reading around the subject of computing

That is an awfully broad question-- there are millions of books on tens of thousands of topics, all about computers. There are books about the role of computers in society. There are books about specific technologies. There are books about the process and art of programming.

I am sure that the program you are in tells you what books you need to read.

Why don't you tell us what you are interested in? Why did you decide to enter a computing class?

Ok i suppose it is too broad. There aren't really any books that I've been told to read other than the text book. However i do like topics such as quantum computing, encryption and ciphers, and programming (visual basic mainly)

Do you mean pop-science books, or more text-booky kinda stuff?

pop science books