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Bimbo

THE INSTANT #1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER, How to Ditch the Labels that Hold Women Back and Reclaim Your Confidence

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Bimbo

By: Ashley James
Narrated by: Ashley James
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Brought to you by Penguin.

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 asks: 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.

“Ashley is a much-needed force. An excellent communicator and a defiant and expansive thinker.” JAMEELA JAMIL

"Raw and gloriously unapologetic… a rallying cry for every woman who’s ever been told to stay quiet.” CAROL VORDERMAN

'The book I've been waiting for my whole life.' BRYONY GORDON

© Ashley James 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026

Gender Studies Personal Development Self-Esteem Social Sciences Women's Voices Thought-Provoking Inspiring
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This felt like permission. To stop shrinking. To stop explaining. To stop carrying labels that were never mine. I felt seen, held, and quietly empowered. No gloss. Just truth. Everyone (men too) should read this.

Exactly What I Didn’t Know I Needed

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Really important read for all women, and men should read it too! So relatable. Should be read in schools!

Excellent read!

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An open and honest account of what it means to be a woman in the modern world. Absolutely deserves the Best Seller title! Men and women should read it in order to understand and respect each other. Equality is the strongest thread throughout the book, for women and men.

Essential reading!

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I've not even finished listening, I'm on chapter 44, but this is so well written, read and researched. Ashley has been so thoughtful and considered in her writing of this book and I love the way she's entwined the history and methods of female oppression with the retelling of her own story. She has also forced me to confront some of my own biased views I hadn't previously considered.

Ok, edit to add; I've just listened to the child birth bits and early post partum. She has said everything I've felt with two little ones two years apart. She's blown me away. Excellent book. really confronting.

the millennial non judgemental feminist friend

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I loved every aspect of this book. I was able to relate to it so much, as I had similar experiences throughout my child hood, teenage years and even motherhood. Ashley speaks strongly about how women are told to stay silent, don’t speak out of line, act like the virgin bride but also provocative, be thin but not too thin, be dramatic but not crazy, it speaks volumes about the world we live in today. A woman’s worth should never be defined by a man. I loved this book and I hope Ashley writes more as she is fantastic.

This book is amazing, and should change the world

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