Greetings all. I've been reading EU since the Zahn books first came out, though it's been ages since I bought anything new. I absolutely refuse to get involved with anything that takes the PT into account. That said, some EU is definitely more stupid than others. My experience is entirely with novels plus Dark Empire; no video games.

Anchorhead, I'm really glad you've been enjoying Zahn. You're right: he fundamentally understands what makes Star Wars great. He's put parsecs more thought into each of his storylines than GL did for the whole.

The parts of the EU I like:

X-Wing series. Just reread this. Great characters, good humor, and tons of references to the REAL Clone Wars. The references to those who have died serving with Rogue Squadron really helps connect to SW1977.

The Courtship of Princess Leia. A very good one-off. The witches of Dathomir are GREAT characters. It's amazing to see Dark Side users who aren't Sith. That alone makes it worth the read.

Thrawn trilogy. No reasons needed; see Anchorhead's reviews.

Jedi Academy trilogy. The concept of the Maw Installation think-tank seems very realistic, even if some of the characters are silly. Blob-racing is infinitely more entertaining than the pod-racing.

I, Jedi. The first-person perspective is very interesting, and I like the story of Corran's journey. I also like his silver lightsaber.

Hand of Thrawn duology. Zahn is strong in the ways of the Force.

I know there's a lot of dislike of the NJO, and I understand why. At the same time, it introduces a real threat to the New Republic and hands them their first real defeats in years. I also like that they're not afraid to kill long-established characters. It sets a sense of worry, and you no longer know for certain that all the good guys will live to the end.

Best part of the EU by far: Leia has a red lightsaber.