I've got a different problem. My finger tips are numb net oversensitive too. I cannot hold a book.

I've had this wonderful gadget that is weighted on both ends and made of leather. It holds the book open for me and I set it on a lap desk I got for xmas.

Just be warned if going through airport security. I got pulled aside because they couldn't identify the object. Boy was I freaked because I couldn't imagine what I had that they'd have to search my bag for. In a pinch, it sure would hurt if you bonked someone on the head with it.

The HP books were my goal for the winter and I've yet to get one from the library. Maybe audio versions would be the way to go for those heavy books.

I joined a group called Bookmooch where you trade for books from around the world and list your books you're willing to part with. The cost is shipping and media mail across the US is around 2 bucks. I got my nieces and nephews like new books for xmas and it cost me nothing.

I'm reading the Oprah book too. I like it because it's double spaced and harder to get lost in. The content is alot to absorb so I find myself re-reading for comprehension. It didn't grab me right away, so stick with it and it gets easier.

The audio versions of Harry Potter are REALLY GOOD! The American versions are narrated by the same guy who narrates the tv show Pushing Daisies. (Jim Dale???) and the British versions are narrated by someone else who's name I cant remember right now.

I have two copies of one of the books. One version is narrated by Jim Dale, and the other one by the other guy. Both are excellent narrators.

They're fun to listen to, and if you have a cd player or an mp3 player capable car stereo, you can listen to them in the car on long trips.

I love audio books. Altho, I tend to read faster than the audio books read, so it feels like it takes forever to get thru the novels when listening to them rather than actually reading them. The last book I actually read cover to cover was the last Harry Potter book. (managed it in about two days too) If I'd listened to it, it probably would have taken me a week or two to get thru it.