Mary Beth Canty is a lawyer, a mom, a wife and a state legislator. She grew up mostly in Virginia but moved around a bit because of her dad's Naval service. She has lived in Arlington Heights since 2008 and is so proud to call this state home. She is an avid reader (her whole family is, on both sides!), and loves movies and theatre (both plays and musicals).
The Great Gatsby
by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Since I was a kid, I loved The Great Gatsby. When I was very young, I didn't fully understand the meaning, I just thought it seemed so glamorous.
The Great Influenza
by John M. Barry
I read The Great Influenza years ago and it stuck with me. I never understood so much about disease, how they are spread, and what can happen when you have a smart virus like the flu virus. A lot of what I read played out again in the COVID-19 pandemic, and I was grateful to have the context.
I Love You, Stinky Face
by Lisa McCourt
One of the books I give to new parents, because I loved it so much with my own kids, is I Love You, Stinky Face. Like a modern-day Runaway Bunny, I love that it helped set the tone for our family relationships. It won't always be easy, but we will always love each other.
Into the Woods
Musical by Stephen Sondheim
2014 Film, Directed by Rob Marshall
Into the Woods might be one of my most favorite titles. I could listen to the soundtrack all day, every day. I also quote from it a lot. Whenever I feel like I need to center myself, or get advice, I play "Children Will Listen" and know that's what I need to live up to.
A Lesson Before Dying
by Ernest J. Gaines
I read a lot of everything, but one of the books that first moved me was A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines. It's heart wrenching, powerful and a view of our world that might be hard to take in at first. After reading that book, I became a voracious reader of all the things Ernest J. Gaines writes.
The Power of Habit
by Charles Duhigg
From a different angle, The Power of Habit was a great read to better understand my own mind, but also how other people's minds work. As a lawyer, a change manager, a parent, it's important to know what drives people. How do we form habits? Is it possible to change them? I will never not recommend this book.
Rent
Musical by Jonathan Larson
2005 Film, Directed by Chris Columbus
I saw Rent on Broadway with the original cast and then saw it again when it first toured in D.C. It was a life-changing experience and a life-changing show.