The Genre You’ve Been Curious About But Haven’t Read Yet: A Reading Challenge to Finally Explore It!
The Genre You’ve Been Curious About But Haven’t Read Yet: A Reading Challenge to Finally Explore It!
Have you ever found yourself eyeing a genre in the bookstore or library, intrigued by the idea of exploring it, but unsure where to start? Or maybe you’ve heard about a genre that sounds exciting but never quite found a reason to dive in? It’s time to change that! This fall, challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone and explore a genre that’s piqued your interest but remains unexplored.
Whether you’re drawn to fantasy but have never read a novel of magic and mythical creatures, or have been curious about romance novels but haven’t quite taken the leap, this challenge is your chance to finally embrace that genre. Let’s give you a reason to start reading that book you’ve been putting off. Let’s make this fall the season you discover something new!
How the Challenge Works:
Pick Your Genre: The first step is to choose the genre that has sparked your curiosity. If you’ve been hesitant to try it, now’s the time to commit. Whether it's fantasy, romance, historical fiction, or something niche like magical realism or science fiction, pick what excites you most.
Set Your Goal: The goal of this challenge is to read at least 2 books from the genre you’ve chosen over the next month. The key is to dive in and give it a fair chance without overwhelming yourself. If you enjoy it, great! If not, at least you’ve explored something new.
Dive In and Enjoy: This isn’t about forcing yourself to finish a book you don’t enjoy—it’s about embracing the opportunity to expand your literary horizons and discover new authors, writing styles, and stories. Go into it with an open mind and let yourself be surprised.
Share Your Experience: At the end of the challenge, reflect on what you’ve learned. Did you enjoy the genre? Did it live up to your expectations, or was it different from what you imagined? Share your thoughts with others, whether on social media, in a book club, or in the comments below. You might inspire someone else to try the genre too!
Why You Should Take the Leap:
1. New Discoveries:
There’s so much to discover in literature, and each genre offers a unique lens through which you can view the world. Genres you’ve been curious about might open your eyes to new ideas, creative storytelling, and characters you can’t help but love. By reading outside your usual genre, you’ll enrich your reading experience.
2. Break Out of Your Reading Comfort Zone:
It’s easy to get stuck in a reading rut, always gravitating toward what’s familiar. This challenge pushes you to move beyond the genres you know and explore something different. Whether you choose a genre like historical fiction or thriller, you’ll gain a fresh perspective on storytelling.
3. Grow Your Reading List:
Starting with a genre you’ve been interested in but haven’t read yet is a great way to expand your TBR (to-be-read) list. You’ll discover new authors and titles, and with so many books available in every genre, you’ll always have more to read. It’s a way to broaden your literary world without feeling overwhelmed.
4. You Might Find a New Favorite:
What if you end up loving it? Trying a new genre could uncover a new literary love that you never expected. You might become a fan of magical realism, historical mysteries, or even contemporary romance. You never know until you try!
Genre Ideas to Try:
1. Fantasy:
If you’ve been intrigued by magic, mythical creatures, and epic quests but never ventured into fantasy, now’s your chance! Books like The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien or The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss are excellent starting points for immersing yourself in fantastical worlds. Fantasy is about so much more than dragons—it’s about exploring the human experience through imaginative lenses.
2. Romance:
If romance novels have always felt like they weren’t for you, it’s time to see what you’ve been missing. From sweet love stories to sizzling passion, romance offers a range of emotions and experiences. Consider starting with The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion for a quirky, heartwarming story, or The Hating Game by Sally Thorne for something fun and flirty.
3. Historical Fiction:
Are you curious about different time periods but haven’t read much historical fiction? Now is the perfect time to delve into past worlds. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah or All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr are deeply moving stories that will transport you to the past while exploring complex human experiences.
4. Thriller/Mystery:
Thrillers and mysteries are often known for being gripping page-turners. If you’ve been hesitant about diving into suspense-filled stories, challenge yourself to start with books like Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn or Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. These genres will keep you hooked with twists and turns that make reading a thrilling experience.
5. Science Fiction:
If you’ve always been curious about futuristic worlds, technology, and space exploration, but never knew where to start, now is the time to try The Martian by Andy Weir or Dune by Frank Herbert. Science fiction is perfect for anyone who loves to think outside the box and explore possibilities of the future.
6. Horror:
Halloween is just around the corner, so why not take this opportunity to dive into horror? If you’ve been curious about the genre but haven’t yet found the courage, start with a classic like The Shining by Stephen King or Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Horror can be more than just scares—it’s about atmosphere, tension, and the thrill of the unknown.
7. Nonfiction/True Crime:
If you’ve been wondering about nonfiction or true crime but didn’t know where to start, books like Becoming by Michelle Obama or I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara will open up worlds of fascinating real-life stories, from inspiring biographies to chilling criminal investigations.
Conclusion:
This is your chance to dive into a genre you’ve always been curious about but never had a reason to explore. Whether you’re intrigued by fantasy, romance, or historical fiction, now’s the perfect time to take the plunge. Don’t worry about making it your favorite genre—just enjoy the process of reading something new and discovering a fresh perspective.
Take the challenge, enjoy the ride, and who knows? You might just find your next favorite book.
Call-to-Action (CTA):
Ready to Start? Choose the genre that’s piqued your interest, set your reading goal, and dive in! Share your journey in the comments or on social media. Need Recommendations? If you’re not sure where to start with your chosen genre, let us know! We’ll be happy to suggest books to get you started.