News' Turpin to discuss debut novel at library

Mike Turpin, who writes a weekly column for the New Canaan New and Darien News, has published his first novel, "T-Rex By The Tail," and will discuss it at the New Canaan Library on Thursday, Sept. 6, at 7 p.m.

The event is part of the library's Authors on Stage series, cosponsored by Elm Street Books, and will take place in the Adrian Lamb Room.

"T-Rex By The Tail" is Turpin's anthem to a slice of history; a look back to the days when "my house, my rules" was the family's operational mode and every teen knew it. When 81-year-old neo-conservative Karl Patton dies, his four sons have the chance to ruminate about their own lives in the shadow of their commanding father -- the T-Rex. Turpin's story paints a picture of four boys coming of age in the turbulent 1970s.

Their conservative father holds on to convention while he is buffeted daily by societal changes he cannot understand nor tolerate.

As the grown sons gather to break the news of their father's death to their mother, unexpected and bizarre circumstances force each son to look at his own shortcomings and biases.

Turpin is a native of Southern California who has lived in Los Angeles, San Francisco, London and New York. For the last six years he has been a contributing columnist -- "Lessons Learned" - for two Connecticut-based Hearst newspapers, New Canaan News and Darien News. He is also regularly published in health-care and business journals for his views on industry trends.

Turpin has worked in the U.S. and in Europe as a business insurance and health-care consultant, served as regional CEO for an $8 billion division of a national insurer and led two firms as a national practice leader for healthare and health reform. He also has a blog, http://usturpin.wordpress.com.

Admission is free, but registration is required by visiting newcanaanlibrary.org or calling 203-594-5040.