I hate bad writing, especially bad franchise writing. Are any of the “Star Wars” extended universe novels worth reading?
I recently got the DVD set and have rediscovered my youthful enthusiasm for the cosmology of the SW universe. I loved reading the schlocky Han Solo novels like “han solo and the lost legacy” and “Splinter of the Mind’s eye” back in the eighties. I know a million have been written since.
What’s good? What’s closest in spirit to the films?
Definately read Timothy Zahn’s books. They take place right after the fall of the Empire. They are, in order:
Heir To The Empire
Dark Force Rising
The Last Command
Specter of the Past
Vision of the Future
They are, AFAIK, canon. They are also excellent reads. Thrawn is a marvelous character, and you get some more back story on Vader, too. 
For the prequel era, try Shatterpoint by Matthew Stover. Post ROTJ, the X-Wing series is a must, especially the ones by Aaron Allston.
YUB YUB COMMANDER!!!
I second silenus’ recommendation of the Timothy Zahn books, especially the first three (the Heir to the Empire trilogy), for I haven’t read the last two.