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Bimbo
'Ashley is a much-needed force.' Jameela Jamil
'Essential reading for every woman' Em Clarkson
'Raw and gloriously unapologetic … a rallying cry for every woman' Carol Vorderman
'A smart, brave and unapologetic reclaiming of female power' Katie Piper OBE
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.
Whether it’s on the sofa of ITV’s This Morning or online, Ashley James is a fierce advocate for women. In Bimbo, she unpacks the labels that box women in, and the systems that keep them there. From 'bossy' little girls, 'tarty' teens, to mothers who 'let themselves go', and 'left-on-the-shelf' single women, Ashley dissects the systems that try to confine us and what if we broke free?
Told through raw personal stories, humour and with a fierce feminist lens, this is a battle 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.
This is a book to be shared, discussed, and cherished, and a beacon of hope for a better future.
'Ignore this Bimbo at your peril.' Ellie Taylor
'The book I've been waiting for my whole life.' Bryony Gordon
'Essential reading for every woman' Em Clarkson
'Raw and gloriously unapologetic … a rallying cry for every woman' Carol Vorderman
'A smart, brave and unapologetic reclaiming of female power' Katie Piper OBE
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.
Whether it’s on the sofa of ITV’s This Morning or online, Ashley James is a fierce advocate for women. In Bimbo, she unpacks the labels that box women in, and the systems that keep them there. From 'bossy' little girls, 'tarty' teens, to mothers who 'let themselves go', and 'left-on-the-shelf' single women, Ashley dissects the systems that try to confine us and what if we broke free?
Told through raw personal stories, humour and with a fierce feminist lens, this is a battle 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.
This is a book to be shared, discussed, and cherished, and a beacon of hope for a better future.
'Ignore this Bimbo at your peril.' Ellie Taylor
'The book I've been waiting for my whole life.' Bryony Gordon
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 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 💗
February 18, 2026
Every person in the UK needs to read this book. Period!
April 13, 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.
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.
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.
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
Really enjoyed this book, proper relatable and definitely recommend especially to women!
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.
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.
March 7, 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.
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.
March 9, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. It felt like a clever balance between memoir and a feminist call to arms.
What I appreciated most was how personal it was. Ashley shares her own experiences so openly, from challenging internalised misogyny and sexual assault to navigating sexuality and motherhood, and that honesty made so much of the book relatable. It never felt preachy; instead it felt like an invitation to reflect on your own experiences as a woman and the ways patriarchy shows up in everyday life.
None of the feminist ideas in the book were entirely new to me personally, but that didn’t take away from its value. In fact, I think Bimbo works brilliantly as an accessible entry point for people who are just starting to question and unpick patriarchal norms. It brings together a lot of important feminist concepts in a way that’s engaging, conversational, and easy to absorb.
I also loved the structure of the book. The way each chapter begins with a definition of a derogatory word used against women was a really effective device – it immediately sets the tone and highlights just how normalised misogynistic language still is.
Another thing I appreciated was the effort Ashley makes to acknowledge her own privilege and centre the importance of intersectional feminism. The book doesn’t pretend to have all the answers, but it clearly tries to widen the conversation and encourage readers to think beyond their own experiences.
Overall, I found Bimbo thoughtful, validating and empowering.
What I appreciated most was how personal it was. Ashley shares her own experiences so openly, from challenging internalised misogyny and sexual assault to navigating sexuality and motherhood, and that honesty made so much of the book relatable. It never felt preachy; instead it felt like an invitation to reflect on your own experiences as a woman and the ways patriarchy shows up in everyday life.
None of the feminist ideas in the book were entirely new to me personally, but that didn’t take away from its value. In fact, I think Bimbo works brilliantly as an accessible entry point for people who are just starting to question and unpick patriarchal norms. It brings together a lot of important feminist concepts in a way that’s engaging, conversational, and easy to absorb.
I also loved the structure of the book. The way each chapter begins with a definition of a derogatory word used against women was a really effective device – it immediately sets the tone and highlights just how normalised misogynistic language still is.
Another thing I appreciated was the effort Ashley makes to acknowledge her own privilege and centre the importance of intersectional feminism. The book doesn’t pretend to have all the answers, but it clearly tries to widen the conversation and encourage readers to think beyond their own experiences.
Overall, I found Bimbo thoughtful, validating and empowering.
February 27, 2026
Not enough stars for the rating I'd like to give this.
It's everything of the female experience tucked up in an accessible way, I don't think Ashley told me anything new but I do hope she tells someone something new, I hope it reaches people and they'll hear it and grow because of it.
I hope my neices reads it, I hope nephews too, I'd hope everyone would read it and hear the words said of what's it's like to grow up in a patriachy but here lies the problem..
I didn't need to read this book, I already knew and understood everything Ashley said and I don't believe the right people who need to listen will ever pick it up and I felt solidarity with this, I caught myself crying and Ashley told me a few things I needed to hear from someone, not just have me tell the things to myself.
Great book. I recommend listening to it as Ashley narrates it too ❤️
It's everything of the female experience tucked up in an accessible way, I don't think Ashley told me anything new but I do hope she tells someone something new, I hope it reaches people and they'll hear it and grow because of it.
I hope my neices reads it, I hope nephews too, I'd hope everyone would read it and hear the words said of what's it's like to grow up in a patriachy but here lies the problem..
I didn't need to read this book, I already knew and understood everything Ashley said and I don't believe the right people who need to listen will ever pick it up and I felt solidarity with this, I caught myself crying and Ashley told me a few things I needed to hear from someone, not just have me tell the things to myself.
Great book. I recommend listening to it as Ashley narrates it too ❤️
March 23, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I finished this so long ago but it’s taken me forever to collate my thoughts on it because this book has quite literally changed my life.
Ashley James has been an inspiration to me for many years. I love how she is so unapologetically authentic and speaks out for what she believes in. Honestly, this was amazing. I always thought I was a ‘good feminist’ until I read this. This book served me very confronting lessons about motherhood, body image and relationships. It made me realise that some of my thoughts (synonymous with Ashley) had actually been quite misogynistic towards mothers. It really made me question a lot of my own biases and life decisions and has made me wonder how many of them are the product of patriarchy.
VITAL reading for every woman, even if you think you’re an amazing feminist :)
I finished this so long ago but it’s taken me forever to collate my thoughts on it because this book has quite literally changed my life.
Ashley James has been an inspiration to me for many years. I love how she is so unapologetically authentic and speaks out for what she believes in. Honestly, this was amazing. I always thought I was a ‘good feminist’ until I read this. This book served me very confronting lessons about motherhood, body image and relationships. It made me realise that some of my thoughts (synonymous with Ashley) had actually been quite misogynistic towards mothers. It really made me question a lot of my own biases and life decisions and has made me wonder how many of them are the product of patriarchy.
VITAL reading for every woman, even if you think you’re an amazing feminist :)
April 9, 2026
First 1/4 I really enjoyed, would have given 4 stars as it was relatable and informative. Made me question some of my own beliefs.
Then Ashley went into pregnancy, birthing, trauma, PND, changing identities and all the stuff I have to come (at 37 weeks pregnant today) and it should have come with a warning, and I probably should have stopped reading. Knowledge is power but also too much knowledge becomes anxiety inducing.
Then Ashley went into pregnancy, birthing, trauma, PND, changing identities and all the stuff I have to come (at 37 weeks pregnant today) and it should have come with a warning, and I probably should have stopped reading. Knowledge is power but also too much knowledge becomes anxiety inducing.
April 9, 2026
Very good and I devoured the audiobook (which is unlike me, I usually listen to one audiobook per month on average)
Definitely think it will help many women and especially mum’s feel seen and empowered which is great! Relatively introductory feminism but it was really interesting to see it framed through her life experiences especially in the entertainment industry.
However…. gotta remove points for the pro co-sleeping sentiments and justifications, especially without any signposting on how to do it safely/reduce harm when doing it
Definitely think it will help many women and especially mum’s feel seen and empowered which is great! Relatively introductory feminism but it was really interesting to see it framed through her life experiences especially in the entertainment industry.
However…. gotta remove points for the pro co-sleeping sentiments and justifications, especially without any signposting on how to do it safely/reduce harm when doing it
March 2, 2026
I flew through this book! If you need something to remind you why the world is stacked against women and why we need to support and uplift each other this book is it.
I am equally inspired and enraged after this. Can't recommend enough!
I am equally inspired and enraged after this. Can't recommend enough!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2026
Every woman should read this book, I related to so much of it and it’s a real eye opener to the amount of misogyny we actually face as women.
March 12, 2026
Ashley James can do no wrong for me!! So eloquent. Loved the format of using words for women as chapter themes (even though it made me rage)
April 5, 2026
Powered through this audiobook! Really resonated with the language, strong points and the realistic depictions of what it’s like being and growing up as a millennial woman! I have been called many of these terms, experienced similar things and I felt very seen in this is honest and powerful book. Would recommend!
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February 26, 20263.5 to 4 stars ✨
March 20, 2026
Really enjoyed this. I listened to the audiobook version which I recommend. Covers everything you need to know about the negative labels assigned to women from birth up to old age. As a 31 year old woman who has listened to or read a lot of similar books, a lot of the information and messages were not exactly new for me but I still took lots away. Despite this being marketed towards women, I think everyone should read this! In particular men. I also wish I could have read this when I was younger/ growing up!
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