I’ve read Shelby Foote’s three volume history, and James McPherson’s “Battle Cry of Freedom.” I’ve also read numerous other books associated with the War of Northern Aggression.
One of my favorite historical authors is Robert Leckie. His Civil War history is titled: “None But the Brave - The Saga of the Civil War.”
Leckie has written other histories, such as “George Washington’s War,” Delivered From Evil - The Saga of World War II,” and “The Wars of America.” His writing style is easy to read, and enjoyable. He also authored a book on the battle of Guadalcanal which I haven’t read. Mr. Leckie was a Marine who fought on Guadalcanal.
Whatever else you read in the next year, make time for Leckie's "Challenge for the Pacific; Guadalcanal, the turning point of the war."
I can still cite passages from that book from when I read it over forty years ago.