One history book I might recommend is "The Basque History of the World" by Mark Kurlansky. I read it several years ago, and I really liked it because it was really interesting and rather easy to read (not very highbrow, yet well-written). Here is a description from the back of the book:
"Straddling a small corner of Spain and France in a land that is marked on no maps except their own, the Basques are a puzzling contradiction -- they are Europe's oldest nation without ever having been a country. No one has ever been able to determine their origins, and even the Basques' language, Euskera -- the most ancient in Europe -- is related to none other on earth. For centuries, their influence has been felt in nearly every realm, from religion to sports to commerce. Even today, the Basques are enjoying what may be the most important cultural renaissance in their long existence.
Mark Kurlansky's passion for the Basque people and his exuberant eye for detail shine through this fascinating book. The Basque History of the World blends human stories and economic, political, literary, and culinary history into a rich and heroic tale."
I don't know if that sounds like something you'd like to read, but I enjoyed it.