author Frances Moore Lappé to appear at Portsmouth’s South Church

For many of us, each day consists of several brain-numbing routines. Consequently, we often simply accept our lots instead of exploring the infinite possibilities life offers. Frances Moore Lappé believes we must break from our standard routines in order to pave the way for a sustainable future—a future in which we work together as a global community, instead of aimlessly heading down a path of destruction.  

Lappé’s message comes to Portsmouth’s South Church on Tuesday, March 18, at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Lappé’s new book, “Getting a Grip: Clarity, Creativity & Courage in a World Gone Mad,” looks at the ubiquitous structures in our lives that have the tendency to create a hopeless disposition toward the world, leaving many of us yearning for change while still accepting our current condition. The book challenges readers to reconsider their preconceived notions of power, democracy and fear, all of which contribute to an attitude of hopelessness.     

Lappé’s progressive outlook stems from decades of experience. She was first moved by the global epidemic of hunger in the 1960s and has been searching for answers ever since. She has authored or coauthored 16 books, all examining the root causes of global human suffering. Central to this issue is the basic human need for food, which Lappé has stressed throughout her career.

On her Web site, www.smallplanet.org, Lappé describes the reason for her focus. “My intuition told me that food—personal, yet universal—was a uniquely powerful entry point for understanding and action.”

Her first book, “Diet for a Small Planet,” written in 1975, has been credited with enlightening an entire generation about the man-made causes of global hunger and how our everyday decisions contribute to the problem. 

Over the years, Lappé’s work has continued to evolve, further uncovering the root cause of hunger, which she attributes more to a lack of democracy rather to a lack of food. She blames our current “me-first capitalist” system, which places a greater emphasis on the acquisition of wealth than on equality. A lucid example is the current status of the world’s farmers, who work tirelessly to provide food but can barely feed themselves. 

Lappé’s revolutionary works have led to numerous accolades, including the 1987 Right Livelihood Award, often referred to as the “Alternative Nobel,” which she received for her contributions toward elevating humanity. In 2006, Lappé was named a founding councilor of the World Future Council, a collection of 50 of the world’s brightest minds regarding the attainment of a sustainable future.

Lappé’s unrelenting journey toward justice led her to her most recent book, which her editor Jess Wilson describes as “(the) condensation/distillation of the core message of all her work to date.”

The event in Portsmouth will begin with Lappé reading from “Getting a Grip,” which was released last October. Her reading will be followed by an open discussion, including a question and answer session. Lappé will conclude the night with a book signing. RiverRun Bookstore will host the event in collaboration with Slow Food Seacoast, South Church’s Minds Alive! and Green Sanctuary Programs. For more information, visit www.riverrunbookstore.com or call 603-431-2100.