I could not stop reading, even as my body begged me for sleep, knowing I had work in the morning.... I couldn't stop reading. I got SO invested in all the other characters, which i have to say is quite a feat considering there's many and that they all are referred to by different names and nicknames and nicknames of nicknames. But I never felt like I had to make an effort to understand who was who - by the time I needed to, I already knew because of constant exposure to them and their antics and, eventually, their drama.
And THEN. Plot twists upon plot twists.
They family themes had me very soft; found family and mending family relationships and supportive, loving family.
No spoilers !!! but the ending, too, had me very soft. Might reread this later on, because I'm sure there was a lot I'm gonna be able to appreciate the second time around.
Oh, and of course. Possibly the biggest feat. I'm looking up Hockey things right now. Wow.
Update: This was even BETTER the second time around