Just some quick hitters since you got a lot of replies already
→ Level 7 may just be a bit weird, having just finished it level 8 is a lot easier
→ If youve already unlocked your second set of Kanjis, doing everything when its available you will level up in about 3-4 days.
This guide will help you better understand how WK works and you can set your own leveling schedule.
https://community.wanikani.com/t/my-journey-of-368-days-the-ultimate-guide-for-wk/31318/2?u=sorar
→ Beginner book club means beginner Native material, its doesnt mean actual beginners of learning Japanese so no need to be discouraged. Graded readers, Satori reader or other curated material for adult learners may be a better guage of your grammar progress.
→ If your short term goal is Reading then grammar is your top priority because its much easier to look up vocabulary than trying to figure out grammar as you go.
While Genki is decently comprehensive (even better if you have the workbooks too for practice), imo its better suited for guided learning cause its dense on new information. Personally would recommend reading either TaeKim Guide (Basic Grammar and Essential Grammar) or Human Japanese (Beginner and Intermediate) then use Genki as more of a reinforcement/practice tool. Both of the above will be lighter reads than Genki.
- Human Japanese is ordered like a conventional textbook but has a warmer tone to its presentation. Almost all the example sentences are voiced. (~$10-20 or there should be a Free Trial version in all formats)
- Tae Kim is ordered a bit differently but if you go through the Basic and Essential sections you will have what you need to go through Genki more easily. (Free online)
For your situation, I would recommend HJ more than TK to start since its an easier read. Start Genki after HJ beginner, then read HJ intermediate, then do Genki II. HJ intermediate material covers part way through Genki II.