I'm interested in the Roman Republic, pre-Cesar, lately. Is there any books that you know on the subject that are accessible to a non historian type? Doesn't have to be extremely detailed, but a good overview of how it got started, socio-political situation at that time and place and how it functioned would be appreciated. Thanks!
You could read Plutarch's Lives. It details the lives of some of the most notable Greeks and Romans. Many of the Roman lives occur during the beginning and height of the republic, and you can glean some knowledge from those stories, as well as be entertained at the same time.
edit: The reading level is intermediate I would say, so decide for yourself how strong of a reader you are.