Torah as History Book?

Is the Torah a credible source of truth? Can one really believe that Noah's flood was indeed universal (global)? It defies logic. In Joshua there's a story about the sun standing still. Does it move at all? Is this to be taken literally?

I empathize with your question! There are certainly parts of the Bible that are meant as metaphor and not to be taken literally e.g. Deuteronomy 10:16 which tells us to "circumcise the foreskin of your heart". However, sections which talk about the historical experiences that shaped the Jewish people, and which many of our commandments are based upon are meant to be taken literally. Since we believe in Divine intervention, prophecy and miracles, these stories are not fantastic and unbelievable to us. However, when it is possible the commentaries do try to reduce the miraculous aspect of events and show that they can be part of nature as well.