Yes, I highly recommend the thrawn trilogy. Not only is it still great, I would say that they're the most essential star wars novels since they kickstarted the EU and was basically the original star wars sequel trilogy.
It's every beginners books when trying get into the EU. As for other essentials I would say that you should read the Jedi Academy trilogy next. It's the next trilogy that takes place after the thrawn trilogy. It's not as good as the thrawn trilogy though.
But I still thought it was overall a fun read even with some plot holes and stuff that's rather unbelievable. Plus all the books all small it's a pretty quick read. The Jedi Academy trilogy introduces a lot of characters will all have important roles in other expanded universe stories.