I began keeping a recommended reading list at least fifteen years ago. From the beginning, no book made the list until I had read every word of it. Over the years, I've made only five exceptions. This is the sixth. But it is also the earliest. By page seventeen, it made the list. I'm writing this mini-review in mid-March 2002. As I write it, I'm only on page forty-five. Normally, I wait until I've finished a book before writing its mini-review.

And normally, I wait until year-end to pick my top choice for the year. But this year, I am not waiting. "As the Future Catches You" is the most incredible book I've ever read. It is not only my top choice for 2002, it is my top choice for my entire reading list!

"As the Future Catches You" is only 225 pages in length (excluding its postscript and notes, which add another twenty pages). It probably sets a record as having the fewest number of words of any business book. And I'm sure it sets a record as having the largest number of important issues per page.

Juan Enriquez took four years of research to write this book. He traveled the world, meeting with scientists, journalists, politicians, businessmen and historians. His writing provides extraordinary insight into areas such as genomics, information technology, politics and business. As Nicholas Negroponte is quoted on the dust jacket, "Juan Enriquez will change your view of change itself."

You may be surprised by the format of the book (with different fonts, sizes and spacing) but don't let that bother you—this book will make you feel like you've had a brain transplant. This is without a doubt, the most important book I have ever read! If, in the rest of your life, you only read one book—it should be "As the Future Catches You".