Any recommendations?

The only exposure I've had to the "Expanded Universe" was the Thrawn trilogy and The Truce at Bakura. Although I enjoyed all 4 books (particularly the Thrawn trilogy) I haven't read anything Star Wars related in about a decade.

I'd like to pick something up but with the sheer volume of Star Wars related books out there now I don't know where to start. I also would like to avoid those books that either kill off major characters from the original trilogy (like Chewbacca), or have major characters from the original trilogy doing things that would be out of character. (like having Luke turn to the dark side)

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.