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Book details
  • Genre:FICTION
  • SubGenre:Literary
  • Language:English
  • Pages:214
  • Paperback ISBN:9781667831749

Save the World Inc

by Andrew McCormick

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Overview

"Save the World Inc" takes place in Givory, the West African country that has struggled with poverty for centuries. Today its main source of wealth is the humble cocoa fruit which is used around the world for delicious chocolate treats. It's the cocoa harvest season, and a good crop will save Givory's farmers from a devastating drought. It will also make millions in profits for commodity traders who speculate on cocoa futures in global markets. But the trees are shriveled due to the relentless dry heat. The villagers are going hungry. The world's chocolate supply is at risk. Against this turbulent backdrop, Effie Opiah, one of the few women in Givory to own land, wants to unite the cocoa farmers so they have greater bargaining power at harvest time. If she succeeds, their impoverished families will be able to buy food during the approaching lean season. "Save the World Inc" is a powerful, humorous and moving novel that informs as it entertains. Set in West Africa, New York and Seattle, this fast-moving story explores the intersection of commerce and compassion, politics, and technology. media and government. This story shows how the choices that consumers make in rich countries have a direct impact on the lives of millions of people in developing countries. As we seek to save our planet through sustainable consumption and business practices, Save the World Inc poses the most fundamental question. Is it possible to do good?

Description
The world's supply of chocolate is in trouble. I In West Africa, it's the critical harvest season for cocoa, the miracle fruit that is the main ingredient for chocolate. A good crop will mean enough food for the farming families. And millions in profits for commodity traders. In 45 short and compelling chapters, Save the World Inc paints a vivid picture of the collision between the remote villages of Africa and global business. Effie and Etassiah are strong women. They must battle the corrupt government of Givory while feeding their own families. American CEO Ardmore Suss believes that investing in Africa will build her company's reputation for good works. She must overcome opposition from her all-male board of directors who want profits at any cost. Climate change brings a fierce drought to West Africa. Givory plunges into chaos. The farmers may receive no compensation for six months of hard work in the humid forests. The global price of cocoa soars and makes huge profits possible for clever traders. Ardmore bets on a bold new market position. Effie and Etassiah face a grave choice. If they do nothing, millions will suffer. But if they organize a farmers' rebellion, the government's crackdown will be merciless. From the back roads of West Africa to the board rooms of the USA, this powerful novel moves at the lightning pace of global trade. Full of heart and humor, this is the story of our times.
About the author
Andrew Borland McCormick has worked and traveled in West Africa since serving as United States Peace Corps education volunteer in Cape Coast, Ghana. A graduate of the Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, he lives near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His previous book is the memoir Observers are Worried.