Re:Really good book: Simarillian (Score 1)

Definately try again. If you care that Strider rode with the Rohirrim and fought for Gondor, along with the history of kings from Elendil and Isildur, you may enjoy the elf-human roots of Elrond and Aragorn, the houses of noble men whose scions founded numenor, Sauron as a lieutenant of Morgoth.
Speed read the Aiunadale and valaquenta, if you have to, that may help get you to the interesting escapades of Feanor and the elves.