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No bother, but I can see a lot of good recommendations from others right of the bat. “The Killer Angels” is an absolutely fantastic historical fiction, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. I’d start there because if you don’t find that book interested, then you’re not going to find the Civil War interesting.

I always found the Civil War interesting so that won't be a problem whatsoever. My main motivation is to actually find out on my own from various sources rather than what I "learned" all thanks to public education.

From that you can find any number of books that delve into the subject or subjects you choose. Enjoy.

My original idea would be to try and start from before the War, with topics like Dred Scott, "Bleeding Kansas", secession in the South, Fort Sumter, and then go from there. Thanks for the recommendations!

“My main motivation is to actually find out on my own from various sources rather than what I “learned” all thanks to public education.”

.....may I suggest going straight to the internet for some reading of the origional sources....that’s what I’m doing this summer and having a lot of fun doing it...plus I’m sharing my research with family members who are enjoying it too......for example, I went into the Florida state archives and pulled my g-grandfather’s Confederate Pension file....this one document has led me thru his unit’s involvment in three battles, the nature of his wounds, his capture and imprisonment at Camp Douglas Illinois, his refusal to take the Oath of Alligence and his long walk of 1000 miles home at war’s end.....once you get into origional sources it’s hard to stop....and after all, that’s what the guys who write the books do any way....who knows, your research may inspire you to write your own book!...best of luck, and thank you for the ping.

My main motivation is to actually find out on my own from various sources rather than what I "learned" all thanks to public education.

At some point you need to read the Confederate Constitution and compare it to the US Constitution. (I was fortunate enough to see the original)
http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/csa/csa.htm

Also look here for interesting documents:
http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/csa/csapage.htm

Turtledove's novels have been mentioned. For a straight up historical novel that is quite good, Fort Pillow deals with that battle and Gen. Forrest.

Don't forget to read up on the western theater - often overlooked.