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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