It is generally accepted that no Israelite literature was written extensively before the reign of David. The telling of these traditions was to convey the covenants of God with Israel and the teach the nature of God. These also gave Israel an identity as the people of Yahweh. This is a significant place to start, that is with the fact of Creation. It set's the groundwork for answering questions about life and death, sin and redemption, good and evil, and the future.
Genesis is divided into two major sections.
Chapters 1-11 present the personal nature of God's creation, and His relationship to humans in particular. Genesis also reveals information about the nature of God and His intended purpose for His creation. From Genesis we know that the universe has a purpose in a personal and loving God. Read Chapter 1. The Concise Matthew Henry Commentary on this book.