2026 Reading Challenge: March Women

March has arrived and with it comes a new reading challenge prompt: read a book written by a woman.

Sunday 8th March is International Women's Day and to celebrate we're encouraging readers to pick up a book authored by a woman. No matter what your interests, we've got a book for you! Here are some recommendations to get your started!

Greedy by Callie Kazumi

Let's start this list with a juicy bit of translated fiction from Japanese author Callie Kazumi in which a gambling addict lands a job working as a private chef to a Japanese billionaire with . . . unusual taste.

Ed is in trouble with the yakuza. He's gambled away all his money and his family is at risk. But just as he's about to lose everything, he receives an offer he can't refuse. A reclusive billionaire is looking for a private chef. The only catch- she has some. . . unusual tastes. As he prepares delicious dishes - fresh crab salad with a panko crumb, lamb shank dripping in red wine juice, sweet, fluffy souffle pancakes - he realizes that each meal is a test, a challenge to satisfy an insatiable appetite. Caught up in a world more sinister than he could ever have imagined, Ed finds himself entangled in another debt. As the stakes grow, he must make a choice. Will he stay hungry? Or will he be greedy? Dinner is served. Eat Up.

A Brief History of the Universe (and our place in it) by Sarah Alam Malik

Next on the list is one for the science readers and lovers of space. Sarah Alam Malik dives into the scientific discoveries that rocked our world throughout history and what's still left to discover.

Ever since the ancient Babylonians began to track celestial objects on clay tablets, scientific inquiry has been driven by the innately human desire to understand what is out there, and where we fit in among it all.  In this wonderful book, Dr Sarah Alam Malik  takes us on a journey through the discoveries that have propelled and continually overturned our perception of the cosmos. From Aristotle’s Earth-centred worldview to the Copernican revolution and Isaac Newton unifying the terrestrial and celestial under the law of gravity, fascination about our universe has never diminished.  One of the marvels of our existence is that we can imagine worlds far beyond our own, from the fiery deaths of faraway suns to the search for life beyond Earth. This capacity to share a much grander and more mysterious reality may be among the greatest privileges life has to offer. This is the story so far.  A Brief History of the Universe (and our place in it) is at once a fascinating story of discovery and a beautiful celebration of our endless curiosity.

Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe

From space to gods, Rachel Smythe's hit graphic novel retelling of the story of Persephone and Hades tackles a slew of modern issues through the lens of the Greek goods.

Scandalous gossip, wild parties, and forbidden love - witness what the gods do after dark in this stylish and contemporary reimagining of one of mythology's best-known stories. Persephone, young goddess of spring, is new to Olympus. Her mother, Demeter, has raised her in the mortal realm, but after Persephone promises to train as a sacred virgin, she's allowed to live in the fast-moving, glamorous world of the gods. When her roommate, Artemis, takes her to a party, her entire life changes- she ends up meeting Hades and feels an immediate spark with the charming yet misunderstood ruler of the Underworld. Now Persephone must navigate the confusing politics and relationships that rule Olympus, while also figuring out her own place - and her own power. This edition of Smythe's original Eisner-nominated webcomic Lore Olympus features a brand-new, exclusive short story, and brings the Greek pantheon into the modern age in a sharply perceptive and romantic graphic novel.

Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell

If non-fiction is more your thing, Amanda Montell's timely and fascinating exploration of how language is used to influence people might be just the hit you're looking for. Montell analyzes the social science of cult influence: how cultish groups from Jonestown and Scientology to SoulCycle and social media gurus use language as the ultimate form of power.

What makes “cults” so intriguing and frightening? What makes them powerful? The reason why so many of us binge Manson documentaries by the dozen and fall down rabbit holes researching suburban moms gone QAnon is because we’re looking for a satisfying explanation for what causes people to join—and more importantly, stay in—extreme groups. We secretly want to know: could it happen to me. Amanda Montell’s argument is that, on some level, it already has . . .Our culture tends to provide pretty flimsy answers to questions of cult influence, mostly having to do with vague talk of “brainwashing.” But the true answer has nothing to do with freaky mind-control wizardry or Kool-Aid. In Cultish, Montell argues that the key to manufacturing intense ideology, community, and us/them attitudes all comes down to language. In both positive ways and shadowy ones, cultish language is something we hear—and are influenced by—every single day.  Incisive and darkly funny, this enrapturing take on the curious social science of power and belief will make you hear the fanatical language of “cultish” everywhere.

Good People by Patmeena Sabit

It may be fiction, but this book is full of feelings and experiences that feel very real.

Zorah Sharaf could do no wrong. Zorah Sharaf brought shame upon her family. What's the truth? Depends on who you ask. The Sharaf family live in an exclusive neighbourhood in Virginia, where the father is a successful businessman and the children attend the most prestigious schools. Zorah, the eldest daughter, is the apple of her father's eye. The family's arrival in America, as refugees from war-torn Afghanistan, feels far behind them. But when Zorah dies in an unthinkable tragedy, everyone is left reeling and the family is thrust into the court of public opinion. There is talk that behind closed doors the Sharafs' happy household was anything but, and soon the veneer of the model immigrant family starts to crumble. Those who knew her best - and those who didn't know her at all - all have an opinion on who Zorah really was, and what really happened to her. A kaleidoscopic, urgent narrative, told through the chorus of voices surrounding the Sharafs, Good People is a riveting, provocative and unforgettable story of community, family and identity.

Always Home, Always Homesick by Hannah Kent

Hannah Kent blew the world away with her multi-award winning novel Burial Rites. Now she returns to Iceland is this exquisite love letter to a land that has forged a nation of storytellers.

In 2003, seventeen-year-old Australian exchange student Hannah Kent arrives at Keflavík Airport in the middle of the Icelandic winter. That night she sleeps off her jet lag and bewilderment in the National Archives of Iceland, unaware that, years later, she will return to the same building to write Burial Rites, the haunting story of Agnes Magnúsdóttir, the last woman executed in Iceland. The novel will go on to launch the author's stellar literary career and capture the hearts of readers across the globe. This memoir is her ode to the transcendent power of creativity, and her invitation to us all to join her in the realms of mystery, spirit and wonder.

Sensible Money by Emily Stewart

For anyone looking to be more money savvy and financially literate, ABC's Emily Stewart stands apart in finance advice for her focus on educating people about their personal finance options and not assuming a one-size-fits-all approach, so that people are empowered to make decisions that are right for them and their families.

A no-nonsense guide to making better money choices and gaining financial freedom, written by ABC finance reporter Emily Stewart, aka Sensible Emily. Stewart's articles on topics such as budgeting, super and property have racked up millions of combined views thanks to their clear, relatable tone, and straightforward, trustworthy information. In Sensible Money she gives you practical tips and tricks to help you set up your financial foundations so you can go from surviving to thriving. She'll help you destroy your debt, give you strategies to save, and then when you're back on your feet, help you budget for your first home, invest in shares and sort out your super. The financial world is more complex than ever, but with Sensible Emily as your guide, you will feel empowered to navigate your financial future.

Letters to Our Robot Son by Cadance Bell

For a touch of reflective dystopia, Cadance Bell's unexpected story of life, family, hope, and redemption—at the end of the world (maybe) is as playful as it is prescient, and an intergalactic love letter to found families.

Arto wakes up in a desolate world devoid of humanity—he’s a robot, he knows that much—but he has no memory of how he got here. With a mysterious letter and a cheeky kitten as his only companion, he embarks on a quest to understand his existence.   As Arto navigates this unfamiliar landscape, he stumbles upon a cantankerous robot who claims to be his sister. And that's a problem, because she might be the reason there are no more people.

Want more great recommendations of women authors? Browse online at shop.boundlessbooks.com.au or head in store and have a chat with our staff for a recommendation taylored to you!