First, Exodus is the second part of a much larger narrative and story. The larger narrative and story is called the Pentateuch, which in the English Bible is Genesis through Deuteronomy. That means Exodus just carries over many of the same themes, topics, and truths from Genesis. It should catch our ear that the first lines in Exodus sound similar to many of the same lines found in Genesis with the genealogy stuff.
Second, Exodus is a bi-fid book. This means the book, unlike Genesis structure, can now be split into 2 parts. The first part of Exodus is chapters 1-19 and the second part of the book is 20-40. The first half of the book is narrative and the second half of the book is Law. Follow this 2 part structure as we read through the book. Many of the stories and narratives found in the first 19 chapters will be taught about and revealed in Word in the Law portion of the book.
Finally, this bi-fid structure means that after chapter 19 is read the narrative style and chronological order should be throw out the window. Chapters 20-40 take place on or at the foot of the mountain and happen at different times and the events get mixed up. The story now goes more for theological points connected rather than narrative connected.
Just some points to keep in mind as we begin to read and enjoy the book of Exodus.
FYI- My favorite character in the book of Exodus is Bezalel