Books Panel

“Unladylike”, Friday, Nov 28, 2025

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Book review: “Unladylike: A Field Guide to Crushing the Patriarchy”

The panel shared their varied opinions on the book, with some appreciating its historical context while others found certain language and content objectionable.

  • Details
    • Jeffrey: Selected the book after following the authors’ podcast “Stuff Mom Never Told You”; appreciated the sociological aspects and how it explores gender norms across different cultures
    • Ali: Didn’t enjoy the book due to explicit language and sexual content; would have preferred less graphic descriptions
    • Siena: Only read the introduction before setting it aside due to explicit sexual content that felt “too forward”
    • Lynn: Appreciated the historical aspects but found some content distracting and unnecessary; questioned the confrontational approach of “smashing the patriarchy”
    • Macara: Enjoyed the book so far (about 1.5 hours in); valued the historical research and intersectionality in the content
    • Conclusion
      • The panel agreed that while the historical context and research were valuable, the explicit language and approach were divisive
      • Different thresholds for explicit content affected individual experiences with the book
      • Jeffrey noted the book went through multiple manuscript versions, evolving from an initial “anti-Trumpian scream” to something more inclusive
        • Women’s names after marriage

        The panel discussed the tradition of women taking their husband’s last name after marriage and alternatives to this practice.

        • Details
          • Lynn: Shared her personal experience of hyphenating her name when married, then removing her ex-husband’s name after divorce; gave her son Kennedy (her maiden name) as his middle name, which he later passed to his daughter
          • Siena: Noted that in Quebec and Italy, women often keep their maiden names; shared that her first name is actually her mother’s maiden name
          • Jeffrey: Pointed out how the tradition is one-sided, with expectations only for women to change their names
          • Macara: Observed that men are never asked if they’ll take their wife’s name or hyphenate
          • Conclusion
            • The panel recognized that name choices can be both feminist statements and personal/sentimental decisions
            • Different cultural practices exist around the world regarding name changes after marriage
              • Network changes and updates

              The hosts announced several changes to the network structure and communication channels.

              • Details
                • Macara: Announced network name change to Moosa Slobodian Network (from Broadcast Map Network)
                • Ali: Explained that “Ali and Macara’s Books” will become “The Ali and Macara Show” to expand content horizons
                • Macara: Noted that WhatsApp and Messenger groups will be discontinued due to spam and scammers
                • Ali: Mentioned that a network hub site will be created to link all show sites
                • Conclusion
                  • Changes will take effect December 1st
                  • A central hub site will make it easier for listeners to find all network shows
                    • Upcoming shows and schedule

                    The panel discussed upcoming shows and book selections for future panels.

                    • Details
                      • Macara: Announced next Ali and Macara’s Books on Sunday at 3:30pm Eastern discussing “Small Things Like These” by Claire Keegan
                      • Ali: Mentioned Jim Tatti will appear on December 1st to discuss sports topics
                      • Macara: Noted the December 26th Books Panel will cover “Canada” by Mike Myers
                      • Siena: Suggested “The Anatomy of a Con Artist” by Jonathan Walton for a future panel
                      • Siena: Announced the upcoming Techstravaganza workshop on December 3rd about changing screen reader pronunciations
                      • Conclusion
                        • “The Anatomy of a Con Artist” was selected for January’s panel
                        • The hosts are seeking book suggestions for the remaining months of the new year

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                          Books PanelBy Ali Moosa