Book Review: The Greener Grass Conspiracy by Stephen Altrogge

The Greener Grass Conspiracy was a short book. At 139 pages, it's easy to lose it on my bookshelf, especially if I put it between a systematic theology and a concordance. But I'm content. The book taught me that. And if a 139 page book can help you shift from discontentment to contentment, it's worth looking into.

Part of the reason the book is so powerful is that Stephen Altrogge is not an Ent (remember the Lord of the Rings?). He doesn't take a long time to say something important. He just says it. I published a quote from the book a few days ago, and it is a representative sample of the weight of the book.

Altrogge's style is fluid and conversational. He usually starts each chapter with a humorous anecdote, which he quickly brings it around to a point, and that point is grounded in Scripture. He's pretty honest about his struggle with discontentment, and that honesty forces the reader to take the same examination to his own life.

Since each chapter is quick to read (because of length and his engaging style), it leaves you with more time to reflect. He even includes some application questions at the end of each chapter, which I bounced off my wife a few times. It would certainly make for a good study as a small group.

I've also been reading Rescuing Ambition by Dave Harvey, and I think the two are companion volumes dealing with similar themes. I've found The Greener Grass Conspiracy to be good for reflecting on my overall life, but Rescuing Ambition has been good for my work ethic and goal-setting.

If you're finding yourself dissatisfied with your work, marriage, ministry, or whatever, I think both volumes would be of help. And if you're looking for the support and encouragement of community in your struggle with discontentment, I'd definitely pick up a copy of The Greener Grass Conspiracy.

For a sample chapter of The Greener Grass Conspiracy, click here.
For a sample chapter of Rescuing Ambition, click here.

To buy a copy of The Greener Grass Conspiracy, click here.

To buy a copy of Rescuing Ambition, click here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The Greener Grass Conspiracy free from Crossway Books in exchange for writing a review. I was not required to write a positive review. I also won Rescuing Ambition from Crossway in an online drawing, but I didn't have to say anything about it. 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."