A Good Week -Friday Favorites | Maine Photographers

There were a lot of little things this past week that made it a good week despite running around like crazy (I probably should have put sleep on this list!). I tried to narrow it down to two or three things that really stood out, but I couldn’t. I guess I can’t complain about too many positive things, right? Of course I had some great photo sessions, but since they’ll all be coming to the blog soon, I like to stick to the little things. You know, the little moments here and there where you just go, “yessssssss.”

So, here is my list of Friday Favorites. I think it’s a pretty good way to celebrate the first day of June!

1) Dreamland and Just Listen by Sarah Dessen – Two novels by the same author, but they were pretty equally awesome, so they go together here.

I’ve always been pretty up front about my love for young adult literature. Like most, I discovered it in junior high, but unlike the rest I never grew out of it. When I was a freshman in high school I would always pass up playing games in study hall and ask for a library pass. I loved looking through the latest titles, and sitting in the silence reading for a solid hour during the school day. Bliss! It was during one of these jaunts that I discovered the work of Sarah Dessen. I flew through four of her novels in a week (homework, whaaaaat?). However, I didn’t seek out more once the library selection ran out. Big Mistake. In the course of three days at the end of last week (technically, one could have made last week’s Friday Favorites) I read both Dreamland and Just Listen, and now they are easily my two favorites out of her body of work.

Dreamland is darker than most of Dessen’s writing. Caitlin O’Koren wakes up on her 16th birthday only to find that her 18-year-old sister, Cass, has run away with her boyfriend. Her parents go into panic mode, but because Cass is 18, nothing can be done. Caitlin’s birthday is forgotten, and her family transitions into a funk. Her mother is constantly glued to the TV, waiting for glimpses of Cass on the set of the Jerry Springer-like show that she now works on, and her father shuts himself off in his office. Caitlin is easily forgotten since Cass was always the overachiever, and Caitlin soon finds herself embracing anything that Cass would have avoided. Cue Rogerson Briscoe. He pulls Caitlin in, and soon she’s struggling to hold on to any part of her former life.

Just Listen centers on Annabel, the youngest of three sisters. She has always gone along with whatever her sisters and mother want her to do, whether it be modeling or befriending the not-so-nice new girl in town, Sophie. Years later, after Annabel and Sophie have a falling out, Annabel finds herself friendless and trapped. In the middle of her isolation, she meets Owen. He’s misunderstood, with a reputation of his own, but they soon establish a friendship. Owen runs his own radio station, and is passionate about discovering new music. He also always tells the truth, which is hard for Annabel to take at first. Owen teaches Annabel how to embrace new things, while giving up on those she hates. She slowly becomes her own person, and begins to realize that isolation may have been the best thing that ever happened to her.

2) Kimbra – Vows

Yes, I still buy CDs. However, I will only buy those I know will play on repeat in my car for the next few months. This week I picked up Vows by Kimbra. You may know her song “Settle Down,” which has been all over the place. Missed it? Well, then you’ve probably heard her voice featured on Gotye’s single “Somebody That I Used To Know.” Her voice is distinct and jazzy, with a hint of a 1960s sound. I’m a big fan. My other favorites are “Good Intent” and “Cameo Lover,” though I’ll admit I haven’t progressed much further into the album since these have been on repeat. “Cameo Lover” has a sound slightly reminiscent of Gwen Stefani, but way cooler in my opinion. Her songs are catchy, and if you like to dance in the car (who doesn’t?), this will certainly work.

3) The Civil Wars – Barton Hollow

If you know me, you’ve probably heard me raving about The Civil Wars for weeks. I am a huge fan of folk pop, but sadly, I didn’t discover The Civil Wars until I heard them sing with Taylor Swift on The Hunger Games soundtrack. Well, after listening to them on repeat on Spotify, I finally picked up the album to keep in my car. You’ve probably heard “Poison & Wine,” but my favorite is “I’ve Got This Friend.” The entire album is pretty incredible, and definitely worth a listen.

4) Last, but not least… Gifford’s! Joel and I stopped in on Memorial Day for our annual visit (I try to be somewhat healthy), and I enjoyed the Muddy Bean Boots ice cream. It was full of chocolate, brownies, and caramel, and it was delicious!

Enjoy the weekend, everyone!