In her engaging first nonfiction book, Oyster Society, oyster sommelier and tour guide Virginia Shaffer takes readers on a briny, boisterous trip through the modern oyster industry. Known as "Lady Oyster" (the name of her blog and Maine-based food-tour company), Shaffer dives into the salty waters of oysterdom, with its leases, farms, and raucous shucking competitions. Her narrative shares insider details of cultivation, reflects on the impact of climate change on delicate coastal ecosystems, and recounts the soul-searching that led her to make a massive life change.
A longtime oyster lover, Shaffer became drawn to the bold, quirky industry while working in corporate sales. She spent her weekends touring oyster farms and meeting "oyster people"--farmers, raw bar owners, marine biologists, and champion shuckers--and she wondered if the humble shellfish could help spark a change in her life. The passionate, knowledgeable people who work with oysters inspired her with their dedication, their openness, and their (metaphorical) grit. Shaffer gathers many of their stories, along with a handy resource guide, to highlight thoughtful, tenacious oyster people who care deeply not only about the perfect briny oyster but also the health of these ancient marine animals, the ecosystems that shelter them, and the colorful community of oyster fans. As Shaffer's journey took her to mudflats and oyster boats and chic raw bars, she began to chart a new path for herself, using her writing skills to share the delights of oysters with anyone willing to take a slurp. --Katie Noah Gibson, blogger at Cakes, Tea and Dreams