Alex,
Wish I could have suggested a good book when you called in last night ( Oct 4th, 2010 ). I highly recommend: A Peoples History of the United States by Howard Zinn (this book is written from the surf's [peoples] point of view; from Columbus up to present day, and will blow your mind. Also, be sure to read The Revolution (A Manifesto) by Ron Paul. Hope you see this post! Not sure if there's a "suggested reading" book thread on here. I searched but couldn't find one.
Freedom and Peace! ~ Barbara D. ~