This mysterious and stunning novel has grabbed the attention of young readers for over twenty years. It's a story of memory, danger, suspense, and psychological trauma.

From the beginning readers know that something is strange about Adam. What are those pills he washes down the drain, what's in that package he's taking to his father, and why is he traveling? Is Adam fifteen, or is he much older? Until the last few pages, the reader doesn't know.

The alternating chapters of interviews heighten the intrigue in the story. Clearly, Adam is in some kind of hospital, with serious psychological problems. He remembers details of how he discovered that his family had been hiding their identity, and remembers Mr. Thompson, the government agent in charge of keeping the family safe after several attempts on their lives. But was Mr. Thompson their friend, or their enemy?

Yet the chapters that follow Adam's bicycle journey seem straightforward, until his phone calls to his girlfriend and his arrival at the motel jolt the reader into realizing that something is wrong. The final, shocking chapter unravels the mystery. Readers learn that Adam clearly suffers from a deep psychological trauma, and may still be in danger.

Despite the complexity of the story, Robert Cormier sustains the suspense throughout the book. Adam's journey propels the reader forward, and the increasing mystery holds interest. Young readers who enjoy this may be interested in Cormier's similar but darker book, After the First Death, or Joanne Greenberg's I Never Promised You a Rose Garden, about a mentally ill girl who fantasizes a world of her own.