Holes by Louis Sachar

A book about a camp for young boys found guilty of petty crime - instead of being sent to prison, they are sent to a camp in the middle of the American desert to dig a hole a day.  The concept and the writing is very simple and the plot engaging but straightforward.  Despite this simplicity, there is something very compelling about this novel which is primarily for adolescent boys but is rather touching and a good adult read.  The way the main character, Stanley, interacts with his fellow camp residents is particularly well observed.  An easy to read and thought provoking book which I would recommend.