Thanks for stopping by! I'm Cori and I'm happy you've found your way here. If you're wondering why my blog is called "Let's Eat Grandpa," it's an old grammar joke: Let's eat, grandpa! Let's eat grandpa! (Punctuation saves lives.) 
Note: I still have a few reviews from July to churn out before I get to my Read My Own Books Month reviews. Enjoy!
The Greener Grass Conspiracy by Stephen Altrogge
Source: From the publisher, via NetGalley
Finished: 7/27/11
Rating: 8 out of 10
Publisher: Crossway Books
Pages: 144
Published: 2011
Synopsis: With humor and honesty, Altrogge helps us do battle with discontentment by steering us back to the central truths of the gospel. He addresses issues like complaining and idolatry and reminds us of all that we have, and will have, in Christ. Readers will be drawn to his winsome writing and practical application. Discussion questions follow each chapter, making this book a useful resource for small groups.
Overall Impression: First of all, I really enjoyed Altrogge’s writing, probably because he and I have very similar written voices. I kept finding myself thinking, “wow…that’s exactly how I would have written that.”
This is one of those books that says things you technically know to be true, yet somehow it has a hard time showing up in your day-to-day life. I think discontentment is something a lot of Americans struggle with. We all think that if we get another thing or a certain person, it will make our lives better in a must-have sort of way. If only I was able to buy a house. If only I was married. If only I had a different job. If only I didn’t have this medical condition. If only my kids would behave. Atrogge argues that the “if only”s can straight up ruin our lives and separate us from God. These things are idols-without-a-golden-calf:
“Idolatry is also subtle. It often takes the form of a good desire, like excelling on the job, and then spirals out of control. An idol can be a good thing that we want too much, a good thing that takes the place of the greatest thing.”
Of all the things covered in this book, my favorite was the chapter on complaining. I can complain with the best of them (sarcasm seems to run through my veins), but it really made me think about how complaining breeds contempt and discontent. And I need to make sure I’m keeping it to a minimum because:
“When we complain, we’re loudly saying that the blessings of the gospel aren’t enough. We’re saying that the death of Christ isn’t enough. We’re saying that eternal fellowship with God, purchased at great cost to God, isn’t enough to satisfy our souls.”
I don’t want to get up to the glory of heaven and have God say, “Really? You sure complained a lot about _____. And you thought _____ would be better than this?”
Positives: Puts words to a common problem, especially for Americans. The questions at the end of each chapter would make this a perfect book to study in a church group.
Negatives: Like so many books of this nature, it got a little repetitive. There’s only so many ways to say “Contentment comes only from God.”
Other books I’ve read by Stephen Altrogge: none
Other blogger opinions:
Hardkover: “With just the right mix of personal anecdotes, too-true illustrations, and scriptural backing for each of his chapters, I found this book enjoyable, humorous, well-paced, deeply thought-provoking, and extremely practical to apply.”
mgcppastor: “Younger Christians in particular would find The Greener Grass Conspiracy an engaging and accessible read.”
The Coulter Family: “I honestly say this book has helped me in my pursuit of contentment. I’m not there, but I’m getting closer each moment, of each day.”
Thin Difference: “The Greener Grass Conspiracy was medium – not bad, not great, in the middle.”
Legal gobbledygook: I received this book free from NetGalley as part of their Reviewer program. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
