A Look at Sweet Tea, Fried Chicken & Lazy Dogs
In today's fast paced, technology oriented society it is rare to find people who enjoy living in small towns. Bill Thompson is one of these rare individuals who lives in a small town named Hallsboro, in Columbus County.
Thompson has recently published a book entitled "Sweet Tea, Fried Chicken and Lazy Dogs." Throughout this book Thompson shares his experiences and takes his readers on a journey through a small country town.
Thompson begins his book by thanking the individuals who influenced his writing. Thompson uses this section to introduce the reader to some key individuals in the county. The reader, of course, does not know these individuals and is not expected to, but it helps cue the reader into the idea of small town relationships.
Moving on, Thompson gives the reader an explanation of his desire to write a book. He clearly states this book is not meant to be autobiographical, but it does contain personal stories. Thompson clearly identifies himself as "a good ol' boy." His definition of this term clearly outlines preexisting stereotypes and dispels them with the positive image of "a good friend who doesn't care much for some of the constrictions of polite society." Thompson also states the stories contained within his book are not meant to be life changing, but should be enjoyable and relatable for those who have lived in similar towns. Thompson's goal is to introduce the reader to the inside life of a small town creating a metaphorical bond between the big city and the little town.
The topics located within these pages cover a variety of interest and experiences. Many of the stories are amusing, such as In Defense of Chickens, The Carolina Yard Dog, or Mr. Fix It. Some of the stories cause serious thought and even a little sadness, as in The Pink Rocking Chair, or The Family Farm. Most of the stories are just honest examples of the simple beauty that can be found in small towns and its citizens.
The credibility of Thompson's stories is enhanced by the fact that he has lived and traveled outside of North Carolina and still finds the small communities comforting and worth writing about. Thompson has spent over 20 years of his life writing for North Carolina newspapers (including The News Reporter, located in Whiteville, a few miles outside of Hallsboro). Thompson has also written the "Front Porch" column for Our State magazine for many years.
Thompson uses his collection of essays to escort readers through his small town and some of the characters that reside there. While there are no essays entitled Sweet Tea, Fried Chicken & Lazy Dogs, Thompson does address each aspect of the title (in a subtle way) to ensure you actually read the book to understand the title. Thompson uses this great collection to convey his love for North Carolina and the benefits of small town living advocating the idea that "when we are so close to people and things, we can't appreciate what is there."
Thompson has recently published a book entitled "Sweet Tea, Fried Chicken and Lazy Dogs." Throughout this book Thompson shares his experiences and takes his readers on a journey through a small country town.
Thompson begins his book by thanking the individuals who influenced his writing. Thompson uses this section to introduce the reader to some key individuals in the county. The reader, of course, does not know these individuals and is not expected to, but it helps cue the reader into the idea of small town relationships.
Moving on, Thompson gives the reader an explanation of his desire to write a book. He clearly states this book is not meant to be autobiographical, but it does contain personal stories. Thompson clearly identifies himself as "a good ol' boy." His definition of this term clearly outlines preexisting stereotypes and dispels them with the positive image of "a good friend who doesn't care much for some of the constrictions of polite society." Thompson also states the stories contained within his book are not meant to be life changing, but should be enjoyable and relatable for those who have lived in similar towns. Thompson's goal is to introduce the reader to the inside life of a small town creating a metaphorical bond between the big city and the little town.
The topics located within these pages cover a variety of interest and experiences. Many of the stories are amusing, such as In Defense of Chickens, The Carolina Yard Dog, or Mr. Fix It. Some of the stories cause serious thought and even a little sadness, as in The Pink Rocking Chair, or The Family Farm. Most of the stories are just honest examples of the simple beauty that can be found in small towns and its citizens.
The credibility of Thompson's stories is enhanced by the fact that he has lived and traveled outside of North Carolina and still finds the small communities comforting and worth writing about. Thompson has spent over 20 years of his life writing for North Carolina newspapers (including The News Reporter, located in Whiteville, a few miles outside of Hallsboro). Thompson has also written the "Front Porch" column for Our State magazine for many years.
Thompson uses his collection of essays to escort readers through his small town and some of the characters that reside there. While there are no essays entitled Sweet Tea, Fried Chicken & Lazy Dogs, Thompson does address each aspect of the title (in a subtle way) to ensure you actually read the book to understand the title. Thompson uses this great collection to convey his love for North Carolina and the benefits of small town living advocating the idea that "when we are so close to people and things, we can't appreciate what is there."
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