Food City will host a book signing featuring local author, David Carroll. Recently voted the Chattanooga area’s “Best Columnist/Reporter” and “Best TV Personality,” Mr. Carroll has just published his second book, “Volunteer Bama Dawg.” The signing will be from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Food City at 5604 Hixson Pike.
Mr. Carroll previously published “Chattanooga Radio and Television,” a pictorial history of local broadcasting.
“The new book is totally different from the first,” Mr. Carroll said. “While I was out promoting the first book, I spoke to several clubs and churches, telling stories about my career and the people I’ve met. People seemed to enjoy it, so I’ve put together my best stories, all in one place.”
The title, “Volunteer Bama Dawg,” is based on Mr. Carroll’s life, and on one of his most popular stories. “It represents the three states I’ve loved all my life,” he said. “I grew up in Alabama, I now live in Tennessee, and I drive through Georgia just about every day. It’s who I am.” Recently, he found the one spot where a person can stand in those three states at one time. “I tell the story of the border that connects Marion, Dade and Jackson counties,” he said. “You can have your big toe in Tennessee, your heel in Alabama, and your other foot in Georgia. It’s become quite the little tourist attraction.”
The book includes more than 60 photographs, and stories ranging from comical, to historical, to sentimental. “I write about the worst songs ever, fun facts about our local history, my family, famous folks I’ve met, and some I never did. I write about my career in radio and TV, covering the schools, and I included more than a few jokes. Some of them are actually funny.”
He added, “The new book also gives me a chance to follow up on the local personalities who were such a big part of my first book. People love reading about Luther Masingill, Miss Marcia, Tommy Jett, Harry Thornton and his wrestlers, Jim Nabors, and so many others. In this book, I can tell the stories I didn’t have room for in the first book.”
Mr. Carroll is a longtime radio and TV broadcaster in Chattanooga who anchors the evening news on WRCB Channel 3, and hosts a weekend radio show “The Vinyl Express” on Chattanooga’s Big 95.3 FM.
“I hope folks will come by Food City and check out this new book,” Mr. Carroll said. “If you’ve been trying to find the perfect Christmas gift for the person who has everything, this just might be it. I love meeting people, and signing the book. We’ve had a lot of bad news this year, and the book is filled with humorous, informative, and inspiring stories.”
The book is priced at $19.95, and is published by Fresh Ink Press.