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 question: 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.

A book to be shared, discussed, and cherished, BIMBO is the powerful and empowering must-read and a beacon of hope for a better future.

Ashley James is a broadcaster and campaigner. She is a vocal advocate for equality and women’s rights and is currently a political and social affairs correspondent for ITV’s This Morning. She is a proud mother to two young children, Alfie and Ada. BIMBO is her first book.

'Raw and gloriously unapologetic … a rallying cry for every woman who’s ever been told to stay quiet.' ― Carol Vorderman

'Ashley is a much-needed force. An excellent communicator and a defiant and expansive thinker.' ― Jameela Jamil

‘Bold, brave and brilliantly told – this is the book I've been waiting for my whole life.' ― Bryony Gordon

Ashley James writes with honesty, courage and clarity. Bimbo is a fearless exploration of how women are judged, underestimated and underestimated again, and how reclaiming our narratives can be an act of liberation. A timely and empowering read. -- Katie Piper OBE

'The way Ashley expertly pulls apart inherent female injustices will leave you feeling outraged at a system still so stacked against women. But what I took away even more than that from the book, was the sheer joy of knowing that there are the Ashley’s of the world around to loudly call bullsh*t on it all. Just as she does on TV, in Bimbo, Ashley pulls apart the issues facing the modern woman and puts them back together again with brilliantly considered thought and context. Ignore this Bimbo at your peril.' ― Ellie Taylor

Ashley is acutely aware, both of herself and of the society she operates within. It is that combination that makes her such a force. Unapologetic women, bold in their truth and unashamed in their mess are crucial, not just to the feminist cause, but to the collective self-worth of future generations. In this book Ashley is all of that and more, making it essential reading for every woman who has ever been made to feel too much, too little, or anything inbetween -- Em Clarkson

This book feels like someone finally saying the quiet parts out loud. BIMBO is honest, brave and fiercely validating; Ashley dismantles the labels used to keep women small and exposes the systems that taught us to internalise them. -- Alex Light

'Whip smart' ― Red Magazine

Everything in Ashley’s brilliant book… it’s a conversation that needs to keep on happening… and for men and women to talk about all of this because it benefits everybody. ― Fearne Cotton