ur reading the Sillmarilion? its my favorite book of all time (i actually really enjoy the love story of elbereth and also if u think about it the scope of the battle against Morgoth completely dwarfs (no pun intended) the battles against Sauron which is staggering!
check out this link its awsome!!!!!!!!
http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/
in terms of future readings
*the foundation trilogy-issac asimov (as suggested above)
*seize the night- dean koontz
*hitchhikers guide to the galaxy(the 5 part trilogy)-Douglas adams