Get to know Canada Reads host Ali Hassan

What is the one book Canadians need now? Canada Reads host Ali Hassan intends to find out. He'll moderate four days of debate, March 27 to 30, 2017, with five fired-up panellists. Find out how you can tune in here.

But first, let's get to know our first-time host a little better. 

Who, of your friends and family, is most excited to see you on Canada Reads?

Both the mothers. Mother-in-law and mother. I'm excited for them to see me too. It's been a few years since they've seen me on television doing something that seems intelligent.

What is the first book that made you love reading?

The first book that made me love reading was Judy Blume's Are You There God? It's Me Margaret. I learned about girls' feelings for boys and bras and menstruation. No one was talking to me about that stuff at that young age. It was like someone peeled back the curtain and let me see into a world I would normally have not seen and I thank Judy Blume to this day for that.

How do you describe Canada Reads to people who don't know what it is?

Canada Reads is a literary game show. It's the only one of its kind.

Where is your favourite place to read?

The better question might be when is my favourite place to read, which is after all of my four children have gone to bed. At that point, I can read anywhere.

Who or what is your favourite character from literature?

My favourite character from literature is Holden Caulfield. I was introduced to him when I was a rebellious teen. He was a rebellious teen. He was a cynical, jaded, old man wrapped in this little ball of energy, who had been kicked out of a prep school. I loved him then and I'm sure if I revisited the book today I will love him as much right now.

What are you most excited for Canada Reads?

I think what I'm most excited about for Canada Reads is being a guy who doesn't have to get his hands dirty. The five panellists get to yell at each other and shove their book in each other's face and I get to sit back and enjoy it all.

Describe Canada Reads in one word.

Beautiful.