The Weeds Are Always Greener

Dripping Springs was one of those little country roads people always drove past without ever considering where it went. The Weeds Are Always Greener takes you by the hand and leads you down that road. This book transcends the common rags-to-riches theme, and tackles the long-term effects and stigma of welfare dependence on families, and especially children. So much more than a coming-of-age story, this book is a celebration of childhood innocence, two intertwined love stories, a social commentary, a spiritual journey, and an inspiration for the impoverished. The story spans a twenty-five year period, and through Brian Thomson's own eyes, we watch this young boy grow into a man. Looking back on his own life, Brian tells a story of heartache, childhood innocence, defeats, perseverance, lost love, regained love, and self-realization. He lives a life of "near misses and squashed dreams" but always keeps his eyes on the better life. Throughout his childhood and even in college, Brian avoids, ignores, and lies to hide the fact that his family is poor and to keep his world on Dripping Springs from ever colliding with his world at school. But, in the end, when he finally walks upon that red carpet of greatness, the soles of his shoes still carry the soils of his beginning. Brian Thompson would have it no other way.