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Bimbo
THE INSTANT No.1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
The bold, inspiring, and empowering book from broadcaster and women's advocate Ashley James, helping you to ditch the labels, find your voice, and reclaim your confidence.
'Ashley is a much-needed force.' JAMEELA JAMIL
'The book I've been waiting for my whole life.' BRYONY GORDON
'A smart, brave and unapologetic reclaiming of female power.' KATIE PIPER OBE
‘Brilliant…this book benefits everybody’ FEARNE COTTON
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Bossy. Frigid. Spinster. Sl*t. Mumsy. Milf. Bimbo.
The English language has a seemingly infinite number of judgemental and hypocritical words to describe women and their life choices. We can't win, no matter what we do.
In BIMBO, Ashley James unpacks the labels that box women in, and the systems that keep them there. A fierce advocate for women’s rights, whether on ITV’s This Morning or online, Ashley draws on raw personal stories, cultural analysis, and sharp humour to unpack the systems that profit from women’s insecurity.
From 'bossy' little girls, 'tarty' teens, to mothers who 'let themselves go', and 'left-on-the-shelf' single women, Ashley asks a radical What if we stopped trying to be acceptable, and started being free?
Bold, honest, and deeply validating, this book is a rallying cry for every woman who’s ever felt too much - or not enough. This is a call to women to stop shrinking, stop competing, and start rising - together.
Blending raw personal stories with humour and warmth, BIMBO is a book to be shared, discussed, and cherished by women and men alike, a powerful and empowering feminist must-read and a beacon of hope for a better future.
Praise for BIMBO:
'Raw and gloriously unapologetic … a rallying cry for every woman' Carol Vorderman, award-winning broadcaster and writer
‘Brilliant…..Ignore this Bimbo at your peril.' Ellie Taylor, comedian and writer
'Essential reading for every woman' Em Clarkson, activist, presenter, and author
‘Honest, brave and fiercely validating’ Alex Light, bestselling author of You Are Not a Before Picture
‘Whip smart’ Red Magazine
‘I couldn’t put it down!’ 5* reader review
‘Engaging and informative…an essential book for men to read too’ 5* reader review
‘Thought-provoking and powerful’ 5* reader review
‘The most girl power book I’ve read!’ 5* reader review
The bold, inspiring, and empowering book from broadcaster and women's advocate Ashley James, helping you to ditch the labels, find your voice, and reclaim your confidence.
'Ashley is a much-needed force.' JAMEELA JAMIL
'The book I've been waiting for my whole life.' BRYONY GORDON
'A smart, brave and unapologetic reclaiming of female power.' KATIE PIPER OBE
‘Brilliant…this book benefits everybody’ FEARNE COTTON
-------
Bossy. Frigid. Spinster. Sl*t. Mumsy. Milf. Bimbo.
The English language has a seemingly infinite number of judgemental and hypocritical words to describe women and their life choices. We can't win, no matter what we do.
In BIMBO, Ashley James unpacks the labels that box women in, and the systems that keep them there. A fierce advocate for women’s rights, whether on ITV’s This Morning or online, Ashley draws on raw personal stories, cultural analysis, and sharp humour to unpack the systems that profit from women’s insecurity.
From 'bossy' little girls, 'tarty' teens, to mothers who 'let themselves go', and 'left-on-the-shelf' single women, Ashley asks a radical What if we stopped trying to be acceptable, and started being free?
Bold, honest, and deeply validating, this book is a rallying cry for every woman who’s ever felt too much - or not enough. This is a call to women to stop shrinking, stop competing, and start rising - together.
Blending raw personal stories with humour and warmth, BIMBO is a book to be shared, discussed, and cherished by women and men alike, a powerful and empowering feminist must-read and a beacon of hope for a better future.
Praise for BIMBO:
'Raw and gloriously unapologetic … a rallying cry for every woman' Carol Vorderman, award-winning broadcaster and writer
‘Brilliant…..Ignore this Bimbo at your peril.' Ellie Taylor, comedian and writer
'Essential reading for every woman' Em Clarkson, activist, presenter, and author
‘Honest, brave and fiercely validating’ Alex Light, bestselling author of You Are Not a Before Picture
‘Whip smart’ Red Magazine
‘I couldn’t put it down!’ 5* reader review
‘Engaging and informative…an essential book for men to read too’ 5* reader review
‘Thought-provoking and powerful’ 5* reader review
‘The most girl power book I’ve read!’ 5* reader review
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
February 18, 2026
A really fantastic book!
I love Ashley James and her content. I have to admit that I don’t know much about her or where she came from, personally or professionally, so this book was a real eye opener for me.
I loved her honesty in all aspects. How she herself had judged other women, like we all have at times, and how wrong she had been. She has evidently done a lot of research and I loved hearing her opinions on how we view women, how men and the world view women and just how bloody hard it is to be a woman and a mother in this day and age.
Audiobook was fantastic and I’d recommend this book to every single woman I know 💗
I love Ashley James and her content. I have to admit that I don’t know much about her or where she came from, personally or professionally, so this book was a real eye opener for me.
I loved her honesty in all aspects. How she herself had judged other women, like we all have at times, and how wrong she had been. She has evidently done a lot of research and I loved hearing her opinions on how we view women, how men and the world view women and just how bloody hard it is to be a woman and a mother in this day and age.
Audiobook was fantastic and I’d recommend this book to every single woman I know 💗
April 12, 2026
I have been a fan of Ashley James and her advocacy for a while and so I was super keen to read Bimbo and now I have finally gotten around to doing so I would most certainly include it in the feminist literature we should all have on our shelves.
The book was a lot more autobiographical than I was expecting, I initially thought this would lean more so on the side of a Laura Bates kind of read and so it took me a little while to get into but with short chapters and a good flow to the book it was easy to eventually lock in. I did struggle at first to connect with what I was reading, Ashley is the complete opposite of me and so at times it felt as though I was simply reading a white feminist story that I couldn't relate to but in saying that I also have to acknowledge that the book definantly made me confront my own bitterness, internalised misogyny and insecurities I was holding onto especially around class and education. This was Ashley's life story and how the patriarchy and sexism have played a role in that story throughout different stages of her life and so I don't need to relate to everything because we all have our own stories however, being a woman there was a lot I did connect with and found my own experiences reflected in this book.
Ashley showed throughout this book at she is very aware of her privilege which acted as a kind of safe space for readers of all backgrounds and was an example of how intersectional feminism should be and look like. With all that said I would still keep in mind that for a lot of us this story just isn't the most relatable and I think there were certain topics that should have highlighted the differences in how black and brown women are treated in comparison especially around certain words but again, that isn't necessarily her job to do.
What I did relate to was the talks around her early adulthood and relationships. I found myself in these pages and it was honestly liberating. There were certain things that made me feel seen and for the first time i felt as though I wasn't crazy or alone. This is a huge takeaway for this book; there was a focus on sisterhood here, shared experiences and ultimately the understanding that regardless of our backgrounds, as women we have shared stories and always find something we can relate to.
This book encouraged me to have hard discussions and realisations about my own relationship especially around family dynamics, my future as a woman who may go onto have children and what I would like my pregnancy and experiences to hopefully look like.
As I have said this is a pretty autobiographical read and so if you are expecting a more informative read this isn't it. If you are aware of feminist discussions then not much here will truly surprise of teach you but there are still so many important facts and stats to pick up on throughout this book. I would also recommend listening to this book as an audiobook, Ashley is very raw, honest and vulnerable and hearing her emotion in the audiobook really added a feel an impact to it that is very special and important. I would defiantly add this to your feminist literature selection.
The book was a lot more autobiographical than I was expecting, I initially thought this would lean more so on the side of a Laura Bates kind of read and so it took me a little while to get into but with short chapters and a good flow to the book it was easy to eventually lock in. I did struggle at first to connect with what I was reading, Ashley is the complete opposite of me and so at times it felt as though I was simply reading a white feminist story that I couldn't relate to but in saying that I also have to acknowledge that the book definantly made me confront my own bitterness, internalised misogyny and insecurities I was holding onto especially around class and education. This was Ashley's life story and how the patriarchy and sexism have played a role in that story throughout different stages of her life and so I don't need to relate to everything because we all have our own stories however, being a woman there was a lot I did connect with and found my own experiences reflected in this book.
Ashley showed throughout this book at she is very aware of her privilege which acted as a kind of safe space for readers of all backgrounds and was an example of how intersectional feminism should be and look like. With all that said I would still keep in mind that for a lot of us this story just isn't the most relatable and I think there were certain topics that should have highlighted the differences in how black and brown women are treated in comparison especially around certain words but again, that isn't necessarily her job to do.
What I did relate to was the talks around her early adulthood and relationships. I found myself in these pages and it was honestly liberating. There were certain things that made me feel seen and for the first time i felt as though I wasn't crazy or alone. This is a huge takeaway for this book; there was a focus on sisterhood here, shared experiences and ultimately the understanding that regardless of our backgrounds, as women we have shared stories and always find something we can relate to.
This book encouraged me to have hard discussions and realisations about my own relationship especially around family dynamics, my future as a woman who may go onto have children and what I would like my pregnancy and experiences to hopefully look like.
As I have said this is a pretty autobiographical read and so if you are expecting a more informative read this isn't it. If you are aware of feminist discussions then not much here will truly surprise of teach you but there are still so many important facts and stats to pick up on throughout this book. I would also recommend listening to this book as an audiobook, Ashley is very raw, honest and vulnerable and hearing her emotion in the audiobook really added a feel an impact to it that is very special and important. I would defiantly add this to your feminist literature selection.
February 18, 2026
Every person in the UK needs to read this book. Period!
March 7, 2026
loved this book! as someone born the same year as Ashley, despite having very different school, teenage and young adult experiences, I could relate SO HARD to SO MUCH in this book. I recommend listening to the audio book as Ashley narrates it, and it's a really brilliant listen. I particularly enjoyed hearing Ashley's self reflection of how she'd internalised masogony herself, and her journey to trying to unpick it. I'm not sure I left feeling particularly hopeful, possibly just wound up at the often unjustness of being a woman, but it felt reaffirming nonetheless
March 15, 2026
I wish I could give it a 3.5. I think it’s a very entry level to feminism but a very easy read.
April 30, 2026
Anyone got a male equivalent for the word bimbo?
September 14, 2026
I feel like I could’ve done with this book from the age of 18–25 (Mental Note: Get my daughter a copy for her 18th Birthday). I feel by my age now (32) I’ve learnt a lot of the lessons mentioned early on in the book over the years, the way I usually do—the hard way. I did find it extremely relatable and loved that it’s so honest, raw, and real. I loved the small details where it explored the meanings behind the derogatory terms used against women, and also comparing them to the male equivalents. It was interesting to go through the differences between the two… if they even existed, which a lot of the time, surprise surprise, they didn’t. It was nice to learn more about Ashley James as a person/woman/mother throughout, too.
I got a little more invested once I got to the ‘Motherhood’ section, which was definitely my favourite and the part I related to the most at this stage of my life. I really appreciated how it started off during 2020 Covid and touched on the struggles around this time, as that was when I became a Mum myself. I think any Mother could relate to multiple parts of this section, and it made a great, empowering read. Negative Birth Stories, The Gender Pain Gap, Crash Landing from Cloud Nine, and The Weight of it All all brought a tear to my eye. It took me right back to some of my most vulnerable moments when becoming a new Mum, and some points mentioned I still struggle with to this day. They are all chapters I will definitely think about often and maybe even revisit again later on 🍒🧠
“One child is raped in school on every school day. In primary schools alone, three sexual assaults are reported to police daily. Nine out of ten schoolgirls have received unsolicited images or been subjected to sexist name calling.”
“Shame must change sides.”
“The logic that we are ‘asking for it’ reinforces the idea that women are responsible for male behaviour, and if we just ‘buttoned up’ and ‘covered up’ we would avoid attention and stay safe. That’s expecting us to be submissive and we deserve better.“
“What’s more, when we speak about fertility, we rarely speak about men’s declining rates. There’s mounting evidence to show that sperm quality decreases significantly with age. Male infertility contributes to approximately half of all cases of infertility. Yet fertility is still framed as a woman’s issue, a clock ticking towards our supposed feminine expiry date.”
“The problem is, birth isn’t something you can go back and do again. Too often women’s requests for pain relief are brushed aside because we’ve been conditioned to ‘suck it up’ and ‘not wail like a banshee’. Your pain is valid because you feel it, not because someone in a white coat deems it serious enough. If you communicate it clearly, you deserve in every context for your voice to be heard or at the very least for it to be recorded. Birth is not just about getting the baby out safely, it’s also about how you are treated and how you feel in that room. Being heard shouldn’t be a bonus, it’s a basic right.“
“We owe so much to the Women that came before us.”
I got a little more invested once I got to the ‘Motherhood’ section, which was definitely my favourite and the part I related to the most at this stage of my life. I really appreciated how it started off during 2020 Covid and touched on the struggles around this time, as that was when I became a Mum myself. I think any Mother could relate to multiple parts of this section, and it made a great, empowering read. Negative Birth Stories, The Gender Pain Gap, Crash Landing from Cloud Nine, and The Weight of it All all brought a tear to my eye. It took me right back to some of my most vulnerable moments when becoming a new Mum, and some points mentioned I still struggle with to this day. They are all chapters I will definitely think about often and maybe even revisit again later on 🍒🧠
“One child is raped in school on every school day. In primary schools alone, three sexual assaults are reported to police daily. Nine out of ten schoolgirls have received unsolicited images or been subjected to sexist name calling.”
“Shame must change sides.”
“The logic that we are ‘asking for it’ reinforces the idea that women are responsible for male behaviour, and if we just ‘buttoned up’ and ‘covered up’ we would avoid attention and stay safe. That’s expecting us to be submissive and we deserve better.“
“What’s more, when we speak about fertility, we rarely speak about men’s declining rates. There’s mounting evidence to show that sperm quality decreases significantly with age. Male infertility contributes to approximately half of all cases of infertility. Yet fertility is still framed as a woman’s issue, a clock ticking towards our supposed feminine expiry date.”
“The problem is, birth isn’t something you can go back and do again. Too often women’s requests for pain relief are brushed aside because we’ve been conditioned to ‘suck it up’ and ‘not wail like a banshee’. Your pain is valid because you feel it, not because someone in a white coat deems it serious enough. If you communicate it clearly, you deserve in every context for your voice to be heard or at the very least for it to be recorded. Birth is not just about getting the baby out safely, it’s also about how you are treated and how you feel in that room. Being heard shouldn’t be a bonus, it’s a basic right.“
“We owe so much to the Women that came before us.”
August 10, 2026
“Because we are more than our bodies. We are not ornaments. We are whole, wild, worthy beings no matter the shape of our features…. beauty is not one size fits all.”
A close, insightful exploration across the life course of a woman - from a little girl dreaming of princesses and white knights, through the adolescent shame and scrutiny of a developing body, and the sites of enormous conflict brought about through motherhood and ageing - Bimbo was an accessible, introspective and enlightening read that is likely to resonate with many readers, peeling back the curtain for introductory feminism. I approached the book with very little idea of Ashley James’ history and convoluted legacy within the media, and I found the fragments, recollections and corageous confessions of her life to be an especially effective vehicle in addressing the wirings of contemporary patriarchy. Crucially, her reflections and anecdotes are accompanied by a self-awareness of her own privileges as a white woman, and calls for the rally towards an intersectional approach to feminism, acknowledging marginalised backgrounds and the inequalities produced between intersecting identities of race, class and privilege. While Bimbo is certainly an entry point to feminist thinking, I would encourage any woman across the life course to engage with AJ’s poignant and embodied experiences within patriarchy, and find a shared sense of understanding as to the barriers women across history have faced, and continue to challenge today. While my own experiences as a young woman do not seamlessly align with hers, this only worked to amplify the impact of the message - offering a new perspective and side to the everyday obstacles, injustices and social traps we are conditioned to accept and shape ourselves around. I especially liked her inspection of gendered, derogatory labels between chapters, drawing attention to the double standards created within language to keep and coerce women into boxes. Spinster versus Bachelor. Slut versus Player. Bossy versus Assertive. While there was room for greater gendered, classed and inclusive inspection, and a lot more consideration around disability, I actually liked the simplicity and accessibility of the book - something designed for all women to experience, consider and take forward. 4 stars.
A close, insightful exploration across the life course of a woman - from a little girl dreaming of princesses and white knights, through the adolescent shame and scrutiny of a developing body, and the sites of enormous conflict brought about through motherhood and ageing - Bimbo was an accessible, introspective and enlightening read that is likely to resonate with many readers, peeling back the curtain for introductory feminism. I approached the book with very little idea of Ashley James’ history and convoluted legacy within the media, and I found the fragments, recollections and corageous confessions of her life to be an especially effective vehicle in addressing the wirings of contemporary patriarchy. Crucially, her reflections and anecdotes are accompanied by a self-awareness of her own privileges as a white woman, and calls for the rally towards an intersectional approach to feminism, acknowledging marginalised backgrounds and the inequalities produced between intersecting identities of race, class and privilege. While Bimbo is certainly an entry point to feminist thinking, I would encourage any woman across the life course to engage with AJ’s poignant and embodied experiences within patriarchy, and find a shared sense of understanding as to the barriers women across history have faced, and continue to challenge today. While my own experiences as a young woman do not seamlessly align with hers, this only worked to amplify the impact of the message - offering a new perspective and side to the everyday obstacles, injustices and social traps we are conditioned to accept and shape ourselves around. I especially liked her inspection of gendered, derogatory labels between chapters, drawing attention to the double standards created within language to keep and coerce women into boxes. Spinster versus Bachelor. Slut versus Player. Bossy versus Assertive. While there was room for greater gendered, classed and inclusive inspection, and a lot more consideration around disability, I actually liked the simplicity and accessibility of the book - something designed for all women to experience, consider and take forward. 4 stars.
May 21, 2026
3.75
A very readable autobiographical / feminist book to get back into some non fiction reading.
Really interesting getting the view point of someone who has become a feminist as someone in their 30s, reflecting on their internalised and outwards misogyny.
Found the chapters on motherhood most interesting as someone who hasn't decided to have kids.
Think there are some areas of feminism I don't quite agree with (conflicted on the extent of choice feminism especially with ageing), but that's the whole point of reading widely!
A very readable autobiographical / feminist book to get back into some non fiction reading.
Really interesting getting the view point of someone who has become a feminist as someone in their 30s, reflecting on their internalised and outwards misogyny.
Found the chapters on motherhood most interesting as someone who hasn't decided to have kids.
Think there are some areas of feminism I don't quite agree with (conflicted on the extent of choice feminism especially with ageing), but that's the whole point of reading widely!
October 22, 2026
What a fabulous book about women! An amazing way to deconstruct words which are used to hurt us. I thoroughly enjoyed this and found it a super easy read. Feel like I could hear Ashley voice whilst reading!
April 20, 2026
I loved this book so much. Why were never taught in school about the long list of complications that can happen during pregnancy, birth, and the years after birth???? I loved how each chapter named a derogatory term for a woman (eg, spinster, tart) and then showed the male equivalent which most of the time was either nothing or a term which hyped up men to be sexually active and attractive.
I also LOVED how it said you can fall in love with your friends. So true sister
I also LOVED how it said you can fall in love with your friends. So true sister
March 24, 2026
Easy read, relatable themes & touched on experiences many women will recognise. While insightful in places, a little self-focused at times
March 30, 2026
It’s been looooong time since I have cried reading a book… I am sobbing after finishing Bimbo.
Bimbo explores the labels and the boxes we as women are put into, and the systems that enable this to happen and keep us there. We may often associate misogyny with the patriarchy, but many women often hold internalised misogynistic views without even realising, despite identifying as a feminist - including myself. A tough pill to swallow, but an important conversation to have and one that will spark change.
Feeling validated, empowered, and wiser.
“If we’re busy looking inwards, picking ourselves apart, or looking sidewards, judging other women’s choices, if we’re too exhausted trying to strike the impossible balance, then we’re too busy battling each other to realise the real fight is not with other women but with the conditions that make it so hard to be one. The antidote? It’s not perfection. It’s not being the ‘right’ kind of woman. It’s not finding the magical sweet spot between madonna and whore. It’s sisterhood. Sisterhood means understanding that the fight is not between us. It’s between us and the world that benefits from our division.”
“So be loud. Be bossy. Be unshrinkable. Whether you’re sixteen or sixty-six, it’s never too late to take up space. To laugh too loudly. To stop apologising. To live a life that is yours - truly and fully.”
Bimbo explores the labels and the boxes we as women are put into, and the systems that enable this to happen and keep us there. We may often associate misogyny with the patriarchy, but many women often hold internalised misogynistic views without even realising, despite identifying as a feminist - including myself. A tough pill to swallow, but an important conversation to have and one that will spark change.
Feeling validated, empowered, and wiser.
“If we’re busy looking inwards, picking ourselves apart, or looking sidewards, judging other women’s choices, if we’re too exhausted trying to strike the impossible balance, then we’re too busy battling each other to realise the real fight is not with other women but with the conditions that make it so hard to be one. The antidote? It’s not perfection. It’s not being the ‘right’ kind of woman. It’s not finding the magical sweet spot between madonna and whore. It’s sisterhood. Sisterhood means understanding that the fight is not between us. It’s between us and the world that benefits from our division.”
“So be loud. Be bossy. Be unshrinkable. Whether you’re sixteen or sixty-six, it’s never too late to take up space. To laugh too loudly. To stop apologising. To live a life that is yours - truly and fully.”
March 15, 2026
My first audiobook.
RELATABLE.
The idea of the vintage ring carrying the living memories of the women before her was beautiful 💍
I love how this book highlights how society isn’t set up for mothers. It felt honest and validating.
This is a book for every woman, especially mothers 🤰
I really enjoyed coming across a book that resonated so deeply with me. I will remember many things about this book.
I also really appreciated the women’s health topics woven throughout.
An amazing book that both educates and reminds you to take the pressure off yourself 💞
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
RELATABLE.
The idea of the vintage ring carrying the living memories of the women before her was beautiful 💍
I love how this book highlights how society isn’t set up for mothers. It felt honest and validating.
This is a book for every woman, especially mothers 🤰
I really enjoyed coming across a book that resonated so deeply with me. I will remember many things about this book.
I also really appreciated the women’s health topics woven throughout.
An amazing book that both educates and reminds you to take the pressure off yourself 💞
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 12, 2026
Fantastic book, I wish I could get everyone in the world to read this book.
Ashley has opened my eyes to the words we use to describe women. She talks through all the different stages of her life and how as a society we treat women differently. I enjoyed each chapter and seeing things from different perspectives. From the way she was brought up, careers, being single in your 30s through to how we treat mothers. It truly is a standout book that I cannot recommend enough.
Ashley has opened my eyes to the words we use to describe women. She talks through all the different stages of her life and how as a society we treat women differently. I enjoyed each chapter and seeing things from different perspectives. From the way she was brought up, careers, being single in your 30s through to how we treat mothers. It truly is a standout book that I cannot recommend enough.
March 28, 2026
I honestly cannot recommend Bimbo enough!
This book is everything I hoped it would be and so much more.
Ashley put words to thoughts and emotions about womanhood I’ve never been able to fully articulate.
It’s raw, vulnerable, honest, powerful, educational, empowering, brave, unapologetic and filled with a necessary amount of female rage.
I genuinely wish everyone would read this book.
This book is everything I hoped it would be and so much more.
Ashley put words to thoughts and emotions about womanhood I’ve never been able to fully articulate.
It’s raw, vulnerable, honest, powerful, educational, empowering, brave, unapologetic and filled with a necessary amount of female rage.
I genuinely wish everyone would read this book.
April 10, 2026
Loved this book so much, reignited the fire inside me. Has made me want to change careers, dismantle the patriarchy and work towards building a new future for all women.
Ashley James - I would follow you into a burning building as I know there would be an empowering and life changing reason behind it.
Ashley James - I would follow you into a burning building as I know there would be an empowering and life changing reason behind it.
October 7, 2026
“In the UK a woman is killed by a man every 3 days. Gender based violence has been declared a national emergency but we continue to treat it as an unfortunate series of events of unrelated incidents rather than the cultural epidemic it really is”
Ashley James unpicks the labels and expectations that box women in. A very topical read in today’s society.
Ashley James unpicks the labels and expectations that box women in. A very topical read in today’s society.
March 30, 2026
Really enjoyed this book, proper relatable and definitely recommend especially to women!
August 13, 2026
3.5
a good dissection of words that are harmful towards women and examples (primarily in james’ own life, but also others’ stories and general statistics) of how those words shape the way girls are raised into women and further in aging
a good dissection of words that are harmful towards women and examples (primarily in james’ own life, but also others’ stories and general statistics) of how those words shape the way girls are raised into women and further in aging
March 19, 2026
Excellent read. So refreshing to hear real perspectives and examples I hadn't even thought of. It will make you feel frustrated at where we are in society but such an important read.
March 31, 2026
I deeply appreciated the emphasis on responsibility, particularly in relation to raising boys and the role both mothers and educators play in shaping them. The discussion around protecting young girls and the call for women to stand in solidarity with one another felt especially powerful and necessary. Those themes carried a real sense of urgency and purpose that resonated with me.
I was also genuinely drawn to her reflections on motherhood. As someone who is still undecided myself, I found her perspective thoughtful and reassuring. It offered a kind of clarity and emotional honesty that made me pause and reflect more seriously on my own feelings.
That said, I found the autobiographical style somewhat limiting. I had expected a broader tapestry of women’s voices and experiences, but instead it felt quite centred on her personal narrative. While her story is compelling, there were several topics introduced that felt only lightly touched upon. Many of these could have been explored in far greater depth, and I was left wanting a more comprehensive and multifaceted discussion.
July 26, 2026
3.5
I really enjoyed this book, it's a good introduction to feminist literature for anyone who doesn't know where to start! I found it quite descriptive and would have preferred it to be a bit more analytical, that being said I think Ashley James is brilliant and I want to be her BFF now.
I really enjoyed this book, it's a good introduction to feminist literature for anyone who doesn't know where to start! I found it quite descriptive and would have preferred it to be a bit more analytical, that being said I think Ashley James is brilliant and I want to be her BFF now.
March 23, 2026
Reading Bimbo made me feel an overwhelming sense of pride … pride in the women who came before me, the women standing beside me, and the men who truly understand and support feminism. At the same time, it stirred a deep rage about how far we still have to go.
This book put words to feelings I’ve struggled to articulate about what it means to be a woman. The historical realities alone are staggering. In the 1860s, women had their clitorises surgically removed to “treat” so-called emotional disorders. Imagine if society had ever proposed castrating men 😂😂 the outrage would be immediate and justified. Yet this violence against women was normalized, medicalized, and defended.
And then there’s the present. Menopause, something that affects half the population? still lacks meaningful legal protection in many places. How is that possible? How are women still expected to endure systemic neglect in silence?
I was going to say I recommend this book for women, but I recommend this book for everyone. Women’s rights are everyone’s business.
This book put words to feelings I’ve struggled to articulate about what it means to be a woman. The historical realities alone are staggering. In the 1860s, women had their clitorises surgically removed to “treat” so-called emotional disorders. Imagine if society had ever proposed castrating men 😂😂 the outrage would be immediate and justified. Yet this violence against women was normalized, medicalized, and defended.
And then there’s the present. Menopause, something that affects half the population? still lacks meaningful legal protection in many places. How is that possible? How are women still expected to endure systemic neglect in silence?
I was going to say I recommend this book for women, but I recommend this book for everyone. Women’s rights are everyone’s business.
February 21, 2026
Refreshing, honest and compelling!
I thoroughly loved listening to this book by Ashley James. She is someone who I have enjoyed "following" on social media since the MIC days, however I am also definitely guilty of burying my head in the sand when it comes to certain politics, especially female directed politics. I am definitely also guilty of that internalised misogyny, and after listening to this book, it has made me realise that I do need to start consciously thinking of those unconscious bias I have and bringing them to the forefront of my mind.
It was really compelling to listen to Ashley talk through BIMBO, and some of the stats horrified me. Her chapters on motherhood resonated with me SO much.
I do believe we are very lucky as a gender to have someone like Ashley fighting the good fight for us and she has inspired me to do my bit, no matter how small.
I thoroughly loved listening to this book by Ashley James. She is someone who I have enjoyed "following" on social media since the MIC days, however I am also definitely guilty of burying my head in the sand when it comes to certain politics, especially female directed politics. I am definitely also guilty of that internalised misogyny, and after listening to this book, it has made me realise that I do need to start consciously thinking of those unconscious bias I have and bringing them to the forefront of my mind.
It was really compelling to listen to Ashley talk through BIMBO, and some of the stats horrified me. Her chapters on motherhood resonated with me SO much.
I do believe we are very lucky as a gender to have someone like Ashley fighting the good fight for us and she has inspired me to do my bit, no matter how small.
Want to Read
August 20, 2026Audiobook recommendation from a friend. Really enjoyed this - a raw and honest account of what it is to be a woman in the UK today, and all the mistakes and stigmas that brought her to who she is today. Especially highlights the importance of language in sexism - both on what is, and what isn't, said.
October 22, 2026
PLEASE IF YOU SEE THIS READ THIS BOOK!
Changed my whole way of thinking and will genuinely stay with me forever. 🫶🏼
Changed my whole way of thinking and will genuinely stay with me forever. 🫶🏼
February 26, 2026
I’ve always admired AJ and her approach to speaking about feminism, so I was excited to read this. Whilst it was quite an introductory level into feminist topics, it was still thought provoking nonetheless. Ranging from internalised misogyny, girlhood, to motherhood and aging as a woman, she covers some very sensitive topics from a personal and introspective lens. I think AJ could’ve delved deeper into more intersectional feminist issues, but as I said, it was introductory! Definitely worth a read if you’re starting to look into feminism and want to know more from a personal perspective.
March 21, 2026
I really wanted to love this book but it was disappointing. There are some truly awful things which were just glazed over -"I didn't know if I was going to mention this in the book......" and then moved onto something else which felt unfinished. The quality of the writing is poor and there are typing errors throughout. I really enjoy Ashley's social media content so I was sad to not enjoy the book. If you're wanting good books on feminism etc, Laura Bates is excellent.
March 1, 2026
Really enjoyed this book all about damaging attitudes towards women in our society. Very empowering and engaging read. Loved the chapters starting with a derogatory name for woman in order of age as it follows Ashley’s memoir (for example “hag” nearer the end). Lots of powerful messages about needing to reject misogyny that’s still so prevalent, feel strong in ourselves as women and as a sisterhood to not judge each other but support one another in our different choices (childfree vs mother, make up vs natural, trad wife vs working wife etc).
A lot struck a cord with me, particularly about pressure on us as parents and in motherhood, where you’re judged whatever you do and words such as mumsy are always a negative. It was interesting that there were so few male equivalent words, for example to the word hysterical. It shows how oppressive language is purely for women. It was also fascinating learning about the meaning behind words, Spinster coming from women that used to spin wool and self financed.
Society tries to keep us women in boxes and pitted against each other with derogatory terms
(Tomboy vs girly girly
Mothers vs childfree women
Prude vs slut) etc
Bossy for woman (derogatory term for it being impossible to be powerful and likeable vs assertive, confident for man which is not negative connotation)
Teaching us women should be passive, agreeable
Comments to babies:
Boys - heartbreaker
Girls- will need to lock them up from boys
(Damaging gender judgements made early)
…gives idea that it’s WOMEN who are to be blamed for any future unwanted attention or assault (why not lock up your boys or heartbreaker for woman?!)
Word “princess” and damaging connotations (need man to define you, need to be chosen) and real life princesses have awful time - Diana etc
Girls clothes vs boys clothes (girls ones are sexualised, impractical and delicate and boys practical, durable and not sexualised)
And is our fear in boys doing “feminine” clothes or activities (wearing pink, painting nails etc) a fear of underlying homophobia?
Girls are subliminally taught to prioritise being liked over respected
Tart, slut vs player, lad
(Sexually confident man is successful vs sexually confident woman is disgraceful)
Reinforce shame attached to periods by language we use for it (“time of the month”) and hiding tampons etc … me would place tampons like a pencil behind ear
Quotes
“Be loud be bossy be unshrinkable
Never speak badly about yourself or other women
Never associate aging with decline
Never assume women’s choices are “for men”
Never reward a man for doing bare minimum
Never shrink yourself to be digestible”
A lot struck a cord with me, particularly about pressure on us as parents and in motherhood, where you’re judged whatever you do and words such as mumsy are always a negative. It was interesting that there were so few male equivalent words, for example to the word hysterical. It shows how oppressive language is purely for women. It was also fascinating learning about the meaning behind words, Spinster coming from women that used to spin wool and self financed.
Society tries to keep us women in boxes and pitted against each other with derogatory terms
(Tomboy vs girly girly
Mothers vs childfree women
Prude vs slut) etc
Bossy for woman (derogatory term for it being impossible to be powerful and likeable vs assertive, confident for man which is not negative connotation)
Teaching us women should be passive, agreeable
Comments to babies:
Boys - heartbreaker
Girls- will need to lock them up from boys
(Damaging gender judgements made early)
…gives idea that it’s WOMEN who are to be blamed for any future unwanted attention or assault (why not lock up your boys or heartbreaker for woman?!)
Word “princess” and damaging connotations (need man to define you, need to be chosen) and real life princesses have awful time - Diana etc
Girls clothes vs boys clothes (girls ones are sexualised, impractical and delicate and boys practical, durable and not sexualised)
And is our fear in boys doing “feminine” clothes or activities (wearing pink, painting nails etc) a fear of underlying homophobia?
Girls are subliminally taught to prioritise being liked over respected
Tart, slut vs player, lad
(Sexually confident man is successful vs sexually confident woman is disgraceful)
Reinforce shame attached to periods by language we use for it (“time of the month”) and hiding tampons etc … me would place tampons like a pencil behind ear
Quotes
“Be loud be bossy be unshrinkable
Never speak badly about yourself or other women
Never associate aging with decline
Never assume women’s choices are “for men”
Never reward a man for doing bare minimum
Never shrink yourself to be digestible”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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