War in the Boats by Wiliam J. Ruhe is a good read, especially his experiances on S boats.
Run Silent, Run Deep by Edward L. Beach, is a classic and although its a ficticious story, Beach served on fleet boats during the war and much of the story is based on RL events. Its a very good introduction to US subs and a good read too. Plus you will know all about 'Bungo Pete' by the end of it! Its the first book I read on the subject of US subs.
Silent Victory by Clay Blair, as has already been mentioned, is essential reading, I'm halfway through it at the moment.
If you are looking for an accessable technical book about fleet boats, try the Osprey New Vanguard book on US subs 1941 to 1945. Its easy to read and is well illustrated. However it doesn't go into great depth about the subject.
As for U boats
Das Boot by Lothar-Gunther Buchheim (who sadly died just recently) is the classic sub novel. A very good read and plenty to get through too. It forms the basis of the eponimous film which is possibly the best naval film ever made sub or surface IMO!
Iron Coffins By Herbert A. Werner is also a very goo read, as has been said its a very personal account of the U boat war. It can also be a devastating read as you find out what happened to U boats in 1943! Werner could possibly be the luckiest U boat commander of the war and one of the few to survive it.
Thats pretty much my reading list at the moment.
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