beginner book recommendations that are not orthodox?

i’ve been looking for a good book to read as an introduction to basic jewish life, history, culture, etc.; but i have found that many popular or highly-rated books have a very orthodox point of view. i do not want to read any books specifically about reform judaism, either, but are there any beginner-level books that are NOT very orthodox? such as acknowledging the history of gay jews or how homosexual relationships work in judaism in real life without specifically focusing on it either.