Well my plan worked, sort of. After Christmas I picked up a Kindle for less than half price. It arrived today. I charged it a little and purchased/downloaded a hiking book book, so at least one person on this thread should be happy (smile).

It's a Kindle keyboard with leather case and a built in light and also a plug-in charger. I paid a total of $66. A little more than I wanted to pay, but from what I can tell a pretty good price.

I suppose I could run an extension cord to the couch but I think I'll let it charge a while and then see about reading that book.