Books Panel

Ali Moosa

We will discuss books suggested by a member of the Panel. Hosted by Ali, Macara, Ashlyn, Paul, Lynn and Siena.

  1. Oct 30

    "Beautiful Scars", Thursday, Oct 29, 2026

    Quick Notes Network Restructuring and Show Updates Aliasgar Moosa and Macara Slobodian ended the Ali and Macara Show after running for 1.5 years.The Ali Moosa Show and Techstravaganza continue independently with separate websites.Aliasgar targets 50 subscribers for the Ali Moosa Show by the end of the year.Reaching 50 subscribers will unlock a special new show in the upcoming year.YouTube functions as the preferred platform for listening, providing integrated RSS feed support.Memoir Analysis of Beautiful Scars by Tom Wilson Tom Wilson recounts his upbringing in Hamilton, Ontario, and his extensive music career.The memoir details discovering a disconnected identity and uncovering unexpected family heritage secrets.Tom Wilson grew up with a blind war veteran father operating a local store.The narrative portrays historical community structures and employment opportunities for blind individuals in Ontario.Panelists noted how regional amalgamation altered local community identities across the Hamilton area.Hockey player updates and trade landscape Bobrovsky joined the Leafs on a 2-year contract following a successful career pedigree.Dylan Larkin and Connor Hellebuyck generated significant trade speculation with public list disclosures.Literary analysis of familial relationships in the book Lily Frederiksen noted that Tom's reflections indicate a tense and complex relationship with his father, George.Jeffrey Rainey highlighted that Tom evaluated his father's wartime upbringing and vulnerability through an adult lens.Upcoming media programming and workshop schedule The Ali Moosa Show features Gil Martin on November 3, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.Techstravaganza Afternoons covers drop deck on November 4, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EST.Techstravaganza Extra covers CELA for VoiceDream and Dolphin Easy Reader on November 6, 2026.The books panel features My Friends by Fredrik Backman on November 27, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. To learn more about the show, please visit bookspanelca.wordpress.com. While you're there, subscribe so you never miss newsletters and show uploads.​Music for the show's intros and outros is provided by PurplePlanetRoyaltyFreeMusic. Check them out at the following link:https://www.purple-planet.com/home​

  2. Sep 26

    What Has the Panel Been Reading This Month, Friday, Sept 25, 2026

    Monthly book reviews and literary discussions Lily reviewed Getting Away with Murder by Sherry Lapina, highlighting a protagonist facing minimal emotional consequences.Macara likened the protagonist's lack of guilt to President Snow in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.Ashlyn highlighted The Liars Playbook detailing mafia links and a family escape to Florida.Ashlyn read Talking as Fast as I Can as a quick 5-hour literary option.Ashlyn discussed Kristin Hannah's novels Homefront and The Nightingale accessed via Libby and Audible.Upcoming network programming and schedule Ali hosted Gil Martin on Wednesday and scheduled Ted Wallishan to discuss Lloyd Robertson.Macara and Ali scheduled a show on September 27, 2026, covering The Leap Year Gene.The eye-catcher tutorial retake is scheduled for September 30, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m. Eastern.An extra session is scheduled for October 2, 2026, from 7 to 9 p.m. Eastern.The next books panel is scheduled for October 29, 2026, discussing Beautiful Scars by Tom Wilson. Monthly book reviews and literary discussions Lily reviewed Getting Away with Murder by Sherry Lapina, highlighting a protagonist facing minimal emotional consequences.Macara likened the protagonist's lack of guilt to President Snow in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.Ashlyn highlighted The Liars Playbook detailing mafia links and a family escape to Florida.Ashlyn read Talking as Fast as I Can as a quick 5-hour literary option.Ashlyn discussed Kristin Hannah's novels Homefront and The Nightingale accessed via Libby and Audible.Upcoming network programming and schedule Ali hosted Gil Martin on Wednesday and scheduled Ted Wallishan to discuss Lloyd Robertson.Macara and Ali scheduled a show on September 27, 2026, covering The Leap Year Gene.The eye-catcher tutorial retake is scheduled for September 30, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m. Eastern.An extra session is scheduled for October 2, 2026, from 7 to 9 p.m. Eastern.The next books panel is scheduled for October 29, 2026, discussing Beautiful Scars by Tom Wilson. To learn more about the show, as well as all of the programming on The Moosa Slobodian Network, please visit, themoosaslobodiannetwork.ca. While you're there, subscribe to the newsletters so you never miss show or network updates. Music for the shows' intros and outros provided by PurplePlanetRoyaltyFreeMusic, check them out at the following link: https://www.purple-planet.com/home

  3. Apr 25

    "Behind The Bench", Friday, Apr 24, 2026

    Initial Impressions The panel began discussing Dan Bylsma's opening chapter of, "Behind the Bench", about coaching the Pittsburgh Penguins. The book effectively showcased how coaches motivate players to reach their potential. Mike Babcock's Coaching Controversies Extended discussion about Mike Babcock's problematic coaching methods and their ethical implications. Babcock's coaching methods were viewed as bullying and power moves rather than effective leadership His tactics demonstrated a failure to adapt to modern coaching standards Despite past success, including coaching Team Canada to Olympic gold in 2010. Joel Quenneville and the Kyle Beach Scandal Examination of the 2010 Chicago Blackhawks sexual assault case and coaching leadership failures. The incident represented a complete absence of leadership and duty of care toward players Quenneville resigned from the Florida Panthers in 2021 when the report was released He couldn't secure another NHL job for three years, eventually being hired by Anaheim Ducks. Coaching Shelf Life and Vulnerability Discussion about the typical career span of NHL coaches. Coaching in the NHL is inherently unstable with limited job security Performance expectations and team dynamics create natural turnover cycles The role requires balancing toughness and empathy. Fighting in Hockey Discussion about the role and necessity of fighting in professional hockey. Panel consensus was that fighting is unnecessary and doesn't enhance the sport Other passionate sports manage without fighting, hockey could as well Positive Coaching Examples Discussion of coaches who demonstrated better leadership approach. Coaching requires a balance between toughness and empathy Different coaching styles can be successful depending on context and personnel Personal Hockey Connections Panel members shared personal stories of hockey viewing and family traditions. Hockey viewing is often a family tradition with strong emotional connections The fast pace and small puck size can make the sport challenging to follow on television Passionate fan reactions are a common part of the hockey-watching experience. Upcoming Programming and Book Selections Future shows and book selections for the Musa Slobodian Network. Ali: Announced "I Must Say" by Martin Short for the next Ali and Macara Show on April 26, 2026 Siena: Expressed interest in whether Martin Short narrates the audiobook Paul: Suggested it should be read by Martin Short himself. Ali: Announced Daniele Franceschi from Sportsnet will discuss the Toronto Maple Leafs GM search on April 28, 2026 Ali: Announced "Anxiously Attached" by Jessica Baum for the next Books Panel on May 29, 2026 Ali: Encouraged panel members to submit book suggestions for 2027 The network has diverse programming planned including comedy memoirs, sports analysis, and psychology topics Book selections span multiple genres to appeal to varied interests Panel members are encouraged to contribute book recommendations Techstravaganza Programming Siena outlined upcoming technical tutorial sessions. Siena: Announced tutorial on navigating email threads in the Mail app on iPhone for April 29, 2026 Siena: Mentioned cable organization topic scheduled for May 6, 2026 Ali: Confirmed Techstravaganza airs Wednesdays at 1pm Eastern Siena: Noted tutorials are available as podcasts at techstravaganza.ca Textravaganza provides accessibility technology training Topics address common user challenges with assistive technology Sessions are available both live and as archived podcasts. Book Recommendations and Reading Habits Panel members discussed additional hockey-related reading recommendations. "Burke's Law" was recommended as an excellent follow-up for understanding hockey leadership Brian Burke represents a more progressive and empathetic approach to hockey management Panel members are developing deeper appreciation for hockey literature

About

We will discuss books suggested by a member of the Panel. Hosted by Ali, Macara, Ashlyn, Paul, Lynn and Siena.