I have an interest in the history of oppressed groups, the common people, workers rights etc. I was going to pick up Zinn's book, but I am discouraged after seeing some less than savoury reviews of the book in this subreddit.
Thank you
David Graeber, while he doesn't present a full history of people in the modern world, has done tons of work in anthropology that would interest you (he's an anarchist). Fortunately, he's also considered one of the world's finest anthropologists whose work both on anarchist anthropology and regular anthropology are widely praised.
Just search David Graeber on youtube, and you'll find a ton of stuff.
As someone with similar interests and a background in history/sociology I think it would be best to read books on particular subjects.
Some of my favorites Righteous Dopefiend - Follows a community of addicts.
How the Other Half Lives - on NY tenements.
10 Days in a Mad House