This short novel is one of Bova's first works, written in 1969. It's about a young juvenile delinquent who is taken to a peculiar prison where there are no cells and no metal bars. In fact, it resembles a college campus more than a prison. The head psychologist who is in charge wants to rehabilitate him, but he only wants to escape. Nevertheless, escaping is extremely difficult, since the prison has a Big-Brother-like sentient computer that is very difficult to fool.

It's a curious book, entertaining and readable although it never gets really deep in the characterization. It makes you think a bit about the prison system and rehabilitation, although probably that theme had more impact at the time it was written. ( )

This appealed to me when I was a teenager. The story is about a young gang member who ends up in a correctional facility with people who cared. It shows what could be done with the right intent and people. ( )