As for Historical Novels...
Ken Follett - PILLARS OF THE EARTH - This book was recommended to me by a 12-year old actor I was working with at the time. I remember buying the paperback while we were working together, but I did not start reading it until a year later or so. And... WOW! I had no idea what to expect - except for a long read (lots o' pages!) - but once the story got going... and going... and going... What a wonderful read. And since I went through a Medieval, castles, etc., phase when I was in high school...
Joseph Conrad - RED BADGE OF COURAGE
Michael Chabon - THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF KAVALIER & CLAY - Yes, it covers more recent history, but it covers history.
David Leavitt - WHILE ENGLAND SLEEPS - I've always meant to follow up on the whole plagiarism scandal regarding this book. In any case, I still liked it.
And many more I know that are not coming to my mind right now.