Hard Tack and Coffee.  Soldier's Life in the Civil War  

by John D. Billings. 

Originally published in 1888, this book is an excellent introduction to the real soldier's life during the Civil War.  The author served with the Army of the Potomac during the Civil War.  The often tongue in cheek humor not only illustrates army life but does it in a highly entertaining way.  An excellent read all on its own.

Everyday Life During the Civil War: A Guide for Writers, Students, and Historians 

by Michael J. Varhola

This book is a broad-based introduction to the day-to-day conditions, attitudes, and events of the period. For some, this book may be the only tool they need to research the Civil War, or one of just a few, while for others it will serve as one resource among many and a guide toward finding others.

Echoes of Glory: Arms and Equipment of the Union 

by the Editors of Time-Life Books

Using photos and material compiled by Time-Life for their Civil War series, this book does a great job illustrating the equipment, weapons and uniform items carried by the average Union soldier. This book may not be appreciated by everyone but it is an excellent book if you are interested in the American Civil War.

Uniforms of the Civil War

by Robin Smith & Ron Field

An illustrated guide for historians, collectors, and reenactors

What They Didn't Teach You About the Civil War

by Mike Wright

The title says it all.  This book examines the motives, trivia, and lesser-known facts about the War.

With My Face to the Enemy

Edited by Robert Cowley

Essays by David Herbert Donald, Gary W. Gallagher, Lames M. McPherson, Stephen W. Sears, and others

This book examines the pivotal people and events of the Civil War, as told by some of the most respected historians of the Civil War.  While this is a serious book, it fits in well with a first-time reader of Civil War literature.  It is extremely well-written and very readable by a first-time reenactor.