Mirror in the Sky: Savoring Art to Soothe Our Spirit

Modern Library’s Top 100 Novels list is full of literary giants—but women's voices are sorely lacking, particularly Black women and other minority voices. The point of this group is to explore the universal human experiences that define us all. How can we truly do that without making space for the voices that have been overlooked, ignored, or erased?

Welcome to the FTP (F*ck the Patriarchy) List—my way of balancing the scales. While I am determined to continue to make my way through the list, I'm going to be sprinkling in novels by authors historically overlooked by gatekeepers of the literary canon. If you have novels to recommend that fit this criteria, send them my way. Thanks to member Kia for this recommendation.

"I do not weep at the world—I am too busy sharpening my oyster knife," said Zora Neale Hurston. She wasn’t one to passively accept injustice; she was too busy carving out her own space. I think she would approve of our FTP list, don't you?

Hurston’s novel is a lyrical, defiant, and deeply moving exploration of love, self-discovery, and Black womanhood in the early 20th century. It follows Janie Crawford as she navigates love, power, and independence on her own terms, making it a perfect first pick for our FTP list.

This will be a space for rich discussion, reflection, and celebration of Hurston’s artistry and impact. Whether you’re reading Their Eyes Were Watching God for the first time or returning to its pages, I invite you to join me in honoring a voice that deserved a spot on the Top 100 all along.

Let’s shake up the canon—one book at a time. 💥RSVP Today!

This time, we're diving into something raw, sensual, and soul-deep: D’Angelo’s Voodoo, the 28th greatest album of all time.

Voodoo is one of those albums that changes the temperature in the room. It’s slow, smoky, spiritual, and intensely human. And since we are on a quest to discover universal human truths in the Top 100, this feels like a portal.

I'm coming into this one as a newbie, so in case you are new to D'Angelo too, here's how Rolling Stone describes this album: "Voodoo places Pink Floyd-style cosmic jams next to Prince-inspired erotica."

Well, when you put it that way, sign me up!

We'll cover:

• What makes Voodoo feel timeless, even today
• How D’Angelo uses rhythm, silence, and vulnerability
• The album as a spiritual, sensual, and political act
• Your personal reactions: what surprised you, what stuck, what stirred

Whether Voodoo has lived in your headphones for decades or you're just now pressing play, spend some time with this album and join me to find out what kind of conversation it inspires. I'll be learning right alongside you.

Peace ❤️

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is ranked #26 on the Top 100 list, and it earns every bit of its place. Released in 1939, this film is a masterclass in idealism, courage, and what it means to stand up for truth in the face of corruption.

At its heart, this is a story about one man’s refusal to back down, no matter how stacked the odds.

Jimmy Stewart is unforgettable as Jefferson Smith, the earnest, awkward, big-hearted senator who stumbles into Washington and unexpectedly becomes its moral compass. Directed by Frank Capra, the film manages to be both cynical and hopeful, revealing the rot in the system while still believing in the power of one honest voice.

### Why this film still matters today:

🎥 Mr. Smith Goes to Washington premiered in 1939, a turbulent year globally and politically, and yet its message feels eerily prescient even now.

🎬 Directed by Frank Capra, the film was both celebrated and controversial at the time of release, seen by some as a bold critique of the U.S. government.

🏛️ It explores themes of political integrity, media influence, and the loneliness of standing alone for what's right.

💬 From that legendary filibuster scene to Smith’s boyish hope, it’s a movie that asks: What do we owe each other? And what does it take to protect democracy when it’s under threat?

Watch the film on your own, then join us for a rich, layered conversation. We'll explore how storytelling can inspire civic courage, what it means to "speak truth to power," and where we see echoes of Jefferson Smith in today’s world.

RSVP today—and bring your righteous indignation. See you there!