I feel a bit remiss in not having contributed much of anything on reading recommendations in some time. I have been reading more than I ever have over the past year, but my book consumption has overwhelmingly been devoted to my doctoral studies. Course work was completed last April. For comprehensive exams I need to have a handle on two reading lists of about 100 titles each. (My majors are Canadian history and Aboriginal studies; I have obtained a waiver that means I don't have to be examined on my other field, US history.)
When I get a chance I'll pore over my reading lists and recommend some titles that I think would be of interest to general history buffs.