How to Run a Genre Deep-Dive Month (Romance, Sci-fi, Memoir, etc.)

Key Takeaways

• Focus on one book genre each month.
• Rotate genres (Romance, Sci-Fi, Memoir, Fantasy).
• Assign a monthly host to lead discussions.
• Use fun book-themed apparel from Bookish Wardrobe to enhance meetings.
• Include creative prompts, challenges, and activities to boost engagement.
• Track your club's reading progress clearly.

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What Is a Genre Deep-Dive Month?

A genre deep-dive month means your book club picks one genre to focus on for four weeks. Everyone reads a book or books in that genre, discusses themes, and explores what makes it unique. It gives members a fresh perspective and encourages trying books they might normally skip.

Some genres you can try:

• Romance
• Sci-Fi
• Memoir
• Fantasy
• Historical Fiction

If you're new to book clubs, this Guide to Starting a Book Club with Friends can help set the foundation.

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Choosing the Right Genres (and Balancing the Mix)

When planning your deep-dive schedule, it's smart to balance heavy themes with lighter ones. Think about your members' preferences and reading speeds. You don’t want back-to-back intense reads.

Genre	Mood	Common Themes
Romance	Light, Emotional	Love, Relationships
Sci-Fi	Bold, Futuristic	Tech, Ethics, Societies
Memoir	Reflective	Real-life Lessons, Growth
Fantasy	Epic, Magical	Good vs. Evil, Adventure
Historical	Grounded, Timed	Past Events, Culture

If you need inspiration, check out The Top 5 Book Series to Dive Into Right Now.

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Creating a Monthly Reading Plan (With Genre Hosts)

Having a calendar keeps everyone on track. Assign a host for each genre month—they'll lead discussions and help pick the book. It spreads the workload and makes everyone feel involved.

Tips:

• Create a shared calendar.
• Set weekly goals (e.g., 50 pages/week).
• Post reminders in your group chat.

Busy readers? How to Find Time for Daily Reading in a Busy Life has tips for fitting reading into hectic schedules.

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Picking the Right Book(s) for Each Genre

Choosing the right book makes or breaks a deep-dive month. Use polls or quick votes.

Keep in mind:

• Length (200–350 pages is ideal)
• Accessibility (available in audio, digital, and print)
• Mix of popular and lesser-known picks

Pair this with advice from How to Read More Books Throughout the Year.

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Themed Discussions and Book Club Merch to Match

Make it fun—match your outfits and themes! Rock a galaxy tee for Sci-Fi, or wear pastel bookish sweaters for Romance. Bookish Wardrobe has apparel for every genre mood.

Add a themed question card deck or backdrop for photo-worthy meetings.

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Adding Challenges: Reviews, Creative Prompts & Side Activities

Want to keep it interactive? Try these:

• Review Roulette: Randomly assign someone to review the book aloud.
• Creative Prompt: "Write a flash story set in this genre."
• Trope Tracker: Who can spot the most classic tropes?

Need more activity ideas? Read Beyond the Book: Fun Activities to Make Your Book Club More Interactive.

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How to Track Progress and Keep It Going

Tracking makes things feel more official. Use spreadsheets, reading journals, or printable checklists.

Include:

• Weekly page goals
• Book ratings
• Member notes

Check out How to Keep a Personal Reading Log (Beyond Goodreads) for ideas.

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Wrapping Up the Month: Reviews, Polls & Planning the Next Genre

Close each month with a mini wrap-up session. Talk about the genre’s strengths and what everyone liked (or didn’t). Try emoji polls or quick 1–5 ratings.

Example Wrap-Up Questions:

• Did this genre surprise you?
• What would you read next in this genre?
• Would you recommend the book to others?

Boost your final meeting with 5 Questions to Spark Engaging Book Club Discussions.

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External Resources

• Goodreads Books by Genre
• StoryGraph Genre Stats

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