Wellfleet Public Library

What started as a whimsical visit to an oyster farm became a life-changing journey across North America's hidden shellfish world. As Virginia Shatter traverses saltwater marshes and sticky mudflats, from bustling seafood parties to clamorous shucking competitions, readers take an immersive dive into the gritty, passionate community of people who live and breathe oysters. Oyster Society. reveals the profound stories hiding beneath the surface of our food system. As the author sinks deeper into this briny underground, she discovers that oyster people aren't just growing shellfish- they're cultivating resilience, sustainability, and authentic connection to the coast.

Virginia Shaffer is a food writer, oyster sommelier, and the founder of Lady Oyster Tours & Tastings, Maine's first oyster culinary tour company, which was globally awarded "Best Rural Culinary Heritage Experience" in 2025 by the World Food Travel Association and the Maine Office of Tourism's "Rising Star" award in 2026. Virginia has written about shellfish for over ten years and has been featured on NPR, CNN, Boston Chronicle, and in publications such as Edible, Good Grit, MyMaine, Downeast Magazine, Post and Courier, and more. She holds a certificate in Gastronomic Tourism from Le Cordon Bleu Paris, and a B.A. in International Studies from American University.Virginia lives in Bath, ME with her husband, Warwick, two loyal collies, Tulip and Daffodil, and Woody, the pesky cat.