The Grass Is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank [Mass Market Paperback]

Erma Bombeck (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 12, 1985

"She is marvelously funny, direct as a hypodermic, a virtuoso in the field of suburban living....Lovely stuff."
VOGUE
It's the expose to end all exposes--the truth about the suburbs: where they planted trees and crabgrass came up, where they planted the schools and taxes came up, where they died of old age trying to merge onto the freeway and where they finally got sex out of the schools and back into the gutters.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

This timeless classic by Erma Bombeck still packs the punch. Though some things have changed, many of us still long for what the Jones have -- though they, in reality, long for what we have had all along. -- Louis Mended, editorial

From the Inside Flap

"She is marvelously funny, direct as a hypodermic, a virtuoso in the field of suburban living....Lovely stuff."
VOGUE
It's the expose to end all exposes--the truth about the suburbs: where they planted trees and crabgrass came up, where they planted the schools and taxes came up, where they died of old age trying to merge onto the freeway and where they finally got sex out of the schools and back into the gutters.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Fawcett; First Edition edition (February 12, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0449207595
• ISBN-13: 978-0449207598
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,305,749 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Beloved for her wry yet warm look at family life, Erma Bombeck was America's favorite humorist at the time of her death in 1996. Ten of her 13 books, including Forever, Erma, appeared on the New York Times best-seller list. She claimed her first fiction writing was the weather forecast in the Dayton Herald. Her favorite food was pasta, and her hobby was dust.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a wonderful example of Bombeck's great brand of humor....., February 18, 2006

By 

D. Pawl "Dani" (Seattle) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Grass Is Always Greener over the Septic Tank (Paperback)

This book diverges from Bombeck's usual subject matter--family--to take on other compelling topics, like diet and the self image of American women. One of the greatest stand-out examples, for me, of her warm humorous take on crash diets and extreme weight loss measures, is when she talks about a case study done with laboratory rats. As part of the experiment, the rats modelled different kinds of clothing. For example, if a rat wore vertical stripes, he was more likely to look longer and leaner than his counterparts. Also, if a rat was having a dialogue with another rat, he stood on the curb, or the stairs, so he was always on a higher platform from his friend. This gave the illusion that he was taller and skinnier. I remember the first time I read this. I was rolling with laughter.

God bless Erma Bombeck. We are so lucky that her comedic gift lives on in her wonderful books. These books are best described as "slice of life" vignettes of the day-to-day experiences of American identity, through the eyes of one of the most influential people in the world---a mother.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excuse any typos....I'm still laughing after 10 years, September 20, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Grass Is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank (Mass Market Paperback)

Yes, it's been ten years since I read it (I have the original version with the white cover and Erma mowing the lawn). I still laugh at the thought of some parts of it. Erma, I love you, I miss you, and I wish you could send us columns from heaven. About the book: you must read it and you will find something to relate to in it. Even though it has a 1970's tone (pre-microwaves and cell phones) you can still relate to it and laugh with it. Get it, and any other Bombeck Book you can snatch.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The grass is always greener over the septic tank, February 16, 2000

By 

Dallas Nyberg - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Grass Is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank (Mass Market Paperback)

I bought this book about ten years ago and it is nearly worn out. I had never heard of Irma Bombeck back when I purchased this book and I thought the American humour might not suit me (I'm an Aussie). I was soon to fall in love with Irma's wit and observations. It is a funny and painfully honest look at life in suburbia. If this book doesn't get you smiling....see your doctor!