{about me}

Hello and welcome to bibliophyte! Here you'll find book reviews spanning a whole spectrum of genres as well as book updates and giveaways. The book rules so pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee, and start reading. Lively discussions are encouraged! Get to know your resident reader and book reviewer (me!) below, as well as the rest of my book-loving family.

Gabriel visiting the "Penguins!"

My name is Mary Beth. I have loved to read since I was four, adventure stories, mysteries and historical fiction being lifelong favorites. I also enjoy the Classics, fantasy, Modernist fiction, literary fiction, YA, children's fiction, memoirs... let's just say anything that catches my eccentric fancy.

Reading is a favorite pastime, whether it's while snuggling in an armchair with a kitty, cuddling on the couch with my baby boy in a pile of picture books, or grabbing a bit of reading time with the Mr on the weekend. My son, Gabriel, recently turned four years old and I am so grateful to be able to pass on my love of reading to him. Watching his fascination with letters, words and the stories they weave grow every day has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

Gabriel, Baby Iris & I having a serious moment in the garden.

My wee devil's other interests include painting with acrylics and watercolors, doing basic addition and other number activities, racing his cars, building with blocks, pretending to cook, and loving on our kitties. My husband is an LBSW (a licensed social worker with a Bachelor's degree) and works as a case manager specializing in reintegrating children in state's custody and out-of-home placement back with their families. When not working, working, working he spends his time with Gabriel and I simply having fun and enjoying each other's company. He's a wonderful husband and daddy and we are so blessed to have him in our lives.

Gabriel & the Mr smelling the sweet flowers.

I am very excited to announce that in October we will be welcoming another wee one! A little girl whom we have named Iris. Gabriel is ecstatic and extremely attentive to my tummy, often giving Iris hugs and kisses. He is convinced that one day my belly is going to get so big it is going to *POP!* and Baby Iris will be here! This sounds like a perfectly plausible scenario to me, so I think we'll worry about enlightening him further later on.

In addition to being a reader, reviewer, mommy and wife, I run an Etsy shop, The Stitcherie, where I sell handmade embroidered wall art (thestitcherie.etsy.com). I am also a student, hopefully returning to campus in pursuit of my Bachelor's this semester.

I love sharing the joy of books and am very excited about bibliophyte. I hope you can be a part of it.

 Mary Beth