Thomsen: One Piper's Tale

Thomsen: One Piper's Tale is author Dick Thomsen's wise and witty family album and adventure story all rolled into one. Born shortly after World War II, Thomsen spent his early years in dairy country, which gave him a life-long love of nature. His coming-of-age is moving and funny, as he describes his first friends, his first car-and of course, his first girl. The trials, tribulations, and triumphs of the working life are beautifully portrayed here. Thomsen worked in 'anything with a process pipe in it,' from oil refineries, nuclear power plants, chemical pharmaceuticals, and petro-chemical industries. His jobs took him all over the United States and Canada, where he 'worked on every type of pipe but wood.' Currently a senior process piping designer approaching retirement, Thomsen's insights and experiences show an invaluable portrait of a life of gainful employment. Written in warm, funny prose, Thomsen's book explores the joys and sorrows of growing up in America. But Thomsen also includes photographs, jokes, and such recipes as Fortuna French Toast and the Secret Pushcart Onion Sauce. A rich and intimate portrait of an ordinary man, Thomsen: One Piper's Tale is one great read.