The Grass Is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank

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The suburban lawn not only became an obsession with the suburban husband, it became the very symbol of manhood. Not to have a lawn was like admitting you turned off the Super Bowl to take a nap, used deodorant shields in your T-shirts, or had training wheels on your Harley-Davidson. It struck with little warning and attacked the weak, the bored, the vulnerable seeking relief from the monotony. Its name was television and by , it would enslave sixty-million families. Television was a terminal disease that was to spread and worsen, driving people from acute withdrawal to chip-dip attacks.

There was a rumor going through the city that the suburban housewife drank her breakfast, accepted obscene phone calls — collect — played musical beds with her neighbors, and rewrote the book on Show and Tell. If anyone could sell the suburbs, sin could. She required a bottle, a little ice, and a clean glass.

There was a time when I derived some comfort out of the knowledge that one out of every three Americans is overweight. But I never saw the one. Everywhere I went I was flanked on either side by the two chart-perfect women.

There are loonies and crazies running around all over the place. Lester was wounded at Ft. Everyone was wearing a stomach in various stages of development — whether you looked good in one or not. Its important to know how to lose because you do a lot of it when you grow up. What the social norms are. Her first chapter grabbed my attention immediately because, what can I say, it reminded me of my own famdamily when we would take "trips".

I love her dry sense of humor. And I love that she keeps it clean. She is really a funny lady. Aug 01, Liz rated it it was ok Recommends it for: People over 50 in This book is proof that humor is not timeless. Bombeck probably had a fabulously funny book in , in it doesn't stand up. I do imagine that had one lived during that time and was conscious enough to remember it , one would find the text quite intriguing and perhaps quite hilarious.

For those of us who are younger, it may be best as an anthropological study about what life may have been like in the U. The book's a quick read, r This book is proof that humor is not timeless.

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The book's a quick read, regardless, and there are a few laughs, still, scattered throughout. May 25, Sherrie Howey rated it really liked it. Hard to believe this was written over 40 years ago as many of the tenets mentioned in this book about moving to the suburbs still hold true. While younger readers may not appreciate the stories told in this book, anyone over the age of 50 will be laughing all the way. This is a book that will make you laugh all the time and brings one back to a time when life was simpler and with far less worries.

It is a very quick read and very enjoyable. Jul 03, Shannon Rickert rated it really liked it.

The Grass Is Always Greener over the Septic Tank

This was a great book!! Oct 15, Michelle rated it it was amazing. I laughed quite a few times during this one. I could definitely relate to most of it especially being a new first time home owner. Sep 06, Melinda Christensen rated it really liked it Shelves: Erma Bombeck made fun of the coming of suburbs and all the complications they brought in this funny book; for example: The hot-water heater is hooked up to the garden hose and I am sauteeing the lawn.

The wall heats up when I turn on the porch light. The hall toilet does not accept tissue, and I have a sign on the front door reading, 'Out of Order! Please Use House Next Door.

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It's hilarious to remember when these things began to take place in our society, especially when you have this book to guide you. Jan 24, Karisa rated it really liked it. An ideal book to read aloud to the whole family.

When our cousins came to visit for a few days, we continued reading it aloud at the table, and this book became the request for each meal. We laughed often and hard-- Erma Bombeck's writing is excellent for the stomach muscles! It is dated, so we had to explain a lot of the s references to the kids, but somehow most of Erma's observations still ring true today.

Like about friends selling things to each other, kids wandering from house to hous An ideal book to read aloud to the whole family. Like about friends selling things to each other, kids wandering from house to house, schools being more progressive than we're ready for, and funny home fix-it problems. At the time, Erma Bombeck was well known for her stand up comedy act, taking events from her own life and family. She eventually wrote about her family - in the same comedic vein - in a few books, including this book. I remember it being quite funny and enjoyable, while still being down to earth.

Good, clean fun for just about all ages starting at roughly 14 years old. Be ready to laugh! I remember reading this book and others by Erma Bombeck in the late 70s and really loving them.

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The other ladies in my bookclub said the same thing, in fact only one other person finished the entire book. Mar 29, John Roberts rated it it was amazing. A quick little book but very funny.

The Grass Is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank ★★ 1978

Very funny little criticism of the pioneers who settled suburbia in the sixties and the way we adapted. Mar 04, Gina rated it it was amazing Shelves: Any day that you need a good laugh, pick up a book by the amazing Erma Bombeck. I devoured her books when I was younger, and I cried when she passed. She was amazing, and she still makes me smile to this day. She feels like a best friend when you read her books. Witty and real Moms who are wanting something to laugh about please read this. But oh so worth the ride. This take on surviving motherhood and family life is a fun read and even a little thought provoking.

I loved it and recommend it. Jun 26, Erin rated it really liked it Shelves: Despite moments of dated material, there is Of course, the first time I read Bombeck I was a teen and still found her funny. Aug 03, Terralyn Brown Barfield rated it really liked it. I loved Erma Bombeck!

Oct 05, Mica rated it did not like it Shelves: My attempt at finding a lighthearted read has failed spectacularly Nov 29, Victoria Lees rated it liked it. The suburbs were a new idea at that time, and Erma chronicles—with her unique humor—how the suburbs and family life grew in that area. I think so, as new developments spring up across America. We might not need to worry too much about septic tanks, but we do need to worry about rain water catch basins with all the impervious surfaces being laid out. I wanted to like it more.

I guess I just don't relate.

May 28, Chrystal rated it really liked it. If your looking for a good laugh read this Oct 03, Kimberly Lynne rated it it was amazing. Read it ages ago as a teen and found it funny then. Some things never change and septic tanks are one of them. Aug 30, Kathleen Mck rated it really liked it. An oldie but goodie, just as funny this time as the first time I read it.

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