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1. You don’t need to be a scientist to understand some important science
   What I like about this book is the objective and thoughtful perspectives (based on significant research she has done) about the state of condition we find ourselves in with societal, family, and personal pressures. But the book also comes with a host of suggestions for how we can act on what we know, what technologies are out there to help us, and how to use all that knowledge and foresight to get ahead of the curve on making decisions and taking action to resolve these problems before they slip beyond our ability to deal with them. I loved her first book, The Watchman’s Rattle, and this book takes you on a continuing journey of discovery of what is around us, yet is often unobserved to many of us, and correlates the possibilities for a solution. Rebecca writes in an easy to read conversation style that makes you feel you don’t need to be a scientist to understand some important science.

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2. “The future is calling. It’s calling on our smart phone, computer, and the next predictive algorithm.”
   I stumbled upon On the Verge looking for an anti-dote to the stall I was experiencing in writing grants for social justice causes. I had a bit of an epiphany when I discovered that the book addressed exactly what I was wrestling with in the 24/7 news/data-overload arena: projecting current data into a future scenario in order to market the feasibility of my grant requests. I was able to take Costa’s perspective from 10,000 ft and bring it down to ground-level as a pragmatic tool for forecasting grant results as well as justifying requests. Costa’s writing style works for me, as she translates her scientific excursions into man-on-the-street language. In addition to being both digestible and entertaining, Costa provides an extensive bibliography. This is a pretty good read.Hopefully, Costa will do a followup book addressing the stumbling blocks of the political reality of “predaptation.”

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3. Two great points for consideration
   I have known the author, Rebecca D. Costa, for a number of years and know her to be a person of superior intellect, thoughtfulness and insight. With this being the case, I wanted to try to be objective, so I chose to read “On The Verge” and then wait at least a month after the reading before writing a review and see what, after a month, remained as most impactful for me. It has now been over a month since my reading and my review and comments are:1. Every mayor of every city and every governor of every state in America should be required to read the chapter on Salinas California and its handling of its crime problems. Brilliant and I cannot say enough about the potential power of those words and that scenario to improve our American cities and society.2. Every venture capitalist, every philanthropists, every foundation leader, every government research program leader should be required to read the section on the great leverage in research available by offering prize winning rewards for focused attempts to solve breakthrough achievements in chosen areas of research.Anyone that enjoys books written by big brain thinkers can do no better than adding “On The Verge” to their reading list. A highly recommended and thoughtful elighenting read.Bill Futrell11-19-17

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4. On the Verge…a great addition to anyone’s personal library
   I found Rebecca Costa’s new book “On the Verge” to be a pivotal, thought-provoking read. With society facing such monumental issues as global warming and overpopulation, it is vital to consider the consequences of these issues and how to respond to them most effectively. Rebecca’s Twelve Principles offer insight and wisdom, whether applied on a grand scale or a personal one. It provides readers with a valuable tool in the sense that the more we are able to know about the future (now more possible and plausible than ever with the expanding field of technology), the better we are able to foresee undesirable situations before they arise and take the necessary precautions to avoid mishap. If only it was that easy! As Rebecca says in the book, “But make no mistake, these organizations do not attempt to prevent adverse events from occurring. They merely get us ready for disasters, and step in afterward to deal with the impact. Predaptation reaches past preparedness by eradicating a threat beforehand.” Using the Principles of Adaptation, “On the Verge” is an illustration of the practices virtually anyone can implement into daily life by giving us the skills we need to prepare ourselves for change. I definitely recommend it–it is guaranteed to get you thinking.

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5. Held promise but fell way short
   Didn’t find this book very insightful at all, despite a very heavy interest in the subject matter. Recommend skipping this one.

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6. Rebecca has a way of bringing reality to the forefront in a unique way that raises lots of questions and wonderful discussion. Watchman’s Rattle was one of our bookclubs …
   I was a major fan of Rebecca’s first book “The Watchman’s Rattle” and am loving this book as well. Rebecca has a way of bringing reality to the forefront in a unique way that raises lots of questions and wonderful discussion. Watchman’s Rattle was one of our bookclubs favorites and created excellent discussion. We are waiting for a few others to finishing reading “On the Verge” and we cannot wait for this to headline our next bookclub meeting. Rebecca is a genius!

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7. I enjoyed it.
   Ms. Costa’s book is very informative, and written with a sense of humor, allowing it to rapidly assimilate . I enjoyed it.

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8. OK, but no “…Watchman’s Rattle”
   Many good points… but lost me with a mis-characterization of Rush Limbaugh.If you don’t listen regularly, you have no basis for criticism.

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9. A very well written text. It belongs in your book collection.

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