I will not downvote (as I don't agree that a downvote should be a disagreement, and you /are/ posting in earnest of discussion) however I can't avoid at least commenting on the fact that this is a terrible novel.
It's fact based, which is nice, however Tsutomo talks significantly more about food than Kevin in this book. Unendingly boring and light on details.
Read his book, if you haven't yet. He's honest, likable guy, always curious (and hungry) to live. He wouldn't have scored high in a coding competition, but it makes his accomplishments only more impressive.
Being "talented" and "winning" looks like a railroad track, interesting life is worth more imho
I need a reality check sometimes. As a Russian, I naturally look at abusing cops or lying to phone company clerks as a good thing, but it's obviously my national deformation.
However, he is honest to his readers, which is the best honesty we could ask for from a book.
That's the story of how Kevin Mitnick got caught. Very controversial so I can't say it's good. I still enjoyed it back then.
Note that the question is about novels, and I think it is how you should read the book. I seriously doubt its credibility when it comes to facts.