Reading the Bible

The Bible Project - Bible project.com - is a good online resource. There's a brief video introduction to each book of the Bible, and a written guide too.

I agree with changing translations, KJV is great for poetics, but not for understanding the Bible. It's a revision of earlier English translations with particular choices made and between those political choices and archaic language, it's harder to understand. If really wanting to do KJV for the cultural history, you can buy or find online commentaries - the Oxford Bible Commentary is your best bet, I think.

As already recommended, the Oxford New Revised Standard Version with annotation is a great choice, though if I recall correctly, they are coming out with a New Revised Standard Updated Edition in May next year. There is debates on best translation - it depends on a lot of factors - but the link you've already been given is widely praised by people, and I know many who are looking forward to the updated version. I'd also recommend a Jewish Publication Society translation with annotations for those books to get a broader cultural understanding.

The kind of guide that focuses on understanding each book and the cultural influences do exist; however, are hard to find. The one I've used the most - The Bible and Its Influences - is a very American textbook (so primarily discusses US culture), aimed at older secondary age, and regularly goes out of print, I can online recommend it if you find a decently priced second hand copy and those parameters work for you. I've not yet found an accessible one that discusses culture more broadly than that, though there are academic journals on the topic that might be of interest.

Sorry for the Canadian link
but this might be helpful
www.amazon.ca/New-Oxford-Annotated-Bible-Apocrypha/dp/0190276088/ref=asc_df_0190276088?mcid=df5a1b3354e83efcb057970852119015&tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=706827905720&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10498485716399913863&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9208226&hvtargid=pla-524414522043&psc=1&hvocijid=10498485716399913863-0190276088-&hvexpln=0&gad_source=1p

I would change translation. The New American Standard Bible is the most accurate I believe, although others might correct me. Or you could go for a much simpler one like the Good News. It will be easier to make sense of than the KJV.

There are lots of commentaries online. I tend to just google ‘Matthew 6 meaning’ or whatever, and loads comes up.

Apologies if that’s not exactly what you’re asking! There are lots of books available that are commentaries for specific books of the Bible.. some more detailed than others. I guess it depends exactly the purpose you’re reading it for.

It will sound a bit crazy to you if you’re not religious, but I actually suggest asking God before you read it to show you what it’s about. It’s not going to cause any harm and who knows.

Maybe try a children’s bible? It’ll give you the gist of the various stories.