If I was going to recommend books to someone who has never picked up a SW book before but was interested, here’s what I would suggest that doesn’t require much shoehorning into the current canon.

Revenge of the Sith novelization: THIS is the definitive backstory of the OT. Puts the film itself to shame.

Darth Plagueis: Cool story tying the prequels together

Master and Apprentice: Wonderful exploration into the Jedi religion, and more interestingly, the strain between spirituality and dogma; I really enjoyed this one for that.

Splinter of the Mind’s Eye: It’s good! It has historical value, too.

Shadows of the Empire: Fun story between ESB and ROTJ

Glove of Darth Vader series and Dark Empire: Glean what you may from the source material for the ST.

The Approaching Storm: For people that enjoy being bored

Bloodline: Remedial ST context

I, Jedi: It’s good, and a glimpse into the post-ROTJ EU without breaking your tether.

Labyrinth of Evil: Pretend its early 2005 and get into the hype headspace.

Phantom Menace novelization: It’s pretty good, and you learn Dooku’s true age.

The Secret History of Star Wars: Wake up, sheeple!

Star Wars Episode I Scrapbook: Nostalgia

The Visual Dictionaries: So good

OT Choose Your Own Adventure books: Hopefully you’ll get farther than me on your first read. I got killed by sand people on Tatooine after the very first decision.