Some EU was good, some did not interest me much. But I must admit that when I first read the Zahn trilogy it was the only time that I really felt like "watching" great Star Wars movies. I need to read this again!
Shadow of the Empire was not a bad idea from Lucas, but the new character vilain (can't remember his name) did not work for me.
The manga was cool indeed! and Dark Empire comics was (in Jack Loyd's voice) very, VERY cool.
Other than that there's good things, but these are the one that come in mind first.