Badlands
Cynthia Reeves (Miami University Press, 208 pages)
Intelligent, emotional and cleverly intertwined with memories, hallucinations and dreams, Badlands is the bittersweet portrayal of a couple’s 24-year-old marriage set against the backdrop of wife Caro Singleman’s slow descent into the final stages of breast cancer. This debut novel was a long time coming for Wayne resident Cynthia Reeves, whose literary aspirations had to accommodate her day job as a mom. Its mere existence is impressive. The fact that it won Miami University Press’ 2006 Novella Contest and was a semi-finalist in the 2006 Faulkner Writing Competition makes it all the more remarkable.
Photo by Luigi Ciuffetelli
Switch Back
Jon Current (MaxRoxx Music)
First released back in 2001, this debut CD from Malvern musician Jon Current offers listeners an eclectic mix of original music to fit every mood. Grounded by solid vocals and nimble fingers (Current is adept at both bass and lead guitar), Switch Back deftly spans pop, rock, alternative, singer/songwriter and dance. How did we miss this one? Available at cdbaby.com and itunes.com.
Cecilia Beaux, American Figure Painter
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
The first woman appointed to the faculty at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in 1895, Philadelphia native Cecilia Beaux touts a hefty list of accomplishments, including the portraits of leading political, literary and business figures of her day. This exhibit features rarely seen oil paintings, works on paper and decorative objects. Through April 13. 118-128 N. Broad St., Philadelphia; (215) 972-7600, pafa.org.