The Fear Index by Robert Harris (Random House)

By Robert Harris

(Knopf, Hardcover $25.95)  

The novel is centered around a genius who develops a technology that can predict the finance market, but he suddenly finds that someone is after him. Whether the fear is a reality or just a result of his unstable mind, this book is worth picking up if you love a good science-driven thriller. 

Consent of the Networked: The Worldwide Struggle for Internet Freedom

By Rebecca MacKinnon

(Basic, Hardcover $26.99)

If you’re constantly in fear of where your information is going on the Internet, then this book is your guide to the uprising. Rebecca MacKinnon asks Internet users to take an active role in the World Wide Web as she makes a war cry for our rights. 

Event: Carrie Fisher at Book Soup on Sunset

March 13, 2012 at 7:00pm

Star Wars fans unite! Carrie Fisher will be making a special appearance at Book Soup to read and discuss her book “Shockaholic.” You’ll learn tons of interesting things, or at least be reminded of random facts like her stepmother was Elizabeth Taylor. 

Event: A Night with Mike the PoeT and Douglas Kearny at The Last Bookstore in Downtown Los Angeles

February 5, 2012 from 3:00pm-5:00pm

The Last Bookstore in Downtown Los Angeles will be host to an open mic night hosted by Mike the PoeT along with a special reading from award-winning poet and author Douglas Kearny. Yes, this event is really as cool as it sounds. 

Reach Books Editor Judy L. Wang here or follow her on Twitter.