#GIRLBOSS

By: Sophia Amoruso

Narrated by: Sara Jes Austell

The first thing Sophia Amoruso sold online wasn’t fashion - it was a stolen book. She spent her teens hitchhiking, committing petty theft, and dumpster diving. By twenty-two, she had resigned herself to employment, but was still broke, directionless, and working a mediocre day job she’d taken for the health insurance.

It was there that Sophia decided to start selling vintage clothes on eBay. Eight years later, she is the founder, CEO, and creative director of Nasty Gal, a $100 million plus online fashion retailer with more than 350 employees. Sophia’s never been a typical CEO, or a typical anything, and she’s written #GIRLBOSS for outsiders (and insiders) seeking a unique path to success, even when that path is winding as all hell and lined with naysayers.

#GIRLBOSS includes Sophia’s story, yet is infinitely bigger than Sophia. It’s deeply personal yet universal. Filled with brazen wake-up calls (“You are not a special snowflake”), cunning and frank observations (“Failure is your invention”), and behind-the-scenes stories from Nasty Gal’s meteoric rise, #GIRLBOSS covers a lot of ground. It proves that being successful isn’t about how popular you were in high school or where you went to college (if you went to college). Rather, success is about trusting your instincts and following your gut, knowing which rules to follow and which to break.

A #GIRLBOSS takes her life seriously without taking herself too seriously. She takes chances and takes responsibility on her own terms. She knows when to throw punches and when to roll with them. When to button up and when to let her freak flag fly.

As Sophia writes, “I have three pieces of advice I want you to remember: Don’t ever grow up. Don’t become a bore. Don’t let The Man get to you. OK? Cool. Then let’s do this.”

©2014 Sophia Amoruso (P)2014 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Rather than present a get-rich-quick manual or a list of business tips, Amoruso teaches the innovative and entrepreneurial among us to play to our strengths, learn from our mistakes, and know when to break a few of the traditional rules." (Vanity Fair)

"A witty and cleverly told account ... It’s this kind of honest advice, plus the humorous ups and downs of her rise in online retail, that make the book so appealing." (Los Angeles Times)

"#GIRLBOSS is more than a book ... #GIRLBOSS is a movement." (Lena Dunham)

Red Bull to Sandberg's Skinny Vanilla Latte

This book is the Lean In for the Millenial Generation - fresh, bright, gritty, pragmatic, and fun. No less important than Lean In, and I bet Amouruso and Sandberg aren't too far apart in age - but worlds apart in perspective. Work ethic is the same. Women working their asses off, getting shit done.

Better narrator than Lean In, as well. No whining.

best book

such a great and inspiring book she shares her personal experience worth the money every penny

Fresh, funny, inspiring!

Any additional comments?

This was quite an entertaining listen, both for content and performance. Sophia Amoruso's story is compelling and inspiring, and she's very honest about her past successes and failures. I think what really stood out to me was the clarity she has in assessing why things went the way they did for her. She's very insightful as well as funny, and she gives some damn good advice. This book could be categorized as a memoir, as business advice, or self-development, it's really all three. Go, GirlBoss!!

Inspired.

It's been awhile since I've listened to this book but I felt inspired after listening to it. Even briefly starting my own accessories business online before it crash like Nasty Gal. Even though the author didn't read it (which I didn't know until afterwards) the voice of the narrator kept me intrigued to last through story times. I think I finished this one in a day during every spare moment. If you're looking for inspiration listen up!

Magic is real!

This book has many great pointers on life. It's allowed me to reconnect with my eccentric personality.
Congratulations on your success Sophia! Thank you for sharing with the world.

Entertaining!

I enjoyed the story of Nasty Gal, and the humor thrown in. I wasn't sure what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised. I'll listen to this one again, down the road!

Great message on life

Empowering message for anyone at any place in life. Don't judge it by the cover, it's not a girls only read. Loved listening to this uplifting and awesome message. Great business savvy advice for the 21st century entrepreneur.

loved it!

I did get confused with the other stories at first but great book! very inspirational!

Great!

Great for young ladies trying to find their inner badass! Loved all the business rid bits that and real life advice.

#Inspiring

What does Sara Jes Austell bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She reads it in the badass tone I believed the author has going on in her head. I wouldn't have been able to read it in this kind of tone.

What did you learn from #GIRLBOSS that you would use in your daily life?

Business skills and just stories of inspiration.

Any additional comments?

This book is fabulous and will make you reevaluate your career plans.