A Book, a CD, and Shoes – Friday Favorites | Maine Photographers

So, I’ve decided to start something new. I’m always starting projects and forgetting to follow through, so I promise to follow through on this one! From now on, Fridays are about things that make my week a little sweeter. It could be a new recipe, a day trip to a gorgeous spot, or anything in between. There may be one thing I blog about, or there may be many.

This week, I have three things to blog about. Three things that were some of my favorites this Friday.

1. Various Positions. The debut novel from Canadian author Martha Schabas.

Trapped at home with her emotionally depressed mother and her uninvolved, unsupportive father, 14-year-old Georgia finds solace in ballet. Accepted into one of Canada’s most prestigious ballet schools, Georgia finally starts to find her place. Unfortunately the hormone-driven actions of her classmates, the “sex girls” as Georgia calls them, soon become a distraction. Georgia distances herself from these girls, and focuses on becoming the best dancer she can be, while gaining the respect of her first ever male instructor. However, the idea of sex becomes a fascination for Georgia, and while she denies it, she wonders what it must be like. With the one person she can trust to talk to, her stepsister, away at college, Georgia takes to the Internet to find answers. Sadly, Georgia finds her answers in the wrong place; online pornography. Soon, her head is filled with all the wrong ways to attract a man. She becomes obsessed with gaining her instructor’s attention in more than just ballet. The situation becomes more than Georgia had ever imagined and she struggles to hold on to the one thing she’s wanted her entire life.

I was hesitant to read this book because it had just come out and I feared it would try too hard to be “Black Swan.” However, Schabas uses her background in ballet and makes this story stand out on its own. Definitely one of the better YA books I’ve read in a long while.

2. Birdy. The debut album from 16-year-old English artist Birdy.

I had heard of Birdy here and there and always told myself I’d get around to listening to her. Well, I finally did and I was blown away!

With a sound that is, at times, part Florence + the Machine, part A Fine Frenzy, and the rest of the time haunting and unique, it’s clear that Birdy has quite a career ahead of her. Primarily a cover album, Birdy turns well-loved fast tracks into incredible ballads, and flatters the original artists in a way that has grabbed attention. Her cover of Bon Iver’s “Skinny Love” launched her career and put her on the U.S. radar. I also recommend her versions of Phoenix’s “1901,” Cherry Ghost’s “People Help the People,” Fleet Foxes “White Winter Hymnal,” and The Naked and Famous’ “Young Blood.” Her renditions are so different that I didn’t recognize most of the songs on my first listen. I also highly recommend Birdy’s “Just a Game,” a single on the Hunger Games soundtrack.

3. These shoes. I’ve had a bit of a love affair with flats for a year or so, but when I saw these I think I gasped. That color! I had to have them! I’ve worn them every day this week, and I’m pretty sure I’d sleep in them if I could.

I always focus so intently on the major things that make me smile during the week that I sometimes forget everything else that added a little something extra. That’s what this project is about.

Feel free to share what your Friday Favorites are as well!