I want to learn about all kinds of history, but don't know where to start. (I never studied in school) Can someone help? Should I start with a general summary of certain cultures, or civilizations; almost like the textbook type we had in school. Thanks.

First, read a general summary of world history, then pick out certain periods to study--there are so many.* Or just start at the beginning with the earliest civilizations and go forward from there. Rather than memorize or study details and dates, learn generalities about how they farmed, how they learned (education), what they ate and how they got those foods, their tools and methods of transportation, their wars against whom and why.

*Start with kids' books at the local public library in order to get a simple overview.

A good general survey of world history (although perhaps a bit Euro-centric) is the Penguin History of the World, by Robert Brooks. It is well written, but is, of necessity, a bit intimidating in size.

You may want to start with the history of your country. Learn about where it began, what it's been through, and you'll see how it got to be where it is :)

OOPs -sorry - one more comment.
History is just filled to the brim with interesting people. As you go along, don't neglect biographies. In addition to the people being interesting in themselves, knowing more about the individual(s) involved often helps you to make more sense of WHY things happened as they did.

Can anyone recommend any 'general summary' history books? Thank you for the hint about the penquin! I also like the thot of children's books, too.