if any of you have any suggestions for a star wars novel series or even one book to pick up reading, i would appreciate it. anything clone wars or new republic era preferably.

All the Republic Commando Novel's are excellent. They are by Karen Traviss. Death Star was excellent, Shatterpoint, Mace Windu is in that one as a main character. There are only 2 or 3 book's in all of the Star Wars book's that I haven't read yet, a couple of the older ones. I enjoyed all of the ones set during the Clone Wars. Vector Prime the very first Novel of the New Jedi Order was Awesome!

If you are looking for a short series, you might like the Medstar duology by Michael Reeves and Steve Perry. The two books focus on Barriss Offee in a makeshift hospital on the front lines of the war. It's a break from the main characters who have small parts, but still has the SW feel. If you don't like it, it's only two books and they read rather quickly. If you do like the characters, Reeves continues a couple of them in the Coruscant Nights trilogy which focuses on Jax Pavan during the Dark Times era. Death Star by the same authors was an interesting stand alone with some fun stories if you like the authors.

One of the best series is the Thrawn trilogy by Timothy Zahn (Heir to the Empire, Dark Force Rising, The Last Command) Fast paced, great storyline, and wonderful character development. Set during the beginning of the New Republic, Thrawn tries to bring the Empire back and overthrow the Rebels who are now in charge. Quite a few minis from his books which will give you a better understanding of who they are and appreciate their stats more.

once again not exactly a book...
Dark Empire!

good stuff!

I just read death troopers. I could see what was coming a mile away.

I've really enjoyed the Darth Bane series so far. I also agree completely with SquelchDog and Squid, the Republic Commando series was great as was the Medstar duology. Another good series was the Coruscant Nights series, gives you the story of Jax Pavan.
As far as individual books, if you like the republic era, Shatterpoint, Cestus Deception and The Approaching Storm are all good. Allegiance is another good one shot.

the X-wing series is my favorite by far followed by the Republic Commando books.

han solo trilogy are good

Best Star Wars book to start with, hands down, is Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn, which is part of the Thrawn Trilogy. I recommend the whole series, actually, but pick up the first book and see if you like it. It's one of the first EU books, so it's old, and you can find it really cheap, and it introduces one of my favorite EU characters ever: Grand Admiral Thrawn!

Speaking of Palleon, there's a Clone Wars novel featuring him: No Prisoners. It's short, but enjoyable. My favorite part was when Palleon forces Ahsoka to dress like manner appropriate for her age and position.