Chesapeake Oysters: The Bay's Foundation and Future (American Palate)

With lyrical prose and impeccable research, this book serves as THE definitive resource about the Chesapeake oyster. One would think a book written about a humble bivalve would certainly be informative, but perhaps not a book that would fly off the shelves. Livie's book, however, proves this assumption wrong-- reading like historical fiction-- I found myself forgetting I was reading non-fiction. The author's uncanny ability to pull the reader into the context of the time period and weave a narrative tale made this a page turner that I finished in two days. In particular, the chapters about the Jamestown settlers felt as though I'd hopped in a time machine as Livie described the daily life, smells and missteps of these intrepid colonists.Growing up on the Eastern Shore, I've always enjoyed seafood, and oysters in particular, but I never understood the importance of their role in shaping not only the lives and land of the Chesapeake region, but the United States as a whole. As the book weaves its tale to present times, and the oyster becomes a source of intense political contention, Livie painstakingly presents multiple sides of the issue, interviewing watermen, elected officials, environmentalist and oyster farmers.Although the issue of oyster sustainability both as a possible solution to clean up the Bay and as a viable fishery continues to be a hot button issue, the author ends the book with a note of hope, offering a synopsis on how both of these goals could be accomplished.I sincerely hope this author continues to write more books about Chesapeake-related subjects, because it's clear that is where her passion lies.

Fun, well written! The oyster has had quite an impact on us all! The oyster still remains critical to the health of many bodies of water. My particular interest is the Chesapeake Bay and I am happy for t aquaculture that is thriving there, along with the wild oysters.

Great summer reading for the Oyster lovers... or curl up and take in with a fire and a winter blanket. History of the Bay and how it has changed through the eyes of the consumption of Oysters, tied to the eco- system and a current awareness to their purpose in the balance of a healthy aquatic system in the Chesapeake Bay.My next thought has become, "How is the health of the bay tied to the aquatic health of our Ocean systems?"... "Does it go beyond a spawning ground for fish?"

Amazing to understand the history of the Chesapeake through the history of oysters. From the first settlers, through the oyster wars, ecological collapse and at least some revival. Great read.

I savored this book as if I were consuming the delectable oysters it describes. Deliciously written, using lyrical language to honestly present the complex ties between man and this “simple” marine staple, “Chesapeake Oysters” presents a thoroughly convincing treatise on one of the defining commodities in our history. If you are interested in history, especially that of the Chesapeake Bay, this book is a must. But more importantly, it is an interesting tale, well told, with wit and intelligence and an obvious attention to research. A really wonderful read.

Great book if you like Chesapeake history.

Well researched and well written.

Well written! And they are tasty.