books to expand my understanding of the world without making me want to shrivel up and cry

i saw that someone made a post similar to this last month, but i have another request to tack on that might make it more helpful for me.

i live in my little corner of the U.S. where, of course, i wasnt taught shit about the world outside of some vague history about my state. i can maybe name two countries in africa and my understanding of asia is limited to the "big" areas. i'd really like to understand the world's geography and general history that i was never taught.

im also interested in hearing about perspectives of people within the U.S. i just read Sitting Pretty by Rebekah Taussig and it kinda made me realize that im SO disconnected from the everyday experiences of people around me.

HERE'S THE CATCH. i am sensitive! im not kidding when i say that reading a heavy book can completely ruin my day. at the same time, i know that discomfort is literally what im asking for here, so im hoping to find some books that can teach me something real and valuable without sending me into a hyper-empathetic panic attack. this is probably not possible when it comes to certain topics, like the reality of war. i'll try to work myself up towards reading those really heavy pieces. for now, though, i need a bridge, if that makes sense.

thanks in advance!