The Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank Book Review

“The Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank” Summary

The Grass Is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank by Erma Bombeck is a hilarious take on suburban life in America, published in 1976. Bombeck offers observations about the American dream of moving to the suburbs during the post-World War II era, when families were leaving the cities for a more idyllic lifestyle in the new housing developments.

The title itself reflects Bombeck’s humor, pointing out that while suburban life might seem ideal on the surface, it comes with its own set of challenges. Much like the grass growing over a septic tank—green but with a less pleasant reality underneath. (Ewwww, gross!) Bombeck uses her sharp wit to poke fun at the quirks of suburban living: cookie-cutter houses, overly enthusiastic neighborhood associations, gossip-prone neighbors, and the pressures of fitting in.

This book is about the gap between the fantasy of suburban utopia and the actual day-to-day realities, all delivered with Bombeck’s trademark humor and charm. She connects with readers through shared experiences, highlighting the universal challenges of balancing family, home life, and personal expectations.

Who was Erma Bombeck?

Some of you are reading this thinking: Who was Erma Bombeck??? Are you really asking this question? Do you really not know about one of the greatest humorists of the 20th century? You aren’t aware that Erma rose to fame from her newspaper humor column about suburban home life? Did you not know she wrote over 4,500 columns, 12 books (9 New York Times bestsellers), and appeared on Good Morning America for more than a decade?

Some others are thinking, sheesh, calm down, of course I’ve HEARD of Erma Bombeck. I just didn’t realize her enormous impact on American society through her wit, charm and relatable hilarious stories about life as a suburban housewife in the 60s and 70s.

Why is the grass greener over a septic tank?

The grass is greener where you water it. And where you fertilize it. A leaking septic tank (a.k.a. escaped poo, etc.) may provide inadvertent rich nutrients to the soil above. So, while the lush green grass above may look appealing, an appalling reality may be lurking below.

Luckily, the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) has an alternative suggestion:

“The grass usually isn’t greener over the tank, but it may be the first area of bright green in your yard in the spring. This is not due to effluent from the tank, but due to the warmth radiating from the tanks contents causing the soil to warmth up quicker in the surrounding areas.”

Aren’t you glad you asked?

Now onto the rating of “The Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank.”

My innovative system for rating humor books is explained here

Wholesomeness Score: 4.5/5

Pretty darn wholesome. This book was released in 1976. And the stories were likely pulled from experiences in the 60s-70s. This was before crass language and inappropriate situations were invented.

Hilarity Score: 4.5/5

Sometimes what was funny a few decades ago loses some hilarity as the years pass. But Erma Bombeck managed to spin timeless hilarious tales that still resonate today.

Overall Book Awesomeness Score: 4/5

This was my first exposure to Erma Bombeck’s writing. I discovered that her legendary status as a humor writer is warranted. I intend on consuming her other works.

Things I liked:

Constant silliness. Not much room for serious, political or deep emotional commentary. Sometimes I need an extra dose of silly.
Stories about parenting
Flashbacks to growing up in the 70s

Things I didn’t like:

While Erma Bombeck is universally funny, I am a 50-year-old dude who was 2 when this book came out. I wish I was an 80-year-old woman now, who in 1976 was a housewife who moved to the suburbs. Then I bet this book would have been SUPER hilarious.

Conclusion: Final Thoughts on “The Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank”

A humorous depiction of life as a housewife in the suburbs in the 60s-70s. Don’t let this niche demographic fool you. This is a relatable collection of funny tales anyone would enjoy.

Check it out on Amazon

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