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She Wanted More
AS SEEN ON FEARNE COTTON'S HAPPY PLACE PODCAST AND FEATURED IN SUNDAY TIMES STYLE AND GRAZIA
'Full of wisdom and vulnerability' CARIAD LLOYD
'An urgent, empowering read' FEARNE COTTON
'A guide for living according to our own desires and drives, rather than patriarchal dictates aimed at minimising us' SARI BOTTON
*The new book for women who want to live differently - featuring interviews with fascinating, inspirational women from all walks of life*
When Poorna Bell found herself at the height of grief in her mid-thirties, she spent each day just trying to survive. As her new self began to emerge back into the world, she realised she had spent a lifetime playing by the rules that had been set for women.
But who set these rules? And why? In her powerful, inspirational new book, Poorna Bell asks you to reimagine your future. To know that you can write your own story - to find the confidence to live exactly as you want to, and reclaim your joy. To discover that if you want more, you can get it.
Join Poorna as she paves the way for a new future, including interviews with Marian Keyes, Asma Khan, Hollie McNish, Mariella Frostrup, Heidi Clements, Luisa Dunn, Cindy Gallop, Seema Anand, Catherine Gray, Sam Baker, Jennifer Cox and more.
'Full of wisdom and vulnerability' CARIAD LLOYD
'An urgent, empowering read' FEARNE COTTON
'A guide for living according to our own desires and drives, rather than patriarchal dictates aimed at minimising us' SARI BOTTON
*The new book for women who want to live differently - featuring interviews with fascinating, inspirational women from all walks of life*
When Poorna Bell found herself at the height of grief in her mid-thirties, she spent each day just trying to survive. As her new self began to emerge back into the world, she realised she had spent a lifetime playing by the rules that had been set for women.
But who set these rules? And why? In her powerful, inspirational new book, Poorna Bell asks you to reimagine your future. To know that you can write your own story - to find the confidence to live exactly as you want to, and reclaim your joy. To discover that if you want more, you can get it.
Join Poorna as she paves the way for a new future, including interviews with Marian Keyes, Asma Khan, Hollie McNish, Mariella Frostrup, Heidi Clements, Luisa Dunn, Cindy Gallop, Seema Anand, Catherine Gray, Sam Baker, Jennifer Cox and more.
- GenresAudiobookNonfiction
Audible Audio
Published February 26, 2026
37 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
About the author
Poorna Bell
15 books110 followersI'm an award-winning journalist of 21 years, author and a digital editorial expert, having previously worked as UK Executive Editor and Global Lifestyle Head for HuffPost. I’ve also published three non-fiction books and my second novel is out in 2024.
I specialise in women’s issues, diversity, fitness, pro-ageing and mental health, and have freelanced for The Times, The i Paper, Grazia, The Guardian, Red magazine, and Stylist among others. I work across written features, video and podcasts.
I’m an experienced public speaker, from doing keynotes to moderating events for FTSE 100 companies, hosting and running seminars for corporations. I’m also accomplished in broadcast, having spoken on Channel 5, ITV, and BBC News, and am a regular fixture on BBC radio.
And, did I mention I’m a competitive powerlifter?
I specialise in women’s issues, diversity, fitness, pro-ageing and mental health, and have freelanced for The Times, The i Paper, Grazia, The Guardian, Red magazine, and Stylist among others. I work across written features, video and podcasts.
I’m an experienced public speaker, from doing keynotes to moderating events for FTSE 100 companies, hosting and running seminars for corporations. I’m also accomplished in broadcast, having spoken on Channel 5, ITV, and BBC News, and am a regular fixture on BBC radio.
And, did I mention I’m a competitive powerlifter?
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 17, 2026
As a 49 year old single woman with no children, I jumped at the chance to read She Wanted More when it was offered to me by the publisher for review. Poorna states in the book that it is aimed at women in their 40s, 50s and 60s but I think women of all ages should read it as it is empowering, uplifting and full of stories from older women living many different lives.
There are chapters on marriage, divorce, singledom, parenting and living a life without children, so it covers all bases. I will always champion a book that includes the childfree, and also reminds society that not all women have made a choice about not having children. There are many, many reasons for this, including infertility and circumstance.
The book also covers aging and menopause - two things that society almost programmes us to believe we should be afraid of. As someone approaching 50, in recent years, I have become happier and more confident, and therefore aging has only been a positive for me. It also made me question the life I had been living and as a result I made drastic changes.
I highly recommend this fantastic book. Poorna writes with ease and she is never preachy, nor does she dictate what she thinks women should be doing. She simply presents to you different paths and choices available to us, and enlightens you to the fact that just because your life is different from someone else's, doesn't mean it's wrong - it's simply the right one for you!
There are chapters on marriage, divorce, singledom, parenting and living a life without children, so it covers all bases. I will always champion a book that includes the childfree, and also reminds society that not all women have made a choice about not having children. There are many, many reasons for this, including infertility and circumstance.
The book also covers aging and menopause - two things that society almost programmes us to believe we should be afraid of. As someone approaching 50, in recent years, I have become happier and more confident, and therefore aging has only been a positive for me. It also made me question the life I had been living and as a result I made drastic changes.
I highly recommend this fantastic book. Poorna writes with ease and she is never preachy, nor does she dictate what she thinks women should be doing. She simply presents to you different paths and choices available to us, and enlightens you to the fact that just because your life is different from someone else's, doesn't mean it's wrong - it's simply the right one for you!
March 5, 2026
She Wanted More by Poorna Bell explores how women can question the expectations placed on their lives and redefine what success and fulfilment mean to them. Reading it as a 33-year-old woman, the themes felt very relatable, especially the idea of reassessing career choices, relationships, and personal ambitions at this stage of life.
By combining Bell’s personal experiences with insights from other women, the book offers an honest and reflective look at the courage it takes to want more from life. Overall, it is an empowering read that encourages women to rethink the paths they have been told to follow.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the eArc.
By combining Bell’s personal experiences with insights from other women, the book offers an honest and reflective look at the courage it takes to want more from life. Overall, it is an empowering read that encourages women to rethink the paths they have been told to follow.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the eArc.
March 21, 2026
Not a book I would have normally picked up, but I remember seeing Poorna’s writing and insta account years ago and liked her no nonsense style. The anecdotes were seamless and at no point did the advice seem preachy. Something very different, and although it took me a while to finish, I’m glad I did persevere.
February 12, 2026
I discovered Poorna Bell's writing a couple of years ago, but I became an instant convert when I read 'Stronger'. When I heard about this upcoming release I felt it was going to be a book that I would really get into, and I wasn't wrong.
There are so many issues that are covered in this book and they are dealt with in a sensitive way. Whilst my personal situation is different to hers in that I am a mother, that doesn't matter. This is one area that she covers sensitively. She looks out for women who haven't had children and those that have. In fact I feel that this is a book for women of many ages and stages. The section on mothers was really touching.
I have gained so much from this book so thank you Poorna for writing it.
There are so many issues that are covered in this book and they are dealt with in a sensitive way. Whilst my personal situation is different to hers in that I am a mother, that doesn't matter. This is one area that she covers sensitively. She looks out for women who haven't had children and those that have. In fact I feel that this is a book for women of many ages and stages. The section on mothers was really touching.
I have gained so much from this book so thank you Poorna for writing it.
April 11, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
For non-fiction, I found this quite readable. A very thought-provoking read.
For non-fiction, I found this quite readable. A very thought-provoking read.
March 18, 2026
I loved this book. It gave me all the emotions and it justifies all of the multi-faceted ways in which women feel and live. I listened to it as an audio book but I will be buying a physical copy so that my teen daughters can pick it up and read it also. One of my favourite reads!
December 24, 2025
She Wanted More is an empowering, inspiring, moving and thought-provoking book. It covers a range of topics, including the patriarchy and its influence, families, careers, culture, dating, relationships, and identity. It weaves in lived experiences, stats, references to books, music, and more.
Through her book, it’s evident how Poorna (the author) seeks to inspire women to reflect, create change in their lives, dream bigger, and ultimately want more out of life without feeling guilt.
Women are often taught from a young age to minimise our needs, be helpful/docile, or settle for less. As a woman with Nigerian heritage (who grew up in the UK), it was really interesting to read about her experiences being from a South East Asian background.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, and would wholeheartedly recommend it. I’ve also read one of her previous books, This Is Fine, and I’d recommend that too.
With thanks to Bonnier Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
Through her book, it’s evident how Poorna (the author) seeks to inspire women to reflect, create change in their lives, dream bigger, and ultimately want more out of life without feeling guilt.
Women are often taught from a young age to minimise our needs, be helpful/docile, or settle for less. As a woman with Nigerian heritage (who grew up in the UK), it was really interesting to read about her experiences being from a South East Asian background.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, and would wholeheartedly recommend it. I’ve also read one of her previous books, This Is Fine, and I’d recommend that too.
With thanks to Bonnier Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
March 8, 2026
Poorna Bell’s She Wanted More may be written with women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s in mind, but as a 35‑year‑old reader I found it deeply relevant and unexpectedly expansive. Bell opens up conversations that are too often avoided — from what to expect during perimenopause and menopause to the emotional realities of voluntary and involuntary childlessness, and the many ways women can choose to build a family without a partner.
The book also stands out for its commitment to inclusion. Bell ensures that the experiences of BIPOC women are not sidelined — acknowledging how cultural expectations, systemic bias, and the persistent under‑prioritisation of women of colour in the British healthcare system shape their journeys in distinct and often overlooked ways. That representation feels long overdue and adds a depth and honesty that many books in this space lack.
What makes the book even more empowering is its wealth of practical resources. Bell doesn’t just explore identity and autonomy — she equips women with tools to support them, including guidance on financial literacy and independence. It’s a reminder that knowledge is a form of liberation, especially in a world where systems have long been rigged to treat women as secondary.
Blending personal stories, case studies, and clear-eyed analysis, Bell dismantles patriarchal narratives with compassion and clarity. For me, it felt like both an education and an invitation — to want more, expect more, and claim more. It’s a gift of a book, one I know I’ll return to again and again.
Thank you @netgalley and @bonnierbooksUK for an advanced copy of the book in return for an honest unedited review.
The book also stands out for its commitment to inclusion. Bell ensures that the experiences of BIPOC women are not sidelined — acknowledging how cultural expectations, systemic bias, and the persistent under‑prioritisation of women of colour in the British healthcare system shape their journeys in distinct and often overlooked ways. That representation feels long overdue and adds a depth and honesty that many books in this space lack.
What makes the book even more empowering is its wealth of practical resources. Bell doesn’t just explore identity and autonomy — she equips women with tools to support them, including guidance on financial literacy and independence. It’s a reminder that knowledge is a form of liberation, especially in a world where systems have long been rigged to treat women as secondary.
Blending personal stories, case studies, and clear-eyed analysis, Bell dismantles patriarchal narratives with compassion and clarity. For me, it felt like both an education and an invitation — to want more, expect more, and claim more. It’s a gift of a book, one I know I’ll return to again and again.
Thank you @netgalley and @bonnierbooksUK for an advanced copy of the book in return for an honest unedited review.
March 3, 2026
Fantastic writing and should be mandatory reading for all. Intro flags this is aimed at women in their 40s/50s, but I can't imagine a single person that wouldn't benefit from reading this. Sure, some of the societal pressures that make life (even) harder for women are less pervasive amongst my generation, but we are still miles away from freedom from them - so this felt like an antidote to the poisonous ideas the world is fed about how much women must endure in relationships, how women's desirability and joie de vivre end at middle age, how menopause brings nothing but dread, and so much more. Reading this felt inspiring and empowering, but also genuinely informative.
A work of non-fiction full of clever, digestible writing, interweaving personal stories, scientific facts and engaging anecdotes effectively. Honestly, please read this (or enjoy the audiobook!). You will come away more able to articulate the dangers of patriarchal indoctrination and extract yourself further from it at a time when doing so actively is absolutely essential.
A work of non-fiction full of clever, digestible writing, interweaving personal stories, scientific facts and engaging anecdotes effectively. Honestly, please read this (or enjoy the audiobook!). You will come away more able to articulate the dangers of patriarchal indoctrination and extract yourself further from it at a time when doing so actively is absolutely essential.
March 16, 2026
I love all things Poorna Bell, and as a happily married cat lady (amazing second husband for whom I'm so grateful), so much of this nonfic resonated with me, especially as it pertained to my first marriage. Ouch on the chapter of finances where I used to deposit my entire paycheque into his account, had no oversight on the finances, and he left me out of the blue...and the person with the money has the power, so I couldn't afford a divorce lawyer and thus only got what he so "generously" decided to give me. This is a brilliant lesson for all young women to take away – not to fear ageing and find ways to shift our society from a patriarchal one to something else. As I (very closely) approach 40, I absolutely love all these stories so generously given of the hope and joy in later life. I was so touched by the stories of Bell's aunt, mother, and sister – and how adorable her father is in creating these strong women, too. It's a must-read. Please gift your friends a copy!
March 17, 2026
I'm a fan of Poorna Bell's writing and this book sounded right up my street. Inspiring, and really great inclusion of all types of women doing all types of things as they get older. This was especially great to read as a 45 year old woman with no children, as often this kind of life isn't included. I also really liked that as well as women who are doing groundbreaking things, she also speaks to/about women who live differently by creating quieter, peaceful but fulfilling lives, as while I think breaking records is amazing, it's not the life I envisage for myself, so it's good to include some realistic inspiration for people like me too!
Really enjoyable, and hopeful, and joyful, which is what I want from this kind of book.
Really enjoyable, and hopeful, and joyful, which is what I want from this kind of book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Poorna Bell engagingly takes us on a journey into women's lives in middle to late age with the purpose of offering more than the standard societal expectations of women. Her own story threads through the interviews and questions she posed to many women, some ordinary, some famous or celebrated and all questioning and rebelling against what was expected of them. From Poorna's own desire to become physically strong which led her to build a community in the world of weight lifting and wrestling to other women who have embraced the liberation that aging can offer this is a refreshing take on aging that I really enjoyed.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An excellent nonfiction book that is a collection of anecdotes, stories and admissions from anonymous submissions to the author's survey for women over 25, as well as accounts from other authors & influencers and Poorna Bell's reflections on her own experiences.
I loved the broad and diverse range of responses and discussions and that a whole manner of topics from motherhood to menopause, sex and friendships were detailed. It is ultimately a celebration of womanhood and also a manifesto of what modern society needs to reflect about half of its population.
I loved the broad and diverse range of responses and discussions and that a whole manner of topics from motherhood to menopause, sex and friendships were detailed. It is ultimately a celebration of womanhood and also a manifesto of what modern society needs to reflect about half of its population.
March 8, 2026
Really enjoying this book. It’s super insightful, comforting as well as challenging in a positive way. Poorna has a way of looking at other perspectives while also sharing her own, that encourages healthy debate and inspirational action. As a teen mum and wife now 45 year old woman in a new phase of life, I would highly recommend this book as it’s a reminder of the amazing phases, possibilities and choices there are for women at any stage of life, we can grab them and experience them how we wish and have full autonomy over every choice x
February 27, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
This book is simply brilliant, and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s incredibly inspiring and transformational, with stories and perspectives from women from all walks of life. I’m in my mid 30s and this book helped me to see how much I have to look forward to. Poorna’s reflections and insights are invaluable, and she encourages women to create change for themselves and dream bigger in their lives, especially in middle age and beyond.
This book is simply brilliant, and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s incredibly inspiring and transformational, with stories and perspectives from women from all walks of life. I’m in my mid 30s and this book helped me to see how much I have to look forward to. Poorna’s reflections and insights are invaluable, and she encourages women to create change for themselves and dream bigger in their lives, especially in middle age and beyond.
March 2, 2026
Just finished She Wanted More and loved it! Immediately recommended to a friend who has been struggling a bit with the choice of having/not having kids. I think Poorna really hit the nail on the head with feeling a little lost about finding purpose outside of all that. I’m in the process. But also, the book covers all angles of womanhood for women in all walks of life. Thanks for your writing and work!
March 21, 2026
This is a brilliant book. Poorna Bell is, as ever, articulate and insightful in her writing, and I loved the use of a survey specifically for this book to gain insight and feedback. This has made me take pause on lots of areas of my life and my future and I will be reflecting on it a lot. The audiobook is read eloquently by the author too so would absolutely recommend! A good antidote to the current manosphere narrative, and something to put hope and joy and fire in your belly.
February 27, 2026
Loved this book. I was lucky enough to be sent an early proof but it sat my on bedside table for ages as life got in the way. I just demolished it over halfterm and it’s given me my joy back. My belief that being midlife isn’t a death sentence, or in fact, anything other than a privilege and a joy. Poorna’s writing is both relatable and heartbreaking. Highly recommend!
April 5, 2026
I have been a fan of Poorna's books for a few years so this one didn't disappoint. There are so many elements of this book that resonated and it was great to be able to understand more about things from Poorna's perspective as well as many others quoted in the book. Very empowering and makes you think - I also realised how much I wasn't alone in my thinking in some cases. A must read.
March 1, 2026
What a book! I couldn't put it down. A powerful and important read. So deeply affirming, I folded half the pages to come back to. The ending had me in tears because I too want more. So much more. Thank you for reminding us that we can and we must have more.
March 3, 2026
Powerfully written, hopeful and uplifting.
March 19, 2026
V much enjoyed
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews