Jerry H. Summers publishes ‘Tennessee Trivia No. 1,’ his sixth book
Chattanooga lawyer Jerry H. Summers has just released his sixth book, “Tennessee Trivia No. 1.” It is a compilation of short stories and photos that bring southeast Tennessee’s past to life.
The reviews are in and they are positive. Sam Elliott, a Chattanooga attorney, author and historian called Summers’ new book, “a well-researched volume of history and folklore that will delight the reader.”
He adds that Summers highlights “the often forgotten places and events that make southeast Tennessee a marvelous place.”
The 190-page book features more than 60 stories, including tales about a rags-to-riches lawyer, the old Chattanooga law school and the “divorce mill” scandal.
“I tried to pick out unusual personalities and events to fill in a few gaps of the known and lesser known parts of our state’s history,” Summers told the Hamilton County Herald.
Proceeds from the book go to nonprofit Orange Grove Center
Summers is pleased to offer the book for sale through the Orange Grove Center’s website for $22. All proceeds from the book will go to the Center, a Chattanooga nonprofit serving families of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Linda Moss Mines, Chattanooga and Hamilton County’s historian, recommends that readers “grab the book, pour a cup of coffee and … enjoy Tennessee’s most fascinating historical tales.” She adds that “you’ll be disappointed when the stories end.”
Summers himself has had an impressive impact on Chattanooga and the state of Tennessee. In his 53 years of practice, he has served as an assistant district attorney, a criminal defense lawyer and a personal injury and labor attorney, arguing cases before the U.S. and Tennessee supreme courts. He has also been involved in a number of landmark cases in the civil and criminal law systems.
He continues to practice but finds that his second career as an author is exciting.
“My first career as a trial lawyer of 53 years … is not over, but the joy of researching my county, state and the South has made the transition to part-time lawyer much easier,” he told the Herald.