyle left suddenly two and a half years ago, abandoning people who depended on him: his father, his employees, his friends—not to mention Casey, his wife of sixteen years and a beloved teacher in town. He plans to lie low and help his dad recuperate until he can leave again, especially after Casey makes it clear she wants him gone.
The longer he’s home, the more Kyle understands the impact his departure has had on the people he left behind. When he’s presented with an opportunity for redemption as the coach of the floundering middle school hockey team, he begins to find compassion in unexpected places. Kyle even considers staying in Potsdam, but that’s only possible if he and Casey can come to some kind of peace with each other.
Full of love and hope, What Happened to the McCrays? takes an intimate look at both sides of a failed marriage and two people who must finally confront the awful pain of their past or risk being consumed by it.
What Happened to the McCrays? Discussion Guide
Casey and Kyle deal with grief in very different ways. Which one could you relate to? Do you think one person’s coping mechanism was better than the other?
The close-knit small-town community is a character in itself. How does this setting influence Casey and Kyle’s relationship?
Middle school hockey and the student players have a significant role in the novel. How does Casey’s interactions with them help her deal with her past? How does Kyle’s coaching impact his decision to stay?
Where you surprised to hear about Charlie? How did the reveal reshape your perspective of the story?
If you could give advice to one character in the book, who would it be? Which character did you relate to the most?
If you liked this book, consider another intricate family novel, The Dutch House.
Some content may contain affiliate or referral links. As an Amazon Associate, I also earn from qualifying purchases. When you click on and/or make a purchase through an affiliate link placed on Lifetime Tidbits, I may receive a small commission or other form of compensation at no additional cost to you. Please see my Disclaimers Page for more information. Thank you for reading!
Comments