No. I cannot narrow the most destructive century in mankind (the 20th century with 500 million dead in war), and definately will not narrow the biggest EVENT in the history of mankind, World War II, down to two or three books.
The person that would want 3 books for WW2 should have received that education in High School, or college level courses in contemporary European (or military history) history.
The reason I say this is WW2 was HUGE...and on purpose, I studied Russian so I could read Russian version of events on the East Front.
Did you know that seventy percent (70%!!!!) of all combat casualties from were on the EASTERN FRONT? Thats all the way from 1933 (when China went into Manchuria) to VJ day in 1945, the Russians bore the true hell of WW2.
I suggest the book "The Second World War" by John Keegan, for basic understanding of WW2. He writes from an ENGLISH perspective, not American. For an American perspective, contact Ambrose, or Theodore Wilson at University of Kansas.
Keegan also is an author on WW1.
Glad I could be of help.
I add "Death of a Navy" but I read it 35-40 years ago and don't have a copy for a quick review.
Final note: I find Keegan to be a boring writer. The facts are there but his style is just too dry.